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Energy

In NSW, 98% of the electricity we use is generated by coal-fired power stations. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, releases carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas - into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.

NSW households account for 30% of our electricity use therefore improving the energy efficiency of your home can help the State to reduce its greenhouse gas impact and the demand on fossil fuels.

There are many ways you can improve efficiency and many are low or no cost.

Understanding how and where energy is used in your home is the first step in becoming energy smart. Use the NABERS energy tool to explore your current energy use and identify the areas within your home where savings can be made.

By adopting energy saving habits and using power more wisely, you can save money, reduce electricity supply demands and lower your carbon footprint and also greenhouse gas emissions.

330,000 NSW households are now more energy and water efficient having received a rebate to replace their old electric hot water system, install insulation, a dual flush toilet, or rainwater tanks. The NSW Home Saver Rebates program, which ended on 30 June 2011, was made possible by the NSW Climate Change Fund.

Energy saving strategies and tips:

• Hot water systems are the biggest energy users in NSW homes. If you choose a climate friendly hot water system and run the system efficiently it will reduce emissions and save you money
• Heating and cooling account for almost a quarter of your home's energy use. Energy efficient heating and cooling systems, insulation, sustainable building design and simple strategies like sealing out draughts can help you warm and cool your home more efficiently and reduce carbon impact
• Energy efficient light bulbs and other energy efficient lighting solutions can provide additional savings
• To reduce running-costs you can also make your kitchen and laundry more energy efficient through selecting and installing energy efficient appliances and making sure they are full before you use them
• If building or renovating your home, lightweight materials and passive design principles will deliver long-term efficiencies
• Review your progress and identify further opportunities where your household can save by re-rating your home using the NABERS online rating tool
• Switch to accredited GreenPower. Contact your preferred energy supplier or visit the GreenPower website to find out how all or part of your electricity supply could be sourced from renewable energy sources
• Easy tips to save power around you home shows you simple steps you can take to lower your power bills and reduce your impact on our environment.

For more tips and suggestions for energy efficiency, visit Save Power

To learn what other NSW Residents thought about energy and climate change view the  Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? survey.