{Jonathan Jones via Compfight}
Despite the (intended) pun of this post’s title, the power bill I paid this week was just NOT funny. It sucked. All $835 and some coins of it sucked. There’s a lot of loaves of bread or more importantly quite a few bottles of wine invested isn’t there?
Although I’ve heard many of the tips and tricks about reducing electricity consumption, I truly thought that we were actually doing ok. I wash in cold, energy smart lightbulbs have been insttalled, I’ve defrosted the freezers and we rarely, if ever, turn on the air-conditioner. Looks like we’re not that good at saving power though, considering that recent assault on my wallet!
So, after sifting through the yada, yada, yada of what the infomercials preach, here are five things that I know we, in this household, can will actually ACTION with the intent of returning our electricity bill to something more affordable.
1. Ok, it’s time to forgo convenience and forget the clothes drier unless it is teeming with rain. Considering that we are heading into some glorious spring weather, goodbye laziness and hello again clothesline.
2. As the big boys are only here 50% of the time, there really is no need for anything electrical to be working or in standby mode at their end of the house. I think we’ll add to the Wednesday morning routine a scout around the place to switch off everything.
3. It’s time to get over the thrill of the new dishwasher and although it is quite water economical, there will be NO switching it on, unless it is a chocablock full load.
4. Weather, I thank you for starting to warm up a bit because that means the heaters can be packed away. If it gets a bit chilly-picadilly there’s always a lap blanket or a spare doona to toss on the bed. No more heaters on all night. Ummmah bad, bad, bad electricity consumers.
5. There’s never been a better time for a light-turning off blitz. I have the perfect Middle Young Man candidate for light-policing duties too. The new motto will be ‘if you’re not in the room, the light doesn’t need to be on’ and hopefully that will make a difference.
With three months to go until the next meter reading, time shall tell whether these strategies make a shred of difference. I’m seriously hoping, so watch this space for the update. Have you been surprised by a larger-than-anticipated power bill recently? Were you able to make changes that made a difference to the ouch of your next bill?
