Guide to energy savings

Here are four levels of energy savings, from big changes to small tweaks. Let’s find ways to save that work for you!

5 min read

Last updated 14 May, 2025

Energy savings for every home.

As we move towards a cleaner energy future, we’re finding new ways to help our customers manage their energy use to save on energy bills. Let’s join the change by being part of an energy movement that is more sustainable, reliable and affordable for all Australians.

We’ve got four different levels of energy savings, so everyone can find ways to save that work for them.

1. Easy energy tweaks

Small habit changes that can make a big impact – without costing you a cent.

Cold wash your clothes - 90% of a washing machine's energy use goes to heating water, switching to cold can save about $200 a year
Turn unused devices off at the wall - standby power can account for 10% of your electricity bill or around $125 a year
Get smart with heating and cooling - each extra degree on your heater or cooler can add up to 10% of your energy use
Skip the clothes dryer - three loads a week in a vented dryer can cost over $280 a year

How much could you save with easy tweaks?

Combine these tips and save around $600 per year!

2. Simple home updates

Whether you rent or own your home, anyone can make these small changes that help lower energy usage.

Upgrade your appliances - check the star rating and consider swapping for more energy efficient ones
Change your lights - LED bulbs are the most efficient, they use 75% less energy than halogen and last around 5-10 times longer which can save about $250 a year
Add some shade - Shutters, deciduous plants and blackout curtains cool your home in summer and won't make it colder in winter
Stop draughts - Seal any gaps to stop unwanted airflow in or out and upgrading insulation has an even bigger impact. Doing both can save $350-1500 each year

How much could you save with simple home updates?

Combine these tips and save around $2000 a year!

3. Go electric in your home

Powering your home with electricity could help reduce your overall energy bills and carbon footprint. Let’s look at some options.

Get a personalised estimate - AGL's Electrify Now tool estimates your bill when you go electric at home. Search based on budget and appliance.
Harness and store solar power - solar panels generate energy, batteries store that energy. Self-power your home day/night with solar and a battery, and lower your electricity bills!
Induction cooktops - a more efficient heating choice which is also easier to clean and has a safer, cool-to-touch surface.
Electric heat pumps - heat/cool your home and hot water system. Up to 12x more efficient than gas heaters.

Julie and Greg wanted to install solar panels and an electric hot water heat pump. Using AGL's Electrify Now tool, their personalised estimate said they could save $900 on their bills in the first year.

Try Electrify Now

4. Switch gears with an electric vehicle

Say goodbye to exhaust emissions and hello to lower running costs. You might be surprised at how easy getting into an EV can be.

Where you can charge your EV - the public network is growing fast, it's like topping up your petrol when you're out. There are online maps and apps to help you find your closest charger.
Charge at home - a great benefit of electric vehicles is charging at home. Home chargers give you faster charging and smart EV chargers let you control how you charge, from your solar or the grid.
Cut charging costs even further - charging at home can save you even more if you can charge during off-peak periods or using solar energy. Check out AGL's EV Night Saver plan, specifically for electric vehicles.
Subscribe and drive - try out an EV with a subscription. With flexible contracts you can return, swap or extend. Includes insurance, servicing and 24/7 roadside assistance. You can even estimate your savings.

How much could you save on running costs?

Driving 30km per day in a sedan:

$154/mth in a petrol vehicle vs $42/mth in an EV

That's an estimated annual saving of $1368!*

*Indicative costs based on assumptions found here

Discover how you could save by going all electric.

Read about what to consider and how we can help you get started.

Find out more