Don’t fall victim to shocking summer power bills
Residents in apartments may face shocking surges in electricity bills if they don’t consider ways to reduce spending during summer.
Each year many unit owners report noticeable spikes in power prices over the summer months, as residents increasingly rely on air conditioning to combat sweltering temperatures.
Archers the Strata Professionals partner Grant Mifsud said some unit owners saw prices leap up to 30 percent during the warmer months.
Mr Mifsud said bodies corporate should be reviewing the building’s electricity habits in the lead up to the holiday season, with a view to minimise excessive power usage.
“As Queenslanders, residents know to expect hot, humid summers, but even making a few conscious changes to their electricity habits can help keep power bills under control and save hundreds of dollars,” he said.
“To make all possible savings, changes need to occur both from the bodies corporate and the residents.”
Mr Mifsud said all schemes are unique, so it’s important for bodies corporate to understand the distinct needs of the property, and work with unit owners to identify areas for improvement.
“We encourage all unit owners to undertake a full scale energy audit to identify potential areas to save. Past reviews have suggested changing light globes, adjusting timing mechanisms and regulating thermostats,” he said.
“The tariff listed on electricity bills should also be reviewed by the body corporate at a scheme level to ensure it’s the most relevant for the building type.
“If bodies corporate are looking for further cost saving initiatives, seeking expert advice for a thorough energy audit may be helpful in identifying additional ways to reduce costs.
Mr Mifsud said bodies corporate should openly communicate with residents about ways to reduce spending and incorporate five tips to tackle unexpected bill shock:
• Change timers on common area lighting – as summer days get longer, lights can be turned on later at night and off earlier in the morning
• Assess the body corporate tariff allocation as detailed on each bill to ensure it is the most efficient tariff for your scheme’s needs
• Openly communicate with scheme residents to discuss ways to curb unnecessary spending
• Seek the services of an expert consultancy about conducting a full scale energy audit to identify cost saving initiatives to meet your building’s unique needs.
• Consider a bulk energy purchase agreement – this is particularly relevant for large schemes that have commercial elements with high energy consumption.
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