Libraries lend power meters
Gosford Council is offering residents free access to power meters so they can calculate how much energy each appliance in their house actually consumes.
The meters may be borrowed from local libraries.
Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said that being aware of your household energy needs can save residents money and help the environment.
"Australians are the biggest greenhouse gas emitters of the developed world," Cr Holstein said.
"The average Australian household produces around 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year and nearly 70 per cent of these emissions are from electricity use.
"By better understanding energy consumption residents can learn to make simple changes potentially saving several hundred dollars a year and tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Power Meter can even calculate the power used by appliances, like TVs, that use standby power.
"Standby power accounts for nearly 10 per cent of household energy consumption.
"Just by turning appliances off at the wall, households can save around $100 per year."
Energy Reduction Kits are now available from Gosford council libraries for a loan period of three weeks and residents will need to be a library member.
For further information, visit http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment/what-can-i-do/green-living or contact council's Environmental Education Officer Ms Maree Whelan on 4325 8222.
Press release, 19 Aug 2009
Alison Hood, Gosford Council