Taking the hard work out of energy savings

Managing your energy bill or changing providers or tariffs can seem like the most daunting of tasks.  

Is solar the way, do you need a battery, what is the best tariff? We know the basics will make a difference, but it can be hard to quantify what really works and it takes dedication to stay on track. 

Energy Bill Hack Sessions 

Living Smart is supporting Energy Bill Hack Sessions at Council libraries run by EnergyFlex supported by Cleantech Network. 

The EnergyFlex Program 

The EnergyFlex App is free to download, with options to level up to a paid version. For most households, the free version is a great way to reduce energy costs. The app provides users with effective tools, education and confidence to embrace the energy transition to renewable sources. 

Understanding Your Energy Usage 

One of the first steps in reducing your energy bills is understanding how and when you use energy. By knowing when you use the most energy, you can start making informed decisions about how to adjust your habits. 

You can use EnergyFlex to measure your energy usage and carbon output and gain detailed insights into your consumption patterns.  

Making sure that you are on the best electricity plan in the first place, is the real game changer.

Simple Changes for Big Savings 

The program emphasises small changes in your daily routine that can lead to significant savings.  

For example, running your dishwasher at night instead of during the day can save you a considerable amount of money. The cost difference can be as much as $11 per year if you run it during the day versus $164 per year if you run it at night. 

You can use the app to measure, manage and monetise this trapped energy value. By becoming more aware of how your energy behaviour effects your energy costs you can adjust your energy use behaviour to suit.  

How the app works 

Step 1 Measure  

This first and most important step, enables the home, business or asset owner to baseline their understanding of how and when they use energy and create Scope 2 carbon emissions (ie the emissions generated by the generation source of electricity consumed).   

Without this situational awareness, the consumer has no real understanding of how to tackle obvious problems or plot a path for improvement. The resultant EnergyFlex Rating (ie. your ability to use renewables when they are available) sets the starting block for the consumer to act from. Like going on a diet or fitness campaign, it is impossible to gauge progress without a starting point.  

Step 2 Manage   

This next step is all about action. With opportunities for improvement now identified, action can be taken to adjust behaviours or resolve electricity waste issues to ensure consumption better aligns with renewables generation. EnergyFlex shows the impacts of these changes over time, enabling the process to be completely controlled and adjusted.  

Step 3 Monetise  

This process of change is all about benefit, whether that be in terms of energy cost, or carbon emissions reduction. With a baseline set, and actionable insights providing an increasing EnergyFlex Rating, the consumer can realise the benefits through several value streams. These includes the following at the householder level: 

1. Energy cost and carbon emissions reductions. 
2. Electricity plan comparisons to ensure the consumer is on the best plan for their usage.  
3. Reduction in total energy consumption from non-renewable sources (ie overnight loads, wastage, etc)  
4. Higher and more efficient use of Solar PV generation (either behind the meter or via “Virtual Solar ^TM” that is supplied by the grid)) 
5. Financial justification for energy generation or storage systems (Return on Investment calculations) 
6. Confident transition / renegotiation to renewables-based tariffs and/or retailers that support flexible consumption 
7. Participation in various benefits schemes and/or challenges. 

Timing Matters 

Using energy during off-peak hours, when renewable energy is more readily available, not only reduces your costs but also lowers your carbon footprint. The EnergyFlex Program helps you manage your energy usage by guiding you to make these simple yet effective changes. 

TIP: 4-7 PM is the most expensive time to consume energy. Try to run appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners and pool pumps during daylight hours when energy is less expensive to consume.

Behaviour Management 

The program focuses on managing behaviour change through guided actions. By following the program’s recommendations, you can gradually shift your energy usage to more cost-effective times, leading to consistent savings on your electricity bills. 

TIP: Set your fridge temperature to 4 degrees, and freezer temperature to -18 degrees; and set your air conditioner to 24 degrees.  

These actions contribute to making our Biosphere a special place. 

Practical Tips to Get Started 

1. Monitor Your Usage: Use the tools provided by the EnergyFlex Program to track your energy consumption. 
2. Shift High-Energy Tasks: Perform high-energy tasks like laundry and dishwashing during off-peak hours. 
3. Consider Renewable Energy: If possible, invest in solar panels or other renewable energy sources to further reduce costs. 
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest energy-saving tips and updates from the EnergyFlex Program. 

How to Get Started with EnergyFlex 

1. Download the App: Available on both Apple and Android platforms. 
2. Create an Account: Sign up using your email and a chosen password. 
3. Add Your Property: Consent to data sharing to enable the program to track your energy usage. 
4. Follow the Recommendations: Implement the guided actions suggested by the program to start saving on your energy bills. 

​Further reading