Power and gas increases – time for a change? - 28.09.10

By now you’ll probably have heard that power and gas prices are on the rise and it appears that it’s a trend that will continue, putting extra strain on your household finances.

A 2010 report by the St Vincent De Paul Society has found that annual gas and electricity costs for the average Victorian household have risen by more than $300 since 2008.

Fresh Living Group managing director Andrew Heath said many people were not aware that there still were generous, non-means tested solar power and solar hot water rebates still available.

"A 1.5 KW solar power system has the potential to save you approx. $500 a year off your power bill,’’ Andrew said. “Highly efficient evacuated tube systems have the potential to provide on average up to 80 per cent of a standard household’s hot water needs,” he explained.

"Fresh Living Group can provide tailored solar solutions to meet most roofs and budgets.”

Andrew said all the rebate paperwork is taken care of and Fresh Living Group only used professional licensed installers. Fresh Solar customer Joe said he wanted to get solar power to save money and do his bit for the environment but was worried that the larger companies would rip him off.

“I also did not fully understand the complex Government incentives available but the team at Fresh Solar explained everything so that I could understand,” Joe said.