Jillian plugs into free home electricity audit

COMBATING rising electricity prices is as simple as changing habits at home ? just ask Wagga resident Jillian Bush. Two weeks ago, she took advantage of a free energy saving program funded by the state government and is now looking forward to pocketing extra savings on her power bill. Already conscious of the energy she uses, she was surprised to find if she began a habit of simply unplugging appliances when not in use she could stand to save an extra $80 every year. "It's definitely been worth the trouble. It's fantastic," she said. The Home Power Saving Program, run by Fieldforce Services, is available to eligible households aimed at providing an energy-saving action plan. Fieldforce energy specialist Paul Crivallaro said many people don't realise that the simple key to driving down the power bill is by simply changing your habits. "A lot of people don't realise it's a habitual thing."They don't know how much (electricity) a household appliance uses per hour."Using a microwave as an example, Mr Crivallaro said to keep a microwave in standby mode alone costs five cents a day.When you multiply the number across other items such as a television, DVD player, computers, and kettles the costs start to add up. With the free service only available to just over 200,000 homes across the state, Mr Crivallaro said anyone looking to learn how to save should get in quickly. For more information visit www.savepower.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 662 416.