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Hi Neighbours,
Brace yourself! The days of stable electricity prices might be behind us as we transition to greener energy sources. But don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep your costs under control.
Why the Change?
As part of our commitment to the Paris Agreement, New … View moreHi Neighbours,
Brace yourself! The days of stable electricity prices might be behind us as we transition to greener energy sources. But don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep your costs under control.
Why the Change?
As part of our commitment to the Paris Agreement, New Zealand aims to cut emissions to 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Our power grid is increasingly powered by renewable sources like hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar, moving away from coal and natural gas.
The Challenge
This transition is great for the environment but can make our energy prices more volatile. With the power grid dependent on weather conditions, fluctuations in rain, wind, or sunlight can lead to higher reliance on fossil fuels, driving up electricity prices. Recently, wholesale electricity prices have surged to $850 per megawatt-hour, far above the average $150. While retailers have been shielding us from these spikes, this buffer may not last.
So, while we don’t have all the answers, we want to help you prepare for potential energy cost increases. Here are 19 cost-saving tips to keep you well-equipped before any energy crisis.
1. Review Your Power Plan Annually
Electricity plans and rates can change, so it’s best to review your plan at least once a year. Visit powerswitch.org.nz to compare different plans and ensure you’re on the most cost-effective option. Finding the right plan can lead to significant savings on your power bills.
2. Switch Off When Not in Use
Turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when they’re not in use is a straightforward way to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. This small habit can add up to substantial savings over time.
3. Optimize Hot Water Temperature
Set your hot water heater to 60°C. This temperature is sufficient for safety and comfort while avoiding the extra energy required to heat water to higher temperatures. Hot water accounts for 30% of your annual electricity costs.
4. Adjust Fridge and Freezer Settings
Ensure your fridge is set to 4-5°C and your freezer to -15 to -18°C. Regularly check that the door seals are tight to prevent cold air from escaping. Efficiently managed appliances use less energy.
5. Thaw Frozen Food Efficiently
Instead of using the microwave to thaw your food from frozen, thaw frozen food in the fridge for a day.
6. Embrace the Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are an energy-efficient cooking option. Running a slow cooker for 8 hours might cost as little as $0.20 in electricity. Using a slow cooker instead of an oven can help you save on your power costs.
7. Use a Mini Oven for Small Meals
For smaller cooking tasks, a mini oven is a more energy-efficient choice compared to a full-sized oven. It heats up faster and uses less power, which helps in reducing your overall electricity consumption.
8. Opt for Cold Water Washing
Using cold water in your washing machine saves energy. Heating water accounts for a significant portion of a washing machine’s energy use, so this switch can lead to lower electricity bills.
9. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Vacuuming the coils of your refrigerator helps it operate more efficiently by improving heat release. This maintenance task can contribute to lower electricity usage.
10. Maintain Dryer Filters
Regularly cleaning your dryer filters ensures the machine runs efficiently and doesn’t consume more energy than necessary.
11. Air Dry Laundry
Whenever possible, air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. Air drying is a cost-effective way to reduce your electricity usage.
12. Maximise Natural Light and Heat
Open your curtains during the day to let in natural warmth and close them in the evening to trap heat. Up to 40% of your home’s heat can escape through windows, so managing this can help reduce heating costs.
13. Install a Water-Saving Shower Head
A low-flow shower head reduces water usage and the energy required to heat it. If your shower fills a 10-litre bucket in under a minute, upgrading to a more efficient model can save both water and energy, reducing your overall costs.
14. Boil Only What You Need
Fill your kettle only with the amount of water you need to boil. This avoids unnecessary energy consumption.
15. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choose appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they use less power, leading to long-term savings on your electricity bills.
16. Insulate Where Possible
Install insulation under your floor and in your ceiling to lower heating and cooling costs.
17. LED lighting
Swap to energy efficient lighting like LED down lights or light bulbs to dramatically increase savings.
18. Optimise Your Heated Towel Rail
Putting your heated towel rail on a timer rather than running it 24/7 can reduce your electricity consumption, while ensuring you always have a warm and dry towel.
19. Get the Right Size Heater
Ensure your heater is the appropriate size for your space. Use the Consumer NZ heater calculator to find the best option for your needs. An appropriately sized heater operates more efficiently and can help reduce your heating costs.
While these tips won’t take your power bill to $0, we’ve found the little things do add up.
Got your own power-saving hacks? Share them in the comments!
Cheers,
Josh from Anytime Electrics
Make stunning sets of trinket trays with a nod to the traditional craft of basket-making simply using clay and Resene shades of green.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Rejuvenate old dinosaur toys that have faded with Resene testpots to help them keep looking good in the harsh sunlight.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
For more info call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869.
Email: steveproc777@gmail.com
I used to own one of Auckland's well known driving schools, now semi-retired. I can offer people my experience for free with all the tips and tricks on how to pass a driving test. Most parents do a great job… View moreFor more info call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869.
