Energy consumption and energy pricing is a hot topic, no matter whether you do or do not have a keen interest in sustainability. But just what is driving the increase the energy prices across Australia and what can we do about it?
in August 2011 SBS’s Insight ran a televised forum, Power Play, on the power industry and the key drivers behind Australia’s power pricing and the influence of renewable energy generation technologies in Australia’s energy future.
Renewables and increased development of energy transmission and distribution infrastructure were identified in Power Play as contributors to increased energy costs. However the development of new infrastructure and renewables is primarily in response to increased energy demand and, in particular, the need to develop infrastructure to meet peak energy needs.
One could conclude that peak energy, being a spike in demand at certain times, is the main contributor to increased energy costs. If this is true, what can we do about it?
First is to make a conscious effort to reduce our energy consumption during peak times and help reduce the load on our electricity infrastructure. Peak times are generally between 7am and 9am weekdays and 4pm and 8pm weekdays, however they do vary from location to location (best to check with your energy retailer). CSIROs Energy Handbook has great suggestions to reduce your energy consumption, and below are a few of our own:
- change you hot water tariff to off-peak, better still also change to solar heating
- use gas where possible for cooking, choose cold meals (salads, etc) during summer
- make a concise effort to turn off lights during peak period
If you have an interest in renewable energy and energy prices, we highly recommend you view Insight’s Power Play, the start of which is below. We would also love to hear what you think.
http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/video/single/2079414424/power-play
