Electricity Prices: A Green Home Is a Dream Home, Electricity Deals

Oct 15, 2008 - Hilton Kaplan

Unions have called on the Federal Government to pay for a mass retrofitting of homes to slash electricity use.

It would cost the government $5500 a piece to fit a home with insulation, double glazing and smart appliances. Australians could save $400 a year on electricity bills and dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition has proposed this plan and if it were to succeed then 20,000 additional jobs would be created.

If 500,000 homes were to be retrofitted then 1.5 million tonnes of emissions would be saved. By retrofitting 1.2 million homes 17,000 jobs would be created and 3.7 million tonnes of emissions would be saved.

Once an emission trading scheme is established in 2010 it is likely gas rates and electricity prices will increase because most electricity comes from coal, so generates greenhouse emissions.

Under the proposal, wealthy households would pay something towards their retrofit, while lower income households would get it for free.

As gas and electricity suppliers fight for their greater market share, it is important for consumers to continually scan and compare electricity & gas prices to ensure that they get the best deal.

To find a better deal visit our Electricity & Gas section and switch electricity and gas providers online.

Related Topics:

Compare Products

Savings Accounts Australia

Are you getting the best value for your dollar? Here is the best Savings Accounts in Australia at the moment: