Energy efficiency
Improve how you use energy in your home, business or school.
Get ready for ACT’s electric future and save money on your energy bills. Simply switching appliances off at the wall or sealing gaps around doors and windows can make a difference to your bills. And when you can, upgrade to energy-efficient electric appliances.
What is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency means using less energy to achieve the same result.
For example, heating a room with the windows open uses a lot of energy because the warm air escapes through the windows. Closing the windows means the warm air stays inside the room and less energy is used to keep the room warm. Heating a room with the windows closed is more energy efficient.
While there is an upfront cost for appliance purchase and upgrades, you will still be better off in an energy efficient and electric home:
- You will pay less on your energy bills; and
- You will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
ACT householders should consider energy efficiency upgrades such as installing insulation and draught proofing, alongside energy saving behaviours. These are the most affordable options for households to save money on energy bills. A well-sealed and insulated home uses less energy to cool in summer and heat in winter. The next step is electrification. Many Canberra households have already started the energy transition. In 2023, 30% of Canberra households had rooftop solar systems and over a third of Canberra households were already all electric.
Understand your energy use
Find out where energy is being used in your home, business or school.
Compare your winter energy costs to your summer costs. This will help you understand how much you’re spending on heating. Use this as a starting point to see the impact of any energy efficiency changes you make.
Get a free home energy assessment by one of our energy experts through the Sustainable Home Advice Program.
ACT businesses can get a free onsite sustainability assessment with a technical expert through the Sustainable Business Program.
The Home Energy Action Kit can help you understand your energy and water usage. The Kit has instructions and equipment so you can easily see where energy is being used in your home. You can also measure tap flow rates and hot water temperatures.
The Home Energy Action Kit is free to borrow from ACT public libraries.
Smart meters are now installed in new homes and buildings. These digital electricity meters record how much electricity you use, and at what times. They’re a great way to assess your energy use and are a great way to help you save money. Talk to your energy provider about upgrading to a smart meter.
How to improve energy efficiency
You can improve a building’s energy efficiency by switching from gas to all electric appliances, choosing efficient appliances, installing insulation, and making your own electricity with rooftop solar panels. Here’s some more information to help you improve your energy efficiency:
- Heating for your home
- Cooling for your home
- Energy efficient appliances
- Switch from fossil-fuel gas to all electric
- Hot water
- Lighting
- Insulation
- Window glazing or treatments
- Install solar and batteries
- Understand buying, building or renovating a sustainable home.
- If you are building or renovating understand what energy efficiency standards you’ll need to meet. Sellers and property owners must also provide an energy rating.
Get support
Check out energy efficiency advice, programs and incentives specific to
Why it’s important
The ACT is committed to net zero emissions by 2045. Canberrans can help reach this goal by making their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Fossil fuel gas makes up 20% of the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions, so switching from gas to all electric can make a big difference for a green and healthy future.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.