Electricity bill shocks have taken their toll, with 38% of Australians stating they will have a much leaner Christmas this year according to a study of 1,506 Australians* recently undertaken by an independent research agency.
The research commissioned by Australian-owned solar energy provider Energy Matters revealed young families with mainly preschool aged children were finding it toughest; with 46% indicating they would have a pared-down Christmas in 2012.
“Not only are Australians coping with the usual Christmas expenses, they will also be hit with the highest electricity prices the country has ever experienced,” commented Energy Matters Founding Director Nick Brass. “When heatwaves hit you’ll see electricity generation companies jack up their prices to ridiculous levels and the Australian public will be completely powerless to do anything about it.”
“A very recent Melbourne heatwave saw the wholesale price of electricity skyrocket from $50 per MWh ($0.05 per kWh) to an astronomical $12,500 per MWh ($12.50 per kWh). And that happened within a period of just one day! This is daylight robbery and the Australian public should be up in arms; especially as these costs are being passed on to people who are already suffering under the burden of Christmas,” said Mr. Brass.
“However, solar households help take the strain off the grid during times of peak usage. During these heatwave days when there is a massive demand for electricity, solar households are producing their own energy to help power their air-conditioners. Other households use any surplus electricity generated; meaning there is less of a need for solar-supporting electricity retailers to purchase additional wholesale electricity at ridiculous prices from traditional sources.”
As part of its solar advocacy efforts, Energy Matters has partnered with one of Australia’s most famous Christmas lights streets. The company has donated a free 1.75kW solar power system to each eligible household in Borgnis Street in the Sydney suburb of Davidson in order to offset the rising costs of powering the displays.
“These systems will not only help offset the cost of running the street’s lights this Christmas, they will do so for the next 25 years and beyond,” said Mr. Brass.
“When their solar panels aren’t powering Christmas, they will help supply each home’s electricity needs such as powering the fridge, washing machine and other appliances. The residents can expect savings of at least $400-600 each year on their electricity bills.”
Energy Matters’ commitment to the residents of Borgnis Street has extended to also supporting the resident’s chosen charity, children’s hospice Bear Cottage. During the month of December, Energy Matters will donate $100 for every new solar panel system purchased when customers mention the initiative.
*Energy Matters conducted a national survey of 1506 consumers through The Digital Edge between 6 and 9 November 2012. The results were weighted according to age, gender, location and household income.
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 power 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
About Bear Cottage
Bear Cottage is New South Wales’ only children’s hospice, located on the grounds of St Patrick’s Estate, Manly in Sydney. Bear Cottage offers both respite and palliative care to children and young people with life limiting illnesses and their families.
In addition to providing palliative care facilities for children, Bear Cottage contains the amenities of a comfortable home, with 10 children’s bedrooms, family accommodation and a quiet room. There are also areas for recreation including a spa room, multi-sensory room and teens’ room. Families do not pay to stay at Bear Cottage.
The location of Bear Cottage at Manly ensures children and families can rest in quiet surroundings or enjoy the attractions and amenities nearby of one of Sydney’s traditional beach holiday destinations.
Most families staying at Bear Cottage come for respite with the length of stays up to two weeks. Families using Bear Cottage for end of life care may stay as long as necessary.
Bear Cottage was established entirely by the community and continues to rely on the community for funding.
