By Jo Kaptein, Program Lead, MASH community solar bulk-buy organised by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, a not-for-profit based in Castlemaine

We all want to be warm and comfortable in winter.  If you’re like me, you’ll also be keen to keep your energy bills under control.

Through the MASH solar bulk-buy, we are offering a free electricity monitoring device – called Powerpal – to all new customers. I got one installed at my Castlemaine home to see how it works and I have to say that it’s great! 

What Powerpal does is show how much electricity you are buying from the grid in real-time. It’s perfect for any household with a mains electricity connection; it doesn’t matter whether or not you have solar.

Despite working in solar, I’m not an electricity nerd. I like Powerpal because I can take a quick look at the app on my phone and see how much electricity I’m using right now, or for any time period – and what it’s costing me.

It also shows how much electricity is used on “always-on appliances”. These are appliances that use power even when they’re not being actively used, i.e. TV, games consoles, fridges etc. Older appliances can use a surprising amount of power – for instance a large old fridge can cost you $500 a year to run.  The classic beer fridge could be costing you more than you think!  (So it’s a good idea to switch them off at the wall).

Through MASH, you’ll get a Powerpal installed when you confirm your order. Plus, if you request a solar panels clean/system maintenance check through us, we’ll offer you the Powerpal as a freebie.  If you aren’t ordering a MASH system and want one anyway, get in touch as we can get it installed for a small fee (covering the installation call-out).

A member of the installation team will set the device up on your switchboard and get the app set up.  The whole thing takes around 15 minutes. That’s it – no ongoing costs, just an easy tool to get you more energy savvy! 

Find out more

MASH is holding info meetings in the coming weeks in Castlemaine, Kyneton and Lancefield. The first are this week: Castlemaine (battery storage), 20 July at the Town Hall and Kyneton (solar power + battery storage) on 22 July at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute. Both are from 6-7.30pm.

To find out more or to request an obligation-free quote call MASH on 1300 466 274 or visit mash.org.au.