[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Originally Posted by Larryp

I live in a small 2 bedroom 1950s fibro box, which of course has been heavily renovated. 3 years ago, I accepted the NSW govt offer on solar electricity and installed a 1.5 Kw system on my roof, and at the same time I converted my electric hot water, heating and cooking to gas. I insulated the roof, and installed vinyl cladding to the external walls to give me good insulation.
The combination of a SMALL house (all I need), solar power and gas, with good insulation means my electricity is ALWAYS in credit, which I then use to pay my gas bill. My TOTAL energy costs per annum are about $200.00, and I have 3 split system aircons I use in summer!
Trouble is, people want McMansions with everything that opens and shuts-then complain about running costs.

Please don't " fire arrows " at me .... I'm not here to be " smug " ... but I have to agree with Larry.

Yesterday ... I received my power bill ....( 10 months ago or there abouts.. .. I got rid of the electric stove ... put in a gas one ... installed a 2kw Solar Array... and not to much later ... got rid of the electric hot water system ... and installed a new Solar Hot Water system.

After I had done all of the above .... my next power bill was $144.50 in credit ..... yesterday my most recent power bill is showing $213.47 in credit.

Sure ... I forked out the best part of $8,000 to do all of this ( my choice and paid cash ... not under finance )... but it's been nearly a year now and I have not had to pay a single power bill since..!!

For heating ... We have a reverse cycle aircon' unit ... which when used for heating ... cost's 13c per hr..... information supplied from the Electricity Authority.

I'm not here guys to ' rub it in ' ... I do fully understand what your dealing with .... pure GREED ( and lack of maintenance by previous Govt' owners ) for a very necessary item in today's modern world.

To re-coup my outlay ....if prices continue to rise ... probably in the order of 3-5 years.... and provided the ' buy back ' tarriff remains the same.

If you can afford to do it ... and rebates are still available ... it's a good move.

Flash