Households in Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter are becoming more energy efficient, with an average home reducing its electricity use by almost two per cent over the past 12 months.

 

Electricity use data from Ausgrid shows that average household power use throughout its network dipped to 18.1 kilowatt hours a day over the 2010/11 financial year, however demand for power at peak times continues to rise.

 

Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said more efficient electrical appliances and greater awareness of electricity use were the likely reasons behind the change.

 

"Average household use has dropped by about two percent a year for about the past four years," Mr Myors said.

 

"It’s being driven by greater use of solar and gas hot water systems, more energy efficient lighting and higher energy efficiency standards for appliances like fridges.

 

However, analysis shows that electricity consumption from the non-residential sector is still increasing by about one per cent, while peak demand for power is rising by just under one percent.

 

About 70 per cent of total electricity use comes from the non-residential sector.

 

Peak demand normally occurs on very hot days when demand for power from business is still high and households begin to ramp up air conditioning inside their homes.

 

"At least three quarters of all Australian homes now use one or more air conditioners," Mr Myors said.

 

"On very hot days we are tending to use these air conditioners all at once. When that coincides with the tail end of business and industrial activity, it can create extreme peaks in electricity demand.

 

"Along with replacement projects, it’s peak demand that drives the need to upgrade electricity networks."

 

The household electricity use data for 39 local government areas is available on the Neighbourhood Works map. It is updated each quarter along with other information such as household solar PV installation and streetlight repair times.