Households & Community
- Details
- Written by Adam Gatt Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Empowering Penrith
About the video series
Penrith City Council has created a new online video series titled Empowering Penrith to provide residents with hints and tips on how to reduce their energy consumption at home. The seven-part video series covers a range of useful and important topics to empower residents to upskill and update themselves with the latest energy-saving information and technologies.
Each video covers a different topic:
1. Solar power
2. Standby power
3. Understand your energy bills
4. Heating and cooling
5. Insulation and sealing
6. Hot water
7. House batteries
While each video is different, the desired outcome is the same. A few small, simple changes around the home can make a big difference to your bank balance, with the added incentive of helping the planet at the same time.
How to watch the videos
The videos can be viewed on Council’s YouTube channel. Simply head to YouTube and look for the Empowering Penrith playlist or click on the individual video link below.
| VIDEO NAME | INFORMATION |
| Solar power |
Use the sun to power your home, and save money at the same time. Find an accredited retailer here: cleanenergycouncil.org.au/ |
| Standby power | Find out how you can save 10-15% off your energy bill with one simple switch. |
| Understand your energy bill |
Find out how you easily can negotiate a better electricity and gas contract with your current provider. Compare and save here: energymadeeasy.gov.au |
| Heating and cooling | The key to a comfortable home is heating and cooling, so find out how to do it right. |
| Insulation and sealing | A simple fix for ensuring all the nice cool or warm air stays inside your home where it belongs. |
| Hot water | Find out why an efficient hot water system is your first step to saving real money. |
| House batteries |
Find out why a buying a battery for your solar system is a good investment. Download the NSW Home Solar Battery Guide at: energysaver.nsw.gov.au |
More hints and tips
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Borrow a free PowerMate Meter from the Penrith City Council Library. The Power-Mate enables households to identify and reduce energy costs by showing people how much their appliances cost to run. For enquiries about loans contact Penrith City Library on 4732 7891.
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When you do use your air conditioner, the temperature you have it set on makes a big difference to how much energy you use. Setting it to 23C or higher is ideal. Each degree lower can add 10% to the running cost.
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Close off some of the house. It doesn’t make sense to cool or heat a room no one is using.
Government programs and subsidies
The NSW Government has a program that helps some residents upgrade to more efficient appliances like fridges and televisions, which helps reduce your electricity bills. Conditions apply – find out more on the Office of Environment and Heritage webpage.
There are some rebates and assistance available for your electricity bills. Find out what the NSW Government offers and if you’re eligible at the Resource & Energy website.
Switch to GreenPower
Council is encouraging Penrith residents and businesses to shop around and consider switching to an accredited 100% GreenPower electricity plan.
Switching to a GreenPower electricity plan is your fastest way to go renewable, even if you rent or live in an apartment. It’s the only government accredited and audited green energy program and it’s ideal for those who can't install rooftop solar.
When you opt for a GreenPower electricity plan you'll help get more electricity from wind and sun made in Australia.
Sustainable House Day
Sustainable House Day is held each September, to enable people to get up close to sustainable homes in their neighbourhoods. It’s a great way to find out how different features work, and get some inspiration and ideas for your own house.
Saving Energy & Solar Power
Energy prices are rising, so it’s a good time to think about how much energy you consume at home.
The information and links below can help you find new ways to reduce your power use and save money on your electricity bills. There’s also information about government rebates, incentives and support networks that can help.
What can I do to reduce my household energy use?
- Compare electricity and gas offers through the independent Government tool, Energy Made Easy to make sure you get the best deal.
- Energy bills can be confusing, but there is information to help you make sense of your bills.
- Find tips to help you cut your power bills.
- Check the Energy Rating Label before buying a new appliance. The more stars, the more you will save.
- Find out what's using the most energy.
What government rebates or incentives are available?
- Find out about the discounted appliance replacement offer for eligible households.
- State Government rebates can help eligible families, concession card holders and customers using approved medical equipment pay their energy bills.
- Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) helps customers in a short term financial crisis or an emergency to pay their energy bills.
- Find out about discounted energy efficient lighting for eligible households.
Who can I contact if I have a complaint about my electricity bill?
- The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) provides a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service for all electricity and gas customers in NSW.
Where can I find out more information about installing solar on my roof?
- Information is available from Choice and the Clean Energy Council.
- Learn about the benefits of installing solar PV and the associated costs.
- Information on solar batteries is available in the NSW Home Solar Battery Guide.
- You can also check out Council’s Residential Solar Power fact sheet.
- Most home solar installations don't need approval from Council, but some do. To check if you need approval for your planned installation, please contact Council’s Duty Planner on 4732 7991.