$1 of energy gets me......

How much do my appliances cost to run?

What costs more to run - the ceiling fan or air conditioner? Front loader or top loader? Hot water for a bath or for showering? Whilst there are many factors to be considered when looking at energy use, understanding the average consumption for modern appliances is a great place to start. Energy Networks Australia has compiled some useful fact sheets to help us understand how far $1 of energy will take you.

For those of us working from home, Energy Networks Australia estimates the additional cost of running a home office, heating/cooling and kids/entertainment to be $2.78 per day - that could mean $165 on top of your normal bill!

Turning your heater thermostat down by just 1 degree will save 10 per cent on your energy bill.

There are a number of ways to be energy smart and to take control of your energy costs. The Victorian Energy Saver website is a good place to start.

Be sure to check out the Sustainable Living Festival page for insightful ways to reduce energy, offset your carbon footprint or convert to renewable energy.

If you are concerned about your energy bills this season, energy retailers are required by law to provide assistance to customers experiencing payment difficulty. Call your retailer for more information.