How to Track Your Energy Usage

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How can I track my energy usage?

Why should I track my energy usage?

How can smart meters help?

How can energy monitoring apps help?

How can energy usage monitors help?

Ten strategies that can help reduce energy usage

Where can I find and compare energy plans?

Long story short

Smart meters deliver you real-time usage data

Smart meters record data every 30 minutes and send it to your retailer, which means closer monitoring and more accurate bills (and potential savings).

Apps and monitors make tracking your energy easy

Energy apps from your retailer and in-home displays can show you hourly, daily, and monthly usage both currently and in the past, so you can understand your usage habits better.

Plug-in meters take a closer look at your appliances

Plug-in meters can show you how each appliance uses your energy, even in standby mode, so you get an energy insight into greedy appliances and where you can cut your energy costs.

How can I track my energy usage?

Slashing your energy bills shouldn’t require hours of research or a degree in jargon. In fact, tracking how much energy you use (and implementing some simple strategies) might just be enough to make your energy bill a lot more manageable. There are a few different ways you can track your energy usage, many of which you can do for free.

Smart meters

Across Australia, smart meters are becoming the norm. They’re more accurate than old-style meters, collecting your electricity usage data in almost real-time. You can then use a web portal to see it all laid out. If you have a solar power system, you can even see how much solar energy you’re using compared to mains electricity. You might also be able to set up an alert from your smart meter if you’re using lots of electricity.

Energy apps and monitors

You can also make use of apps and home display monitors using this data from your smart meter and more.

Most energy retailers have their own apps that let you manage your account and pay your bills. But did you know they could also have energy usage tracking features? These apps can make it easy to see your electricity and gas stats in hourly, monthly, and billing cycle periods. You could even dig into your usage patterns to get a more detailed view of your energy consumption. If you haven’t already, you might want to download your energy retailer’s app and have a play.

If you’re looking to reduce your screen time as well as your energy consumption, you could look at different home display monitors instead. These wirelessly connect to your smart meter and show you hourly, daily, and monthly electricity usage. Victorians might even be able to get one installed with a government discount.

Plug-in meters and calculators

If you’re not so fussed about getting the exact stats on your energy usage but want to drill down into how your different appliances consume energy, there are options for you, too.  

You could start with a simple plug-in meter – you can pick these up for as little as $25 – and see exactly how much electricity a connected appliance uses and costs you, even in standby mode. Using this little tool, you can check whether your appliance is living up to any energy-saving claims or if it’s starting to struggle and may need to be replaced.

Why should I track my energy usage?

Keeping tabs on your energy usage isn’t just a good habit; it’s a way to save some cash on your gas and electricity bills. Knowledge is power, and in this case, your energy monitoring app could potentially be power saving. And if you know that tweaking your daily routine or adjusting your energy usage patterns can lead to a cheaper energy bill, wouldn’t you want to give it a shot?

Tracking your electricity usage to understand your habits is like shining a spotlight on where your money is going, and why:

• Ever wonder how much that air conditioning, electric hot water heater, or prolonged lighting sessions impact your bill? Tracking your energy usage helps you see the real deal, encouraging you to be a bit more conscientious about flicking the switch off and swapping out energy-hungry appliances for more efficient models.
• Got solar panels doing their thing on your rooftop? Monitoring your energy usage is your ticket to maximising the benefits of that sweet solar power. It’s like having a personal energy efficiency coach.
• Want to share the electricity gospel with your family? Energy tracking data provides a clear view of your usage and its cost throughout the day, helping everyone understand just how much power (and money) goes down the drain. 

Armed with this info, you’re in the driver’s seat to make meaningful changes to your home’s habits. Want to significantly slash your energy consumption and make those bills less of a wallet-killer? Energy monitoring gives you the insight needed to make it happen.

