South Australia is known for its high electricity rates for residential and commercial customers. This is due to higher usage than in other states, coupled with heavy reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. You may be wondering how your power bill compares to others who live in Adelaide and the surrounding areas. Let’s take a closer look at how your electricity bill works and how much you should expect to pay.
Electricity Usage
The key determining factor in the amount of your energy bill is your electricity usage. Your power company tracks the amount of electricity you and other members of your household use throughout the day using a meter connected to your system. Obviously, the more you use, the higher your bills will be, and vice versa. The average household in Adelaide includes two people and consumes about 4,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per annum.
Electricity Costs
While the energy usage rate represents the bulk of your cost of power, it is not the only component in your electricity bill. You’ll also have to pay the supply rate. This is generally a flat fee that covers your connection to the main power grid. Think of it as a subscription fee for your energy service. Even if you hardly use any electricity during a particular period, you’ll still have to pay this portion of your bill.
The usage rate varies among energy service providers, so you’ll need to check with your electric company to find out your specific rate. However, most providers in South Australia, including Adelaide, charge between 25 and 40 cents per kWh. Combining supply rates and usage rates for typical Adelaide households, the average power bill in the region is about $1,700 to $1,800 per annum.
Tips for Reducing Your Bills
If you’re like most people, you’d like to reduce your energy costs as much as possible, and that starts with making small changes around your house to minimise your overall energy usage. These incremental changes can add up to large savings over time. Here are a few easy tips to get you started:
- Turn Off Lights – Try to keep your lights off unless you need them. Make a habit of switching the lights off every time you leave a room, or install motion sensors if you tend to be forgetful.
- Upgrade Appliances – The refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and other appliances can use up a lot of electricity, especially if they are older. Modern appliances operate using far less energy, helping you keep costs down.
- Install Ceiling Fans – Air conditioning is one of the biggest electricity consumers, and ceiling fans can help reduce your reliance on your home’s cooling system. By keeping the air moving, they’ll help your skin feel cooler. As such, you may be able to set your thermostat up a few degrees so it doesn’t need to run as often.
With a bit of effort from everyone in your household, you can reduce your energy usage so you can keep your overall costs as affordable as possible.