Email: steveproc777@gmail.com
I used to own one of Auckland's well known driving schools, now semi-retired. I can offer people my experience for free with all the tips and tricks on how to pass a driving test. Most parents do a great job of coaching their children but don't have the tools to get up to test standard. Tips like how to navigate roundabouts and do observation points, lane changing procedures, flush medians, merging, speed zones, how and when to do the MIB - men in black procedures etc and the list goes on. For more info on how to apply all this, call or text Steve on Ph: 027 3430869
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
… View more"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
The programme features a blend of classical compositions that will transport you through time and across cultures. From the intricate harmonies of Bach’s Baroque masterpiece to Schubert’s Romantic lyricism, and the jazzy rhythms of Gershwin’s iconic ‘An American in Paris’. Calefax, hailing from the Netherlands, are thrilled to be performing the world premiere of a newly CMNZ-commissioned work from award-winning New Zealand composer Rosie Langabeer.
Don't miss Calefax in Auckland: Tuesday 17 September - 7.30pm
.........Photography: Merlijn Doomernik
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
Hello Neighbours
If anyone needs a Builder or a Handyman, you can contact Carl of Bayview Builders. He’s our local builder with more than 20 years of experience in Building Industry.
You can check his Facebook page
www.facebook.com...
Calling all Auckland shoppers, don't miss out on this deal — 3x clothing rack items for just $10 (excludes all other items) 👗👚 Or go big and grab 3x 'fill a bags' for only $10 🛍️
Hurry, this sale ends Sunday 25th August, your next favorite outfit is waiting! Open … View moreCalling all Auckland shoppers, don't miss out on this deal — 3x clothing rack items for just $10 (excludes all other items) 👗👚 Or go big and grab 3x 'fill a bags' for only $10 🛍️
Hurry, this sale ends Sunday 25th August, your next favorite outfit is waiting! Open Saturday 9-5pm and Sunday 10-4pm.
Only at 📍 30 Springs Road, East Tamaki
(We're conveniently located on the corner of Springs Rd & Kerwyn Ave, right by the traffic lights 🚦)
We’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens. When seconds count, it can save lives.
We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down … View moreWe’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens. When seconds count, it can save lives.
We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down without safely pulling over, and delay Police from responding to emergency situations. Please help us by allowing our team to get to those in need, so we can save lives.
Top tips when an emergency services vehicle approaches with lights and sirens:
🚑 You are required by law to pull to the side of the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
🚔 If the lights and siren of the Police vehicle continue past you, you can resume your journey.
🚒 Make sure you check the road is clear before moving on.
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
All Good Oat Milk (Possible presence of Bacillus cereus)
… View moreThese items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.
Food recalls:
All Good Oat Milk (Possible presence of Bacillus cereus)
Pies and sausage roll products - Good Time, Hub Gourmet and No.8 Premium brands
Value range Natural Almonds
South African shop Safari Meats - Biltong, Cabanossi, Droëwors and cured meats
Te Matuku oyster products (Risk of norovirus)
Product recalls:
Olimpia Splendid fan heaters
Euroblade Suntower Infared heater
Bobcat mower with recalled engines
Kids MGA Miniverse Make-it sets
Fisher Price baby gift set
Vehicle recalls can be found here.
We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.
I can turn your unused or unwanted items into cash without any hassle! 🤑
If you have things that you no longer need—like electronics, furniture, clothing, or collectibles—but don’t have the time or know-how to sell them, I’m here to help! 💪
How It Works:
1. Take Pictures 📸… View moreI can turn your unused or unwanted items into cash without any hassle! 🤑
If you have things that you no longer need—like electronics, furniture, clothing, or collectibles—but don’t have the time or know-how to sell them, I’m here to help! 💪
How It Works:
1. Take Pictures 📸 – Take some photos of the items you want to sell.
2. Send Them to Me 📩 – Upload the pictures and a brief description via my easy-to-use form which I will send you.
3. I Do the Work 🛠️ – I’ll research the best price, create a professional listing on TradeMe, and manage the sale from start to finish.
4. You Get Paid 💸 – Once the item sells, I’ll take care of the transaction and send you half the money, less TradeMe fees!
No more stressing about writing descriptions, figuring out the best price, or dealing with buyers—just an easy way to make extra cash! 💰
Interested? Drop a comment below, send me a message and I will send you details.
Thanks for all your support, and I can’t wait to help you declutter and earn some cash! 😊
trevoreppel@outlook.com
Are you looking to stay active and swim? A state-of-the art gym and Olympic size pools all in one membership. Join AUT Millennium Gym and take advantage of our September Gym Promo. Sign up for a 1-Year All Access Membership (paid on a fortnightly plan) and get six weeks free with no joining fee, a … View moreAre you looking to stay active and swim? A state-of-the art gym and Olympic size pools all in one membership. Join AUT Millennium Gym and take advantage of our September Gym Promo. Sign up for a 1-Year All Access Membership (paid on a fortnightly plan) and get six weeks free with no joining fee, a saving of $258!
Our All Access Membership offers access to a state-of-the-art gym, 2x Olympic-size pools, and an extensive range of group fitness classes designed for all ages and fitness levels. It’s never too late to start your fitness journey!
Winter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and … View moreWinter’s almost over, and while many of us are shaking off the chilly months spent indoors, Wendy and John from Keith Park Village have been making the most of every moment. For this couple, winter isn’t a time to hunker down – it’s the perfect season to jet off to warmer climates and explore hidden corners of the world.
Click read more for the full story.
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