Helpful tip

If your hot water system is running on a separate tariff (otherwise known as a controlled load), your meter will track this energy usage on a different track from the rest of your home’s mains usage. Controlled load tariffs usually run your appliances during off-peak times for cheaper pricing rates, so they can help you know your energy-hungry appliances are working in your favour, and help manage your energy costs. If you’re not sure, make sure to check with your energy retailer.

Julia Paszka

General Manager – Utilities & Credit Cards

How can smart meters help?

Smart meters are a technological marvel that can change the way you understand your electricity consumption. Say goodbye to the clunky old electricity meter of yesteryear and welcome the smart meter, armed with digital prowess. This upgrade provides detailed insights into how and when you’re using electricity.

In many states and territories, smart meters are the only option for new builds or if your old meter has gone kaput. You may also be able to request an upgrade to a smart meter.

Smart meters give you greater control over your energy accounts, ensuring you’re billed based on actual, real-time data. If you have a solar system and battery storage, smart meters provide access to information that helps you fine-tune your electricity management, making your home more energy efficient.

No more meter readings or supply connections/disconnections, either! Smart meters leverage remote services, saving you from the hassle (and added costs) of onsite visits. Smart meters will record your electricity usage in 30-minute intervals so you can get more accurate daily usage information. Unlike their outdated counterparts, these smart devices don’t wait for someone to swing by and manually collect your data. They autonomously transmit this valuable information to your electricity retailer using wireless networks.

How can energy monitoring apps help?

Energy monitoring apps are very helpful when it comes to efficient energy management. Here’s a breakdown of how these apps can work wonders for you.

In essence, energy monitoring apps aren’t just about tracking usage; they’re strategic tools that empower you to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious. They’re your eyes and ears in energy consumption, helping you stay in control and ahead of the game!

How can energy usage monitors help?

Having an energy monitoring system is like having a high-tech detective for your energy usage. These nifty setups keep track of how much energy you’re using, whether it’s just one room or your entire home. It’s kind of like having a crystal ball that shows you exactly how much electricity and gas you’re using at any given moment. This helps you pinpoint unnecessary energy consumption and boosts your overall energy efficiency.

Ten strategies that can help reduce energy usage

If you’ve noticed a spike in your bills, there are a few simple tips to help lower your usage and potentially save on your next energy bill.

It’s as simple as flicking a switch! Turn off lights and electrical gadgets when you’re not using them. It’s an instant energy saver.

Say goodbye to old-school bulbs and hello to LED! They use less energy and last longer, making your energy bill and the environment smile.

Keep the heat in and the cold out (or vice versa) by shutting doors and drawing curtains. It’s a quick fix to curb your energy use, while maintaining the right temperature without heating or cooling systems.

Use cold water for washing and hang clothes to dry when possible to cut down on power usage.

Understand how your home consumes energy. Identify and fix energy-hungry areas to make your living space more efficient.

Use lids on pots, match pot size to the burner, and consider energy-efficient appliances. Little tweaks in the kitchen can add up to energy savings.

Keep a handle on your thermostat. Set it to a comfortable but not excessive temperature, and when possible, use fans or open windows for natural ventilation instead of always relying on heating or cooling systems.

Regularly check and compare energy plans to ensure you’re getting a great deal. It’s a simple way to help keep more money in your pocket.

Give your home an extra layer of coziness by insulating the roof. It helps maintain a stable temperature inside, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling and boosting your home’s sustainability.

Let the sun work for you! Consider rooftop solar panels to harness clean, renewable energy and help save on electricity bills in the long run. 

Where can I find and compare energy plans?

Tracking your home energy usage can be a big help when it comes to saving on gas and electricity. However, you might also be able to save money by comparing providers and finding a cheaper energy plan.

iSelect has you covered here. We’ve got a handy comparison tool that makes switching providers a breeze. Alternatively, if you prefer a personal touch, you can give us a ring on 1800 664 532 and our energy comparison experts will help you compare your options from a range of plans and run you through the switching process. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty or want to check out the full scoop on our website, we’ve got all the details waiting for you there.