The McGowan Government, Western Power and Synergy today launched the Summer Readiness campaign to raise awareness on peak energy use and how customers can help to ensure there is enough power supply over summer.
Perth and Peel households are being encouraged to make small changes to maintain reliable power during peak demand periods.
Peak demand occurs between 5pm and 9pm, when most people arrive home and switch on their air conditioners, TVs, lights, and other household appliances.
Households can reduce their energy use and save money during peak demand periods by:
- Limiting the use of major appliances (washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers) between 5pm and 9pm;
- Keeping air conditioner settings at 24 degrees – every degree lower on your air conditioner can add 10 per cent to your electricity cost; and
- Using pool pumps during the middle of the day.
Western Power will also introduce targeted texts this summer, to alert customers if their suburb could be at risk of power supply interruptions and to encourage them to reduce their energy.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a hot summer with temperatures for December 2022 to February 2023 expected to exceed the median maximum.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“Western Australians are increasingly using more electricity over summer, with the average household consumption from December to March going up by around 10 per cent each year.
“The way we use and produce energy is changing, and the McGowan Government is leading the way by modernising Western Australia’s electricity system.
“The Summer Readiness campaign aims to drive awareness and education around energy consumption as everyone starts to play a more active role in WA’s energy transformation.
“Our hotter summers are driving peak demand and there are some simple things we can all do around the home to reduce our electricity consumption and save money.
“By working together, we can make our system more reliable, and you’ll save money on your power bills.”
