save energy. save money. save the planet.

There are three state-based energy efficiency schemes. For Victoria, there's the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET), South Australia has the the Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES) and New South Wales the Energy Savings Scheme (EES).

By participating, you can save energy and money with reduced energy bills. Using less energy also means you are helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of these state government energy efficiency initiatives, Lumo Energy will promote household energy efficiency through a number of prescribed activities, which include:

• Installation of energy efficient lighting
• Information about hot water services
• Information about heating and cooling systems
• Household energy audits for those in South Australia

Victorian customers, learn more about the Energy Saver Incentive.

South Australian customers, learn more about the Residential Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Customers who live in New South Wales can learn more about the Energy Savings Scheme.

The New South Wales Government has now launched the 'Cut Your Power Bills' initiative to reduce the impact of rising electricity prices. Click here to find out more.

• Make sure that any open or unused fireplaces are blocked to stop warm air escaping up the chimney.
• Close curtains and doors when heaters are on.
• Close curtains just before night time.
• Turn off heaters when you're not in the room.
• Keep any north facing windows clean to allow the winter sun in.
• Trim trees that may block the sun from coming in.

• Wash clothes in cold water - with today's modern soap powders and liquids it's usually just as effective.
• Fill your kettle with cold water.
• Rinse dishes with cold water.
• Wash lots of dishes at once making sure to use just enough hot water to do the job properly.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full before doing a wash.
• Do your laundry in fewer, larger loads.
• Have short showers rather than a bath.
• Check that your hot water cylinder thermostat is set between 55-60 degrees celsius.

• Turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used.
• Make sure lights and lamp shades are clean to ensure you get maximum brightness.
• Use the correct strength bulb for your lighting needs - 40 watt bulbs are sufficient for desk and bedside lamps.
• Use light-shades with white linings - they reflect more light.
• Swap your lights for fluorescent light bulbs as they are more energy efficient.
  
• Use a sensor for your outdoor lighting so they only turn on when there is movement.
  
  

• Dry your washing outside in the line as often as you can - it's usually better for your clothes too.
• Don't overload your dryer.
  
• Make sure the filter is clean on your dryer before you do a load.
• Turn off your electric blanket before you go to sleep - the most efficient use of your electric blanket is to turn it on about an hour before you go to bed and turn it off before you go to sleep.
• Unplug your TV when you go away for the weekend or on holiday.
• Switch off appliances with standby facilities - this is also a good safety tip.
• Put your fridge and freezer far from any heat sources like ovens, heaters or sunlight.
  
• Defrost the freezer two or three times a year to keep it running efficiently.
  
• Choose a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loader as they use less energy.
  
• Wash your clothes in cold water instead of warm water.
  
• Keep the back of your fridge and freezer clean and leave some space to allow air to circulate.
• Try leaving some space in your fridge to let the cool air circulate.
  
• Wait for food to cool down before you put it in the fridge or the temperature will rise inside.
  
• Let your food defrost naturally instead of using the microwave.
  
• Put the temperature of your fridge between 2 and 5 degrees C and your freezer at -18 degrees C to have to most energy efficient degree.
  
• Slice your food into smaller pieces before cooking as it will save cooking time.
  
• Cover your food with a lid or a cling film to reduce the cooking time in the microwave.
  
• Dry your hair with a towel first to reduce the hairdryer running time.
  
• Turn your TV, DVD players and other electronic devices off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
• Don't leave your electronic devices charging over night.
  
  

• Gas will not burn properly if there is inadequate room ventilation, poor flueing or a lack of regular servicing.
• Regular servicing will ensure gas burns properly.
• If gas does not burn properly, pollutants such as carbon monoxide will be produced.
• Flues (properly designed air outlets that work like chimneys) are designed to remove combustion pollutants to the outside air.
• If your heater is not working properly or the flueing is not removing all pollutants, your health may be affected. If the pollutant levels get very high you can become tired or short of breath. You may develop headaches, dizziness, nausea and weakness. You could also become sleepy and/or confused.

• The pilot flame in a space heater burns blue. If the flame in your heater is burning continuously yellow then it may need servicing.
• Discolouration on the outside case of a space heater could indicate a faulty flue. You need to get this checked by a licensed gas fitter.

• Many modern household heaters are attached to a flue (a properly designed air outlet that works like a chimney to carry away fumes). If you are using a heater that doesn't have a flue make sure you have plenty of fresh air coming into the room.
• Flueless heaters must not be installed in bedrooms.

• Make sure that sufficient warm air registers are open in your central heating, as recommended by the manufacturer.
  

• Ensure you have the stove top set to the correct setting for what you are cooking, don't just put it on full all the time.
• More than 50% of all household fires are related to cooking, with ovens and stovetops being the most likely appliances involved.  Most kitchen fires are caused by people leaving cooking unattended and then forgetting about it. Always check that stovetops are off when not in use.