Clean Energy Future

Encouraging energy efficiency

Australia can use energy more efficiently. This means considering in the first place whether we can conserve our use of energy; then it means taking steps to avoid waste when we do use energy; and finally, it means being smarter – working out how to get the same outcomes while using less energy to achieve them.

Improvements in energy efficiency can be small in themselves. Turning off a television set at the wall rather than leaving it in power standby mode can reduce carbon pollution by around 20 kilograms a year.

Improving enerygy efficiency means that, for any given level of pollution-intensity in Australia’s energy supply, there will be lower carbon pollution.

How can I save money and reduce my own pollution?

Energy efficiency improvements around the home require the right know-how. The Government’s LivingGreener website provides information on living sustainably and connects to all Commonwealth, state and territory energy efficiency and climate change programs.

The website includes information on how households can improve energy efficiency to save dollars and cut carbon pollution.
A household information and telephone advice line assists those who can’t access information online. Information is also be provided via social media channels.

Energy efficiency involves conserving energy use, avoiding waste and working smarter—it makes sense

Australia can reduce carbon pollution by improving energy efficiency across Government, business and households. Small actions can mean a big difference overall, and simple improvements to the way we do things also enable us to save money. That’s why energy efficiency is a key part of the Government’s plan for a clean energy future.

The Government will be further developing a national energy savings scheme that could reward energy efficiency actions across households and businesses.

Helping households and communities save energy

The Government is supporting households to use energy more wisely by providing advice, including through the Living Greener website, which provides information on how households can save money by improving their energy efficiency. Low Carbon Communities is being expanded to $330 million to fund projects to help low income households, local governments and community organisations save energy.

The Remote Indigenous Energy Program is providing around 55 remote indigenous communities with funding to install renewable energy systems, reducing reliance on diesel for electricity generation.

Helping businesses become more energy efficient

The carbon price provides strong incentives for businesses to improve their energy efficiency. The Government is helping businesses in this process through a range of measures, including the $1.2 billion Clean Technology Program.

In addition, the Government has established program for industry associations and non-government organisations to deliver tailored information to small businesses and community organisations on ways to manage carbon price impacts.

For more information see: Chapter 8 – Improving energy efficiency.

• Saving money and reducing pollution
• Playing your part
• Improving energy efficiency.

↑ Back to Top

Saving money and reducing pollution

We are already making a difference through a range of successful Government initiatives

Energy efficiency labelling on appliances and Minimum Energy Performance Standards help consumers make informed energy choices and remove the most inefficient appliances from the market.

Assistance is being provided to support installation of solar hot water systems and small renewable energy generation units, such as rooftop solar panels, and small scale wind and hydro electricity systems, through the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate (REBS) and Solar Credits.

Incandescent light bulbs and electric hot water systems are being phased out. Energy efficiency in buildings is being improved by setting minimum standards for new buildings and driving energy efficiency targets in Australian Government operations.

Sources of household emissions in Australia

For more information see: Chapter 8 – Improving energy efficiency.

• Encouraging energy efficiency
• Playing your part
• Improving energy efficiency.

↑ Back to Top

Playing your part

A carbon price is designed to change production processes of large polluters, so they pollute less.The carbon price also means that there is a financial incentive for households to consider changes to improve their energy efficiency.Household assistance does not blunt these incentives.

People who make these changes can still keep all of their household assistance, and end up ahead.

There are many small changes that Australian households can make to help the environment, and save money at the same time.

And households that make these savings will still get to keep all of their extra payments and tax cuts.

For example, it is estimated that for a family of four, in just one year:

• washing clothes in cold rather than hot water can save around $90
• a solar hot water system (replacing an electric system) could save over $400
• getting rid of the second fridge could save around $180
• using a clothesline instead of an electric dryer once a week could save around $55
• switching off appliances at the power point could save up to $100.

For more information on using energy efficiently.

↑ Back to Top

Improving energy efficiency

The Government has a range of existing energy efficiency measures for households, businesses and communities. These include:

• $100 million in seed funding for Low Carbon Australia to finance innovative approaches to financing energy efficiency improvements for businesses
• mandatory minimum energy performance standards for a range of household and commercial appliances and equipment, including fridges, washing machines, televisions, lighting and electric motors
• the National Building Framework which works with the building and construction industry to set out a pathway to improve the efficiency of Australia’s building stock over time.

The Government will build on this body of energy efficiency measures with its response to the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Energy Efficiency. Two of the key responses are:

Further work on a national Energy Savings Initiative

The national Energy Saving Initiative will place obligations on energy retailers to help households, businesses and industry install energy efficient goods and technologies. This initiative could save consumers and households money by encouraging the take-up of more energy efficient appliances in the home or in businesses. The Government will undertake further work on the costs and benefits of a national scheme to replace existing State schemes.

Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program

The Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program has been running since 2006. In 2010 alone, participating businesses identified energy savings valued at $1.2 billion per year.

On 1 July 2011, EEO was extended to electricity generators. The Government will expand the EEO program further to include medium energy users on a voluntary basis, and energy networks so that these businesses can identify and benefit from energy saving opportunities.

For more information see: Chapter 8 – Improving energy efficiency.

• Encouraging energy efficiency
• Saving money and reducing pollution
• Playing your part.

↑ Back to Top