How to save energy | Endeavour Energy

What is peak demand

Electricity demand is the amount of power people need at any moment within the Endeavour Energy network, whether at home, at work or in industry.

Peak demand happens when lots of people use electricity at the same time. This usually happens in the afternoon and evening, when we turn on lights, cook, shower, do laundry, and use TVs and computers. It also happens during extreme weather, like hot summer days or cold winter nights, when many households switch on air conditioners or heaters.

These spikes may only happen on a few days each year, but they put pressure on the electricity network and increase costs. That’s why it’s important to manage and reduce peak demand.

Reducing peak demand

To keep our electricity costs as low as possible, we all need to be smarter about how and when we use energy. If everybody reduces their use of appliances, especially during peak demand times, less network infrastructure is needed and that helps keep costs down for all customers.

Energy saving tips for the kitchen

Cooking

Microwaves, electric frying pans and pressure cookers are much more energy efficient than using the oven
Keep the oven door completely closed until the food is cooked
A fan forced oven uses less energy than a conventional oven and cooking times are substantially reduced
Check the oven seals are secure
Match the size of the pot to what you are cooking
New electric induction cooktops can provide better heat control and reduce your cooking time
Use the BBQ instead of your oven or cooktop

Refrigeration

Defrost chest type freezers at least once or twice a year and upright models twice or three times a year
Clean the cooling coils behind the fridge once a year
Ensure your fridge door seals are airtight
Leave space around the fridge to allow the generated heat to escape
Turn off extra fridges when not in use
Avoid opening the fridge door unnecessarily
Put your fridge in a cool spot, out of the sun and away from ovens
Get rid of the old second fridge. Newer fridges use up to 40% less energy

Dishwashers

Run the dishwasher just before bed, rather than straight after dinner
Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. A half-filled dishwasher uses the same amount of energy as one with a full load
Where they are available, use economy or energy-saving settings on your dishwasher for maximum energy efficiency

Energy saving tips for heating

Cover windows by closing blinds and curtains
Keep your windows and doors closed
Make sure your home is well insulated
Stop draughts getting into your home by covering any openings at the base of doors or in windows
Dress warmly when inside
Check that the temperature of your home is around a comfortable 18 to 21° C. Every degree hotter you set your heating system adds more to your heating costs
Portable heaters such as bar radiators and fan heaters are cheap to buy but costly to run

Energy savings tips for cooling

Use portable or ceiling fans wherever possible
Keep your shutters, curtains or blinds closed
Shade windows from the outside with eaves, verandas, external blinds, trees or awnings
Install ceiling insulation
Consider purchasing a timer or smart thermostat device to automatically switch off your cooling system at times when you don’t need it
If you have an air conditioner, set your thermostat to a comfortable 23 to 26° C. Every degree cooler you set the air conditioner adds more to your cooling costs
Clean the filter element of your air conditioner regularly
Set your air conditioner to re-circulate mode when cooling
Limit opening your fridge - it takes three minutes to regain its temperature every time the door is opened
Turn off electrical equipment not in use

Tips for the laundry

Washing and drying clothes

Use cold water in the laundry whenever possible
Front loading automatic washing machines use less water than top loading machines
Wash with a full load
If it's a sunny day, don't use the dryer, just hang your washing outside on the clothesline instead
Spin-dry your clothes before placing them in the dryer
Clean the dryer’s lint filter regularly to maintain full air flow, maximise the drying efficiency and to minimise fire risk
Don’t overload or underload dryers

Water heating

Fix leaking taps as soon as possible. A leaking tap can waste hundreds of litres of water every month
Fit a low flow showerhead
Connect appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine to cold water only
Switch your storage hot water system to the Controlled Load 1 or Controlled Load 2 tariff and save money on your energy bill. Your water is heated during the cheaper, off-peak period of the day and stored for use when you need it
A leaking pressure relief valve (on the side of the hot water tank) can waste hundreds of litres of hot water. Check it regularly
Keep your system well maintained by fixing leaks and insulating tanks and pipes

Check the stars before buying a new appliance

Energy rating labels show how efficient appliances are by the number of stars. The more stars the better. Find out more at the government energy rating website.

Find out more