In an era where the cost of living is soaring and every penny counts, finding ways to cut down on expenses is more important than ever. For many Australian seniors, managing household bills is a top priority, and when it comes to electricity, the costs can be particularly shocking. But what if I told you that a Melbourne dad managed to reduce his family's electricity bill to less than $50? It's true, and we're here to share his savvy strategies that could help you do the same.


Jay Aggarwal, a father from Melbourne, has become somewhat of a household hero. Living with his family of three, Jay has implemented a series of 'sneaky tricks' that have kept their energy bills astonishingly low, even after moving from a two-bedroom apartment in Northcote to a three-bedroom house in Hoppers Crossing. Their last quarterly bill was a mere $49.76 for a usage of 120kWh, which is significantly lower than the typical family of three's usage of 486kWh.


So, how did Jay achieve such impressive savings? Let's dive into his energy-saving tactics and see how you can apply them to your own home.


Turn Everything Off at the Switch

Jay's family is meticulous about turning off all appliances at the switch when not in use, with the exception of the fridge. This simple habit can prevent unnecessary energy consumption from standby power, which can add up over time.


Charge Phones Smartly
Instead of leaving phones to charge overnight, Jay and his wife charge their mobiles only until they reach about 85% before turning them off. Overcharging not only consumes more energy but can also reduce the lifespan of your phone's battery.

Monitor Consumption Actively

Using the Emerald Electricity Advisor app connected to his smart electricity meter, Jay tracks his household's real-time energy usage. This allows him to identify which appliances are the biggest energy consumers and adjust usage accordingly.


Rug Up
Instead of relying on heaters, which can be incredibly energy-intensive, Jay's family wears warm clothes indoors. Layering up can retain body heat and keep you comfortable without the need for constant heating.

Use Hot Water Bottles

To combat the chilly Victorian winters, the Aggarwals use hot water bottles to preheat their beds, a much more energy-efficient alternative to electric blankets.


Shop Around for Energy Providers

Jay did his research and chose an energy provider, ENGiE, that offers discounts on both usage and supply charges. It's crucial to compare different providers and plans to find the best deal that suits your consumption patterns.

Be Open to Change

The key to reducing energy consumption, according to Jay, is a willingness to change your habits. Simple adjustments can lead to significant savings, and once these practices become routine, they're easy to maintain.


For our senior readers, these tips could be particularly beneficial. As we spend more time at home, being conscious of our energy use can lead to substantial savings. It's also a great way to contribute to environmental conservation by reducing our reliance on coal-powered energy.

Remember, every household is different, and what works for one family may not be suitable for another. However, Jay's approach shows that with a bit of effort and mindfulness, it's possible to drastically cut down on electricity bills.
We'd love to hear from you, members of the Seniors Discount Club. Have you tried any of these energy-saving methods? Do you have any of your own tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, and let's help each other save on our energy bills!