7th May 2010
Queensland homeowners should brace themselves for an increase in their power bills, after the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approved electricity could rise by at least nine per cent in the next financial year.
This increase could add up to $129 to standard annual household electricity bills from July 1, 2010.
Homeowners are eagerly waiting until the end of the month to find out how much their total bills are about to rise, when the Queensland Competition Authority delivers its final ruling on the maximum allowable price increase.
Mr Romano Bolzon, National Business Manager for EcoSmart – Australia’s largest locally owned solar hot water company said that while the anticipated increases in power bills can hurt the hip pocket, there are still solutions to help recharge the family budget.
He said, “Hot water heating accounts for around 30 per cent of the household energy consumption, so your hot water system doesn’t have to put you in hot water! Sensible energy use with a solar or heat pump water heater will deliver huge savings in power bills and can help offset the cost of the increase in electricity rates. In fact, switching from an electric water heater to an environmental water heater is the biggest single thing that can be done in the home to reduce energy usage.
“In the lead up to winter when electricity bills tend to rise due to increased use of heating appliances and given the timing of the proposed power rate rises, now is the moment to make the switch to environmental hot water and start putting money back into your pockets,” Mr Bolzon added.
EcoSmart’s solar hot water system may reduce household hot water bills by up to 80 per cent or $4,000 over a ten year period, based on a family of four living in Sydney or Brisbane.
The EcoSmart gas or electric boosted hot water system employs patented HotLogic™ controller. Adapting to suit changing weather conditions on cloudy days, the Hotlogic controller provides the benefit of boosting water if required, ensuring continuous hot water supply to the household, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills.
The Queensland Government recently introduced a new solar hot water rebate scheme in April to help homeowners with the upfront cost of switching to a solar hot water heater.
Homeowners are eligible for the existing Federal Government rebate of $1,000, in addition to the Queensland State Rebate. Typically, eligible non-pensioners can receive the Queensland State rebate of $600 (or $1,000 for pensioners or low income earners), and Renewable Energy Certificate (RECS) incentive of up to $1880 towards a solar or heat pump water heater.
