Google AI
The Times Australia

Times Media

Top tips for Australians to reduce their energy bills


As rising cost-of-living continues to strain household budgets across Australia, many households are searching for simple ways to reduce their energy bills without compromising on comfort. In fact, a staggering 95% of Australians are actively adopting everyday actions to cut back on their energy use at home, with experts highlighting that small changes can lead to significant savings.

Energy provider Origin has shared a list of five easy and practical tips to help Aussies save energy and keep their costs down.

Switch to LED light bulbs

Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs could save you up to 75% on your lighting costs (that’s up to $16 per globe per year). Also, remember to turn off lights when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary energy use.

Manage your air con settings

Air conditioners should be set between 22°C and 24°C. Every degree outside this recommended range could be adding 10% to your energy bill.

Wash on cold instead of hot

About 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water. By washing your clothes on cold, you’ll be saving on energy and cost while preserving the quality of your clothes in the longer term! It’s a win-win.

Avoid standby power

Switching off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby could save your household up to $100 a year.
 
Appliance upgrades

If you’re in the market for new appliances, check the energy rating labels to compare models and lifetime running costs. While upfront costs may be higher, the energy savings over time often make them a worthwhile investment, especially in energy-intensive areas like heating, cooling, and large kitchen appliances. The more stars the label has, the more energy efficient it is and the lower the running costs will be.

For more useful tips on ways to reduce your energy usage and save costs, visit the Origin website.

Australia

Daylight saving 2026: when the clocks change and why Australians do not get a direct say

Daylight saving will begin in participating Australian states and territories on Sunday, 4 October 2026. At 2am...

Is immigration creating the illusion of Australian economic growth?

Australia’s economy grew during the June quarter, but much of the political comfort offered by the headline figu...

Tim Jarvis AM Named Inaugural Patron of Regenerate Australia

Regenerate Australia, a Perth-based environmental charity, today announced the appointment of environmental scie...

Times Magazine

Nikon Is Developing Nine New Cinema Lenses and a Major ZR Firmware Update

Nikon is developing a new series of nine NIKKOR Z CINEMA T1.9 VV cinema lenses, designed for cinem...

The Hormuz conflict enters a more dangerous phase — and Australia will pay for every voyage

The conflict around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz has entered a more dangerous phase, with the Uni...

The computer is disappearing — because computing is moving into everything around us

For most of the history of computing, using a computer has involved going to one. The first compu...

Technology

Nikon Is Developing Nine New Cinema…

Nikon is developing a new series of nine NIKKOR Z CINEMA T1.9 VV cinema lenses, designed for cinem...

Local News

Central Coast Residents Can Now Loc…

Australia's largest taxi network, 13cabs, has expanded its fixed-price fare service to the Central...

Culture

Buying Continence Protection for the First Ti…

You’re standing in a pharmacy aisle, faced with different absorbency levels, sizes, pads, pull-ups...

Travel

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon — the stage where Cai…

“All the world's a stage.” Shakespeare wasn't writing about Cairns when he penned that famous lin...

The Times Features

Buying Continence Protection for the First Time? Start …

You’re standing in a pharmacy aisle, faced with different absorbency levels, sizes, pads, pull-ups...

The Outdoor Speakers Built for Australia’s Four Seasons…

Because in Australia, “outdoor weather” can mean blazing sun, torrential rain, salty sea air and a s...

Martha’s Is Turning Its Cult Cinnamon Scroll Into a Gia…

Sydney’s favourite cinnamon scroll is getting a very big birthday upgrade. There are few things bet...