EASY ways to save money and cut your electricity costs

Take the time to have a talk to your electricity company about which plan is best for you.

Most companies provide options, and they are well worth looking into. Remember if you have both gas and electricity with the same supply company, you should get a discount rate. Most of your electricity bill will go on hot water so use less if you can. If you make a conscious effort to save on hot water usage, you will notice a reduction in your bill. Set your washing machine on a cold wash and rinse your dishes in cold water.

Take short showers instead of baths.

Showers use 60 per cent less water than baths.

Fix dripping taps. A dripping hot tap can cost $80 a year but a washer to fix it costs less than $1! Also check your outside taps as well.

If your hot water cylinder is old, keep the heat in by using a hot water cylinder wrap. These are available from hardware stores or can be installed by a plumber. Make sure the thermostat is set to produce a temperature of 55C at the tap (this will also prevent scalds). If you have a fire with a wet back. . . use it.

Always turn the lights off in rooms when you leave them. But if you are using energy efficient light bulbs it is better to leave them on if you are returning within ten minutes. Draw your curtains early in the evening to retain heat in for the night. Even get out the sewing machine and make some door draught stoppers, you will be amazed at the difference they make.

Appliances that have a standby function (such as TVS, stereos, mobile chargers, computers, or microwaves) should be turned off at the wall.

This can save you up to $75 a year.

Make sure that any unnecessary items are turned off, like the radio, coffee maker etc. Clothes dryers can be expensive to run so try not to use them unless you really must. Heated towel rails are also expensive and cost around $120 a year to run. Get out your clothes airer, the old wire one you have tucked away and start using that for smaller items of washing, you will notice such a difference.

Make sure there is generous air space behind the back of your fridge and try to locate it out of direct sunlight, or in a cooler room like the laundry. Do not open the fridge door too often or leave it open.

Make sure you cool food before putting it in the fridge. Turn off your second or ‘drinks’ fridge - this could be costing you $190 per year.

When cooking, make sure you keep the oven door closed. Always keep lids on pots and use as little water as possible to cook foods. Simmer rather than boil food and if possible, use a microwave, as this uses 30-40 per cent less power than a conventional oven. Defrost food naturally, if possible, (in the fridge is best) rather than in the microwave. Instead of heating up your large oven to cook, invest in an air fryer or a mini oven like grandma always use to use. . . she may even give it to you! Also, when you have your oven heated, make a few nights meals in advance!

Remember, woollen beanies, socks and wheat packs will all help keep you snuggly this winter

Every slight change you make when it comes to energy saving will help reduce your power bill. It is a great idea to get all the family involved.