Rising living costs are pushing many households to look for ways to cut expenses—but one of the biggest opportunities to save might already be at home. New research from iSelect reveals that households in New South Wales (NSW) could be wasting up to $398 per year on avoidable energy use.
📊 How Much Energy Are Households Wasting?
The data shows how much households across Australia could save under low, medium, and high energy waste scenarios. In NSW alone:
- Low waste: $124.84 per year
- Mid waste: $241.86 per year
- High waste: $398.39 per year
That’s roughly $7.65 per week per household—money spent on energy that could easily be avoided.
Across the entire state, this adds up to a staggering $1.2 billion in wasted energy every year.
⚡ Where Is the Energy Being Wasted?
The biggest contributors to avoidable energy waste in NSW include:
- Household appliances – driven by standby power and unnecessary usage
- Cooling systems – especially during warmer months
- Water heating – a major source of waste in both electricity and gas households
For gas users, water heating alone contributes nearly $16 annually in wasted energy.
🌱 Environmental Impact
The financial cost is only part of the problem. Avoidable energy waste in NSW generates between:
- 688,000 to 2.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually
At the highest level, that’s comparable to removing over two million cars from the road—highlighting the significant environmental impact of everyday energy habits.
📍 How NSW Compares
While NSW households fall slightly below the national average for wasted energy per household, the overall cost and emissions remain substantial due to the state’s large population.
- ACT records the highest waste per household
- QLD and WA households waste less energy on average than NSW
💡 Simple Ways to Reduce Energy Waste
According to iSelect’s utilities general manager, small changes can make a big difference. Here are some easy ways to cut back:
Everyday Habits
- Turn off appliances when not in use
- Unplug chargers and devices on standby
- Switch off lights in empty rooms
Heating & Cooling
- Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees
- Use energy-efficient settings on air conditioners
Kitchen Efficiency
- Use lids on pots when cooking
- Match pan sizes to burners
- Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
Water Usage
- Take shorter showers
- Lower hot water temperature settings
🏡 Final Thoughts
Avoidable energy waste is one of the easiest ways households can save money without sacrificing comfort. By making small, practical changes, NSW residents can reduce their energy bills, lower their environmental impact, and take control of rising living costs.
Even minor adjustments, when done consistently, can lead to hundreds of dollars in annual savings—and a more energy-efficient home.
