Published: The Daily Telegraph Date: 11 October 2010
Jenny Hong from Scrambled cafe in Enmore is participating in the Energy Challenge.
Photo Jeremy Piper
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Jenny Hong puts a high priority on energy efficiency at home. But until recently, the owner of Scrambled cafe in Enmore put it in the "too-hard basket" at work.
Since taking part in the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW)'s Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program, she has realised just how easily she can save power and cut energy bills.
"When it comes to work, we get a bit lazy and have a 'this is too difficult' attitude," she says.
"Especially for a business of our (small) size, it's nice to become aware of how much the little things matter."
As part of the Save Power Challenge, Jenny had an energy monitor installed at her cafe to help her keep track of energy use and see the savings she's making immediately, rather than having to wait for the electricity bill.
"Because of the initial outlay, as a small business owner you can be hesitant to invest in more efficient equipment, sometimes you don't look at the big picture, so to be able to monitor it on a daily basis is really helpful," she says.
Her newly installed energy-efficient LED downlights have already seen power use dip, and are expected to save her more than $320 a year.
"We've benefited comfort-wise too, because it was so hot under the halogens, particularly in summer," Jenny says.
Following her DECCW energy assessor's advice, she has also replaced her "ancient" electricity-guzzling fridge and freezer with more efficient models.
Narooma Motel YHA
Down the coast, Darren Brass from Narooma Motel YHA is also using his energy monitor to gauge the results of his energy saving efforts.
"You can play around with turning different things on and off," Darren says. "Before, all we had were figures on a bill. Now we see what we're using immediately."
As his energy assessment found electric water heaters to be the business' biggest energy consumer, installing a solar hot water system was one of the first recommended steps on Darren's Energy Action Plan.
Through the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program, the NSW Government paid Darren's plumber directly for half of the cost. Once the money from the upcoming summer holiday period hits the bank, Darren intends to install two more units.
Heating and refrigeration proved to be other top energy consumers. Darren has already replaced all the old electric bar heaters in guest rooms with eco fan heaters. This has slashed the amount of energy used for heating by a third.
Switching off the second fridge during quiet periods also cut energy use, and the effect can be seen on the energy monitor.