ELECTRICITY company Ausgrid is encouraging people to make their households more energy efficient this year.
By following a few simple steps, a typical household of four can save up to $400 per year off their power bill.
And these steps are as simple as turning off appliances and lights when you're not in the room.
"Go on a hunting adventure around your home to find and turn off appliances when they are not in use," said Ausgrid's energy efficiency expert Robert Simpson.
"Games, consoles, TVs or computers are the most common culprits. Switch them off at the power button or at the wall when you're finished to reduce standby power."
Dr Simpson said having shorter, cooler showers can also make a big difference.
"If a family of four each reduced their shower time by just two minutes it could save up to $100 per year."
Overcooling is another culprit.
"For each extra degree lower your set the thermostat you may be adding 10 per cent to your cooling costs," he said.
"Keeping the set temperature between 23 and 26 degrees in summer is considered optimal."
Power saving tips:
1. Switch off - Turn off lights and appliances when you're not in the room to cut up to $100 a year.
2. Hot water - hot water systems are the biggest energy users in most homes. Wash your clothes in cold water and shorten your showers to save up to $160 a year.
3. Use the clothes line instead of a dryer - Using a dryer three times a week can cost up to $150 over a year. Sunshine and warm winds are free. Clothes can also dry well on a clothes horse under the verandah or in the home.
