Brand new research has found an overwhelming 97% of Australians are making efforts to be more energy efficient because they are so worried about soaring power prices. The Newspoll revealed 88% of respondents want to reduce their household energy use and 79% would like to increase energy use from sustainable sources.The survey demonstrates that sustainable energy is no longer a ‘greenie’ niche phenomena, but is moving very much into the mainstream market.
------------------- whole article ----------------------
Australians are so worried about sky-rocketing electricity prices they are rushing to cut their energy consumption and flicking the on-switch to more sustainable energy sources to slash their household energy bills and preserve the planet.
An online Newspoll survey of 676 home-owners aged between 18 and 64, commissioned by Solahart, has revealed a whopping 97% making efforts to be more environmentally-friendly and cut household energy bills, with 94% concerned by hikes in energy prices (including 58% who are very concerned) and 88% wanting to reduce their household energy use.
Refusing to be beaten, home-owners are tackling the price surge, and climate change, head-on with 79% wanting to increase energy use from sustainable sources.
So far almost a quarter (22%) of respondents have replaced electric hot water systems with more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternatives such as solar water heaters, and 22% have opted to pay extra for ‘Green Power’.
In addition 89% have installed energy efficient light globes, 72% have purchased energy efficient appliances, and 64% are turning off appliances when they are not in use.
Stephen Cranch, National Manager for Solahart, Australia’s leading manufacturer of solar water heaters, said the Newspoll figures show sustainable energy is no longer a niche ‘greenie’ alternative, but mainstream.
“Until recently, sustainable energy was barely on the radar with householders and just a small proportion thought of making the swap,” Mr Cranch said.
“These survey findings illustrate the landscape has changed dramatically, with Australians more conscious of the environmental impacts of their lifestyle choices. Coupled with the power price hikes and the generous government rebates and incentives available, sustainable energy is rapidly moving to the top of the agenda. House by house, Australia is transforming from a nation of serial greenhouse gas emitters to a smarter, planet-responsible power base,” he said.
Right now, the Federal Government is offering a $1000 rebate to those replacing electric water heaters with a solar hot water system, which is additional to some State Government rebates. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are also available, saving consumers up to another $1000 when buying a typical Solahart 300 litre system.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, which generate electricity through solar panels typically placed on the roof, also attract valuable incentives for householders under the Solar Credits Program.
However, too many of the homeowners surveyed are still ignorant of the savings opportunities available to them with just 50% conscious of the $1,000 Federal Government solar hot water rebate and only 52% knowing about RECs. In fact just over a quarter are completely unaware that any legislation or rebates exist to help them transition to a sustainable energy supply.
To make matters even more urgent, and despite a worrying majority (77%) of homeowners canvassed not realising it, the ability to purchase a new electric hot water system will be stopped across Australia by 2012 and rebates may not apply by then. Solar water heaters are more energy efficient and will help save on energy bills leaving Australians with more money in their pockets.
For more information or further comment:
Amy Collie or Jackie Crossman, Crossman Communications, (02) 9361 6099
Half not aware of hot water subsidies
In addition to greater panel efficiency, there have also been improvements and innovations to the inverters that take the DC output from these solar panels and convert it into AC power that can be used by the home.
ReplyDeleteSolar