PEOPLE POWER FOR ENERGY REFORM

Monday, 15 March 2010 10:02

Fuel Poverty is unnecessary in Australia, said Total Environment Centre (TEC) today, yet with energy costs rising faster than any other living expense, the difference between the haves and the have nots will soon be up in lights.
“Successive governments have failed to address the waste and inefficiency of our power-generation network over recent decades,” said TEC director, Jeff Angel. “The result is a National Energy Market bent on encouraging consumers to use more electricity, requiring more infrastructure, rather than introducing smart measures to reform the existing system and make it more efficient.”
Mr Angel urged consumers to take the matter into their own hands by practicing energy efficiency at home and in the workplace.
“We can’t wait for government to put smart meters into houses, and provide proper support to an alternative renewable energy industry and energy conservation,” he said.
“While pressuring government to institute these measures we can all make a difference by making sure energy isn’t drained away by power outlets left on standby when not in use. We can reduce both emissions and our power bills through energy efficiency.”
With world Earth Hour looming on March 27th, Mr Angel urged business to show community leadership by reducing unnecessary practices such as excessive office lighting after hours and computer back-up overnight.
“We should also support our local councils in their efforts to have Energy Australia adopt lower-cost, more energy-efficient street lighting,” added Mr Angel. “This is one of the biggest drains on the public purse, and a cost which could be lessened considerably if smarter lighting was put in place.”