Customers in Adelaide and throughout South Australia pay more for electricity than anyone else in the country. SA relies primarily on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. Non-renewable energy tends to be more costly, and that is reflected in your bills. In addition, customers in Adelaide tend to have higher electricity usage than in other parts of Australia, adding to the increase in costs. Here’s how your power bill works and what typical households in Adelaide pay each year so you can compare your own rates.
Electricity Usage
Usage is the main component of your electricity bill and is charged based on the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) of power your household consumes each year. For an average two-person household in Adelaide, this usage is typically about 4,500 kWh. Your usage rate will vary from this amount based on the number of people in your household, the appliances and electronics you own, how much time you spend at home, and other factors. Your power company tracks your usage with a meter that monitors your system.
Electricity Costs
The cost of power varies from one electric company to another, so there is no specific rate for all customers. In general, though, the price per kWh ranges from about 25 to 40 cents. Multiply your annual usage by the current rate for your energy provider to determine the usage component of your power bill.
Your bill also includes a supply rate. In most cases, this is a fixed fee per day that functions as a subscription to the electric service. You’ll have to pay this fee, regardless of your actual energy usage. Adding these two primary components together, the typical energy cost in Adelaide is roughly $1,700 to $1,800 per annum, though your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your service provider and usage.
Tips for Reducing Your Bills
With higher energy costs than elsewhere in the country, it is perfectly understandable if you want to reduce your energy costs in Adelaide. Small changes throughout your home really can make a big difference, so try to incorporate these simple tips:
- DON’T Leave Lights On – Whenever you leave a room, try to get into the habit of turning off the lights. It only takes a second and can really make a difference in your usage over time. Try to only keep lights on if you are actively using the room.
- DO Make Use of Ceiling Fans – Fans are an affordable addition that can drastically reduce your energy usage, particularly in summer. Air circulation helps you feel cooler, so you won’t need to use your electricity-guzzling air conditioner as frequently throughout the day to stay comfortable.
- DO Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances – Today’s refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances use far less energy than those of the past, so upgrading yours can lead to significant savings on your power bill. Look for high Energy Star ratings for the greatest reduction in energy usage.
To see electricity savings, it’s not necessary to completely overhaul your lifestyle. With just a few small changes and help from everyone in your family, you can start to bring down your overall energy usage and costs.
