Your electricity bill is something that you can't avoid paying unless you want to go without electricity, that is. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be as costly as you might think. There are steps you can take to reduce your energy usage to keep your bills low. Here's what you need to know about the typical charges you might see on your bill, along with how you can minimise your electricity costs.

Electricity Usage

The primary component of your electricity bill is the amount of energy you use in your Sutherland Shire home. According to Ausgrid, the typical Sutherland Shire household daily usage is about 19.1 kWh. Of course, your actual usage may be higher or lower, depending on the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and number and type of electronic devices.

Your lifestyle can play a role as well. For example, if you work from home, your usage will likely be higher than for someone who is out of the house for most of the day, as you'll likely be using your computer and other electronics throughout the day.

Electricity Costs

The specific costs you'll pay on your electric bills will depend on your service provider, as each company sets its own rates. In the Shire, the average usage rate is about 27 cents per kWh. This usage rate will be multiplied by your actual usage for the period to get your electricity usage cost. For the average Sutherland Shire customer, this works out to just over $1900 per year.

Next, you'll add the supply charge, which is the amount you pay in order to access electricity from the main power grid. This is a fixed rate that is also set by the electrical service provider. For the Sutherland Shire region, the typical annual supply charge is about $330, which will be spread evenly over your quarterly bills. Combined with the average usage cost, the total average electricity cost in the Shire is approximately $2250 annually.

Tips for Reducing Your Bills

Fortunately, you don't have to resign yourself to paying high electricity bills; with a few simple changes, you can reduce your overall usage to keep your energy costs down. One of the most obvious strategies is to turn off or unplug any lights or other electronic devices that are not in use. You can also set your lights on timers or motion sensors so that they turn off automatically when you don't need them.

It is also a good idea to keep up with air conditioning and heating maintenance. Keeping your system in good repair will enable it to operate most efficiently, reducing energy usage in this costly area. Check your insulation regularly as well, as it can play a major role in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature to minimise your usage of your heating and cooling systems throughout the year.

Give Your Electrical System a Tune-Up

Your electrical system needs regular maintenance to maximise efficiency as well. The Absolutely On Time Electrical team can help you evaluate your options to make your Sutherland Shire home as energy-efficient as possible. Call today for a consultation to review your home's energy usage.