Simple things we can do make a difference

Save Power Business Challenge - Simple things we do can make a difference

NSW businesses produce hundreds of thousands of black balloons every year that could be reduced. Most businesses spending around $20,000 a year on power can save at least 10 per cent – up to 600,000 black balloons.

We challenged six small businesses and six homes to reduce their power use over eight weeks in the Save Power Challenge. The results were impressive, with all the Challengers managing to save themselves a lot of power and money in just two months!

Each business in the challenge will save an average of almost $1,670, or 16 per cent on their annual power bills.

Read their stories below and our expert blogs on how to save power and money in your small business and at home.

The Save Power Challenge was featured in the Sunday Telegraph and Daily Telegraph from Sept-Nov 2010.

Save Power Challenge business entry creative
Business Challengers
Household Challengers
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Business Challengers

Businesses in line for big savings

Small businesses can reduce their power bills and cut carbon pollution.Read more

Ern shows the way

There's no such thing as a business that is too small to save energy. Read more

Feedback is all positive

Small businesses are starting to take notice of power-saving ideas and their climate-conscious clientele. Read more

Carl sees the light

Carl Ding, the owner of Oakhill's IGA supermarket, is set to save energy and money through power monitors and the Save Power Challenge. Read more

Joe embraces progress

No matter the size of the company, there's always room for improvement when it comes to energy efficiency. Read more

Jenny gets a new attitude

Jenny Hong puts a high priority on saving energy. But until recently, the owner of Scrambled cafe in Enmore put it in the "too-hard basket'' at work. Read more

Bottom line is looking better

After wages and rent, electricity has become the biggest expense for Gooodall's Quality Meats Merimbula. Read more

Balancing act is paying off

Balancing practicality with efficiency is the mantra at Ern Phangs legal practice in Parramatta. Read more

Chefs, engineers chop energy waste

Chefs, lawyers, beauty therapists, engineers, tradespeople and professionals are being trained to save power in their business. Read more

Butcher's bills get the chop

Businesses can reduce electricity bills by 30-50 per cent says energy assessor Tim Whittaker. Read more

Household Challengers

Saving money and the planet

Six NSW householders and six small businesses will go under the microscope as they do their best to save money while rescuing the planet Read more

Families facing the challenge

This weekend kicks off The Sunday Telegraph, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW Save Power Challenge. Read more

Surprises for young mum

Being able to see where your power is going puts you a step ahead when it comes to saving energy. Read more

It's time to think small

For Jodie Davis who lives in Dudley with husband and two sons, the biggest power users have been the kids and their long showers. Read more

Couple get a star rating

Energy assessors say Peter and Renae Dimovski are stand-out performers for the great behavioural changes they've made to save power. Read more

New routine for new mum

By working easy power saving techniques into her domestic routine, new mum Kelly Ackers is getting real results. Read more

Hubby gets motivated

Chystalla Soghomonian is proud of how energy-conscious her husband has become since they signed up for the Save Power Challenge. Read more

Kelly makes an impact

Kelly Ackers was celebrating when The Sunday Telegraph contacted her for an update on her progress in the Save Power Challenge. Read more

Young warriors on a mission

Cooper Child and his classmates are dubbed "environmental warriors" at school. Read more

Smart Alex gets the message

Using less power doesn't have to mean compromising on creature comforts. Read more

Renae reaps cash rewards

For Renae Dimovski from Mount Warrigal in the Illawarra region, the Save Power Challenge "really whipped us into electric shape". Read more

Dynamic dozen delivers

It was a steep learning curve for some, but they did it. Read more

Pensioners rise against power prices

West Wallsend pensioners are taking action against rising power prices. Read more

Ask the energy experts

How can your business save power?

Business energy expert David Trewin answered your questions on ways to save power and reduce your power bills in a live blog.

The transcript of the session is featured below.

David Trewin, business sustainability expert

Ask the expert
how to save power at work
– Chat session, Oct 2010

David Trewin answered your questions on business energy efficiency. Read blog transcript

Do you know what you can do to save energy around the home?

During the Save Power Challenge we heard from energy expert Matthew Clark, who answered your burning questions about saving power, saving money and increasing energy efficiency via online chat. Transcripts of the live sessions are below.

Ask the expert
how to save power at home
– Chat session 1, Sept 2010

Matthew joined readers of The Daily Telegraph for a live chat about saving power and money in the home.Read blog transcript

Ask the expert
how to save power at home
– Chat session 2, Nov 2010

By popular demand Matthew returned to respond to more questions about ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce power bills.Read blog transcript