Get an audit to zap power bills

HIGHER COSTS: A domestic electricity meter. Source: AdelaideNow

A BIG power bill can be a shock to the system, but there are many ways to save while keeping the house ticking over.

Jules Layland, from Somerton Park, received a free energy audit from AGL Energy and just a few small changes made a big difference to the four-person family home's quarterly power bills.

It cut her bill from about $500 to $400 a quarter - a saving of 20 per cent, or $400 a year.

"I think everybody should get one done, especially now electricity is going up," she said.

"Apparently we're going to cop the highest charge for electricity in the country, or the world."

She swapped the tumble drier for a clothes airer, switched off the second fridge, stopped leaving energy-hungry appliances on standby and started using ceiling fans instead of the airconditioner.

On advice from AGL, the family also bought an LCD TV, because the technology is more efficient than a plasma screen TV.

AGL is just one company offering free energy audits under the Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Nick Branson from the State Government's Energy Advisory Service said the intention was to audit 17,000 low-income households under the scheme over three years.

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Get an audit to zap power bills