It’s Murphy’s Law – when the household budget is tight the power bill soon follows, says Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher.
“Council is helping with free, independent energy advice from the certified social enterprise ZapCat. Just hop online and in a couple of minutes you’ll have a personalised energy plan with practical ways to reduce energy needs while keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer,” Mayor Hatcher says.
“The cost of living is a familiar refrain now. It’s also the lived reality for most of us and we can’t opt out of energy bills. But there are things we can do to bring them down. ZapCat makes that easy and without wading through endless energy jargon.
“What I really like is how this program helps renters and low-income households. Energy savings are usually targeted to home owners but ZapCat’s sliding scale of suggestions means there’s take-homes for everyone, regardless of circumstances.”
ZapCat plans don’t assume everyone owns the home they live in, has money to renovate, or wants to replace all their household appliances. Instead, they suggest simple changes, low-cost option and practical improvements that need not include permanent modifications. Mayor Hatcher says these kinds of smart changes are the main thrust but ZapCat also assists by tackling energy bills from the other end.
“Are you getting the best deal –one that actually works for you – from your energy provider. ZapCat gives people information to make smarter choices buying energy. What’s different is, should you want to change provider then ZapCat will do that for you. Easy!”
“This program ties in perfectly with Council’s other energy-saving offerings like home-energy-efficiency kits, free replacement low-flow shower heads, and rebates on high-efficiency-rating appliances. It’s all there – including the ZapCat energy efficiency plan – on Council’s Saving energy at home webpage.”
Manager of sustainability Heidi Thomson says people are already taking up ZapCat and Council is helping households implement suggested actions.
“Really simple things can have a big impact on energy savings and your humble door snake is one of them. We’ve had our friends at Yumaro make them up – all recycled materials of course – and we’re giving them out free as part of this ZapCat initiative,” Ms Thomson says.
“Similarly, one of the best ways to keep your house cool in summer is with shade. It may take a few years to bear fruit but our $20 Bush-friendly Garden Program vouchers for Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden will get you enough tube stock to grow the perfect shade hedge. There’s much more and you can find all the offerings and links on our website.”
