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With summer on its way, Energy Ombudsman Barry Adams reminds Queenslanders to watch their energy consumption during the hotter months.
"It's important to keep cool, but keep costs down—don't let a high energy bill raise your temperature," Mr Adams said.
"Many people contact the Energy Ombudsman Queensland (EOQ) for assistance with high energy bills, especially after a hot summer or cold winter.
"It's easy to underestimate the amount of energy you actually use throughout your home."
Mr Adams said that just one family-sized air conditioner would add over $200 to an energy bill if used for five hours a day over three months.
"When you add this on top of your average energy bill, the increase can be quite significant," he said.
"It's also important to set your air conditioner to 24 degrees. For every one degree cooler you set an air conditioner, you will be charged around 10 percent more on running costs."
Mr Adams said that when it came to buying big ticket items during the festive season, it was important that people chose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and understood how much energy some new technologies actually consumed.
"Due to changes in technology and increases in screen size, LCD and plasma televisions consume more power than the traditional cathode ray tube televisions," Mr Adams said.
Mr Adams also stressed the importance of turning appliances off at the wall.
"Many people think that energy usage in their home will be minimal if they go on holidays for a few weeks, but this is not always the case," he said.
"Household appliances use significant amounts of electricity in standby mode - when the appliance is not in use but is still turned on at the wall - so if you're not using it, turn it off at the wall where practical."
Mr Adams said people who were experiencing payment difficulties should contact their energy supplier immediately to establish a payment plan before disconnection.
If you cannot agree on a payment plan with your energy supplier, you can contact EOQ for assistance on 1800 662 837 or visit www.eoq.com.au
Queensland Mines and Energy has an online energy calculator to help people estimate the cost of their household electricity use. Visit www.dme.qld.gov.au
First issued to the media on 13 November 2009.
Media enquiries: (07) 3006 2676 or media@eoq.com.au
