Power saving tips

Power pylons Winter is a time when many people worry about power bills and the costs of keeping their homes warm. However, there are lots of things you can do that don’t involve any cost or outlay that can save you power, and therefore money. This page lists resources to help reduce energy use.

The habit of saving power

Easy power-saving tips:

Turn off unused lights
Turn off appliances that are on standby (e.g. televisions, computers, DVD players)
Use cold washes
Close doors to rooms that are not in use
Use draught stoppers
Use insulated curtains and window insulation
Turn off or reduce use of heated towel rails
Insulate your hot water cylinder
Search for books on insulating dwellings

Powerful information

Consumers’ Institute Saving Energy Guide
Powerswitch is an online service provided by the Consumers’ Institute where electricity users can compare prices offered by power companies in their area to find which company offers the best deal for their situation.
Community Energy Action Top priorities for a warm home
Community Energy Action How to find a warm energy effcient home
Community Energy Action home energy check
Community Energy Action heating comparisons

More power saving information

Our online resources:

Our Internet Gateway recommends:

Community Energy Action Online: A charitable trust that assists low income households in Christchurch to make their homes warmer, drier and more energy efficient. Site includes an excellent page weighing the pros and cons of various forms of heating and looking at the running costs of a range of appliances.
EcoBob: Ecobob is a web site, developed to make eco friendly living easy. The web site provides users with an easy way of accessing information on environmentally friendly living such as profiles of eco houses, a listing of businesses providing eco living products and services, a range of information articles on eco living and an online community for people to share ideas and connect on eco living topics.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA): Works to bring about voluntary changes of behaviour to implement Government strategies for energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy in both the private and public sectors.
Energy Management Association of New Zealand
Energy saving tips for your home: From Meridian energy
EnergyWise: Promotes energy savings in the home and on the road. Run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
fuel$aver.govt.nz: How much do you spend on fuel? How much can you save? From the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Making your home energy efficient: From Environment Canterbury.
Powerswitch: Find and compare the best gas and electricity options for you. From Consumer.
Right Car: Find out how your vehicle rates for fuel economy, safety, CO2 emissions and pollutants. From the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Right House: Takes a whole house approach to creating comfortable healthy and energy-efficiency homes.
Saving energy around the home: from the Consumers Institute.
Smarter homes
Sustainable Living Education Trust: Sustainable Living courses and workshops are available at many locations and dates through the year. Sustainable Living Education Trust gathers and provides useful information for action - the practical stuff that you need to know to make a difference everyday.
Target Sustainability: Target Sustainability provides free support to help Christchurch businesses become sustainable through reducing waste and being energy and water efficient.

Renewable Energy: Website links in our Internet Gateway.