A smart way to reduce environmental costs

Waverley Council could soon provide devices available for hire so residents can measure how much energy their home appliances use.

The hand-held “smart-meters” plug into televisions, microwaves, fridges, air conditioners and other appliances translating the electricity they use into carbon emissions.

It is hoped they will be available within the next six months, most likely to be hired through the libraries as they are in the City of Sydney.

The meters have proved highly popular in the City of Sydney and it is expected Waverley residents will be just as keen to try them.

“We have a very environmentally conscious population in Waverley and we expect a lot of interest in the meters,” says Greens councillor Prue Cancian.

As well as keeping a check on carbon emissions, the meters allow users to check the cost of running appliances. By entering the local electricity price, the meter will give the user a calculated cost for electricity consumption.

“The meters are a great educational tool allowing people to see the costs of their appliances,” Cr Cancian said. “Hopefully residents will become more conscious of how often they use appliances once they see the results.”

The meters would be introduced as a part of the council’s Environmental Action Plan, which outlines considerations for energy conservation.

– By Emma James