Page 30 - TNE WORKBOOK

240.0
2016
220.0
200.0
Electricity 180.0
Prices 160.0
Index 140.0
2006
120.0 DOUBLED IN 10 YEARS!
100.0

80.0
Source: Energy Matters, 2016. Natural gas prices are also increasing.

Scientific evidence shows that to minimise the impact of climate change we need to
abandon fossil fuels as our predominant source of energy. But nationally, Australia
still has one of the most fossil-fuel dependent electricity system’s in the world.
Extracting and shipping coal and natural gas results in other damaging impacts
too. For example, in Australia, smoke from coal-fired power stations and particle
debris from coal trains contributes to respiratory diseases like asthma and has been
linked to lung cancer.

Solar and wind energy are rapidly becoming cheaper than coal-fired power and gas.
This is because once they’re built, solar and wind power plants cost next to nothing
to run (no fuel costs and very low maintenance costs). Whereas coal-fired power
stations and gas power plants need to incorporate the cost of mining and fracking
for coal and gas into their ongoing prices (i.e. high ongoing fuel costs).

The ACT is in a really good position when it comes to our energy system. While the
rest of the National Electricity Grid gets about 85% of its electricity from coal-fired
%100 power (which is bad for the environment and people’s health), by 2020 the ACT
will offset its emissions from electricity consumption through the grid using 100%
renewable energy (like solar and wind energy – which don’t pollute the air or emit
carbon dioxide). This 100% goal is a world-leading renewable energy target, so be
happy and proud that you live in a region that’s already solved a big part of this
problem for you!

Even in 2020, Canberra will still be connected to the rest of the New South Wales
electricity grid, so the electricity fed into our houses will still come from mostly
fossil fuel sources. In this way, even though Canberrans will have their energy
consumption and the associated pollution fully offset by the ACT’s renewable
energy scheme, saving power in our homes will still be helping the environment.
The good news is there are easy, feel-good things you can do to cut down your
energy bills. Plus, if you’re worried about the cost of electricity and gas, then these
small actions will also save you a motzah!

Take the power back! Our energy-busting game plan
Step 1: Get a feel for your electricity usage (10 mins)

This handy tool from the Victorian government will give you a rough estimate of your energy consumption,
compared to other households like yours. All you need is your last electricity bill – it takes about 2 minutes to
fill out: compare my household electricity usage!

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