NSW Energy Savings Plan Win For Environment, Bills

Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:28

“It will help turn around the outdated electricity utility culture of selling more and more power instead of focusing on energy efficiency and the environment,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre. 

“Proactive energy efficiency programs and targets like this are essential to complement an emissions trading scheme, which won’t impact on consumption for several years. It can deliver big and early greenhouse gains in response to growing alarm about global warming,” said Mr Angel.

“Reducing energy consumption is a win-win-win approach. It will help the environment, reduce electricity bills and carbon-proof consumers against rising energy prices,” said Mr. Angel. 

“One of the best and easily implemented plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is energy efficiency, so this really makes sense,” concluded Mr. Angel.

The package includes commitment to a statewide energy efficiency target, new targets for medium and large businesses to cut their energy use by at least 10 per cent, advice for small to medium businesses on lighting upgrades and air-conditioning, and providing energy saving kits for low income households. Legislative targets will also be imposed on 200 of the state’s largest energy users, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 120,000 tonnes a year.