MEDIA RELEASE 21 January 2013: Former Perfect Match host and marriage celebrant Greg Evans will be performing a unique commitment ceremony this Valentine’s Day where he will marry the most ‘cheated-on’ Australian electricity user to an Energy Matters solar panel in a protest against the 91% price hike in energy bills over the last five years*.
“Electricity companies have had the upper-hand for far too long and it’s only now we’re starting to realise the full consequences,” said Greg. “Australian consumers need to put trust back into the equation, demand an open relationship with their provider and think about the environment; it’s time to save money, use our abundant Australian sunshine and find a sustainable energy solution without being held to ransom.
“Partnering with a solar energy company such as Energy Matters means you can harness the sun’s free energy and be less reliant on traditional more expensive resources. Consumers can literally turn back electricity prices far below what they were even five years ago and the feeling of ‘making your own’ is wonderful.
“It seems each quarter we’re hit with another bill shock and wonder what on earth we’ve been doing differently to warrant such an increase. I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to relationships and I think we’re being had. Not only have energy prices skyrocketed, you almost need to hire a private investigator to catch them out and understand your bill.
“Bills seem designed to confuse. Sure they’ll tell you how much energy you’ve consumed compared to last year, but it’s near impossible to compare what you’ve been charged over the same period. I believe a good relationship is based on open and honest communication!”
As an example during the very recent Melbourne heatwave, the wholesale price of electricity skyrocket from $50 per MWh ($0.05kWh) to an astronomical $12,500 per MWh ($12.50 per kWh) in just one day!
According to Greg there are two possible solutions; either change your consumptions habits or become less reliant. “Let’s face it, if the temperature is soaring outside you’ll want to keep your house cool so changing your energy consumption habits will be pretty tough. There is a simpler solution and it’s one I’ve recently discovered myself. I’ve installed a solar power system and have shacked up with Energy Matters! Not only am I producing my own electricity, my decision to go solar is also great for the environment. “Given the recent heatwaves, I know I can now crank my air-con up to 11 and it won’t cost a fortune!”
Energy Matters’ solar power systems are guaranteed for 25 years and once installed, the average price you will pay for energy is only 7 cents kW/h**. Compare that to electricity companies that currently charge between 18 and 45 cents per kW/h for daytime use, depending on the time of the day or part of Australia you live in. A new Energy Matters customer can save more than $1,000 each year off their electricity bill&.
“As a new convert to solar, I want other Australians to be as happy as I am so I’m on the lookout to find the person who has been most cheated on by their electricity provider. I will give them a free Energy Matters solar power system so they too can divest themselves of unnecessary relationship baggage. If you feel you are this person, go to EnergyMatters.com.au and tell your story. The winner will be flown to Melbourne on Valentine’s Day for a special ceremony where they will be married to their new life partner; I’ll even be the celebrant!” Greg concluded.
INTERVIEWS WITH GREG EVANS
Contact Finbar Corrall on 02 9365 0007 or via media@energymatters.com.au
Greg’s tips on opening up your relationship and seeing other energy providers
1. Analyse your electricity bill statement and compare your kW/h rate – how much has this gone up over the past 1, 2 and 5 years
2. If you don’t have your statements, call up your energy provider and ask for the exact details of how much kW/h rates have gone up over the past 5 years
3. Now get angry
4. If you installed a solar power system, you could be paying as little as 7 cents/kW
5. To calculate how many solar panels you need to power your home, use the simple online calculator at www.energymatters.com.au/valentinesday and input the cost of your last quarterly bill and your post code. The results will even tell you what your potential new quarterly bill would be if you switched to solar
6. To find exactly how much you could be saving you need to calculate how much energy you are using during sunlight hours. Read your electricity meter at 8am, 8pm and then finally at 8am. The amount of energy consumption during the day is how much energy you could be producing at 7 cents/kW to offset your energy bill.
About Energy Matters
Energy Matters is one of Australia’s largest companies solely dedicated to solar energy with warehouses around the country and a staff of over 100. The award winning business was founded in 2005 and has since installed over 15,000 solar systems on homes, schools and commercial buildings, including Australia’s largest privately funded solar photovoltaic project – a 200kW rooftop array in Sydney. Energy Matters is committed to helping Australians live in a world of energy abundance by providing quality solar systems at affordable prices. Its nationwide team of passionate and knowledgeable solar advocates, expert installers and reputable brands are the foundation of its success.
Energy Matters is 100% Australian owned and sources only products which have been tested in Australia’s harsh conditions. With expertise in both grid connect and stand-alone power, Energy Matters is able to provide flexible clean energy solutions to fit almost all needs.
To learn more or join the thousands of Australians who have already gone solar, visit www.energymatters.com.au.
* The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER’s) recently released sixth State of the Energy Market report
** The following guide is based on a solar system in Sydney – other states will deliver similar results, albeit slightly higher or lower.
A 3kW system in Sydney over 20 years will generate almost 90MWh’s of electricity over 20 years:
3kW system x 4.54 sun hours (Sydney) x 0.9 (efficiency) = 12.26 kWh/day
12.26 kWh/day x 365 days x 20 years = 89,483kWh over 20 years
System price = $5999
Price per kWh of solar electricity = 6.7c/kWh
5999/89,483 = $0.067/kWh
(note: 20 years as the panel degrade over time. Their performance reduces by 1% per year. So using 20 years takes account for that.
& Install a 5kW solar system with 50% onsite consumption anywhere in Australia
