Aussies tipped to spend $80bn to save on power bills
Households are spending billions in upgrading to more sustainable and energy-efficient products, but it is an investment to lower their electricity bills over environmental concerns.
A report released by REA Group with Origin found that half of Australians are looking to make their homes more sustainable, as they see it as a way of saving on their electricity bills.
When homeowners were asked the reasons why they would switch to more energy-efficient appliances, 68 per cent said it was due to cost of living and the price of energy, outweighing the 55 per cent who cited environmental concerns.
But saving money on their power bills will come at a huge cost over the short term, with the average household planning to spend $7,50 on energy-efficient improvements over the next five years, signalling a potential spend of more than $80bn nationwide.
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said the rising cost of living had placed affordability at the forefront of household concerns, with homeowners and renters seeking solutions to reduce energy bills.
'Making the switch to all-electric appliances in the home could help save costs, reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions,' she said.
'Yet, upfront costs and knowledge gaps are significant barriers preventing many from adopting energy-efficient features.'
Just shy of two in three respondents said property owners should be responsible for improving energy efficiency in established homes, while about half put some of the onus on either the federal or state government.
The findings follow the quarterly consumer price index data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that showed quarterly growth in housing was driven by a spike in electricity prices, which were up 16.3 per cent.
The rise was driven by increased electricity prices in Brisbane, where most households have used up the $1000 Queensland state government electricity rebate. resulting in higher out-of-pocket electricity costs.
The report also found that only 34 per cent of respondents had a good understanding of the benefits of 'electrification', a term that those under the age of 35 knew least about.
Origin retail executive general manager Jon Briskin said while saving money was a huge motivator for Australians, many didn't know where to start.
'Small changes to energy habits and upgrading to more efficient appliances within their budget is a good starting point for many households,' he said.
Ms Creagh said Aussies with a greater understanding of energy-efficient appliances were more likely to convert their property to electricity compared with those with no knowledge.
'It's clear that people with a good understanding of energy efficiency are more likely to make upgrades to their home and alter their behaviour to reduce energy use. This indicates that wider education is crucial to improving energy efficiency across Australia,' she said.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Flat whites the biggest seller': the man bringing Aussie coffee culture to Japan
John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map."
Courier-Mail
6 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Little-known Centrelink rule that could save you $800
A single mum from the Blue Mountains has shared how a simple phone call saved her more than $800 a year. Alyce Verade, a 37-year-old mother of three, discovered she was eligible for a refund on her car registration and licence fees, thanks to a little-known benefit associated with Centrelink's Pensioner Concession Card. Verade, who receives the Single Parenting Payment, has held a Pensioner Concession Card since December 2023, according to Yahoo Finance. She stumbled upon this financial lifeline during a conversation with her hairdresser, who mentioned the potential for refunds. Intrigued, Verade contacted Services NSW to verify her eligibility. To her surprise, Verade – who has shared her story on TikTok – was informed that she qualified for a refund of her $692 car registration fee, along with a partial refund exceeding $200 for her driver's licence. MORE NEWS Big blow for anyone who isn't a millionaire Shock salary you now need to buy a home Great Aussie dream crushed by cost surge The total refund amounted to more than $800, a significant sum for the mum-of-three, who expressed her gratitude for the unexpected windfall. 'They were so helpful. It was over and all done within 10 minutes,' Verade told Yahoo Finance. 'She asked a few questions and had to know my Centrelink number and my last transaction with Service NSW.' For Verade, every bit of extra cash is welcome, especially when it can be directed towards her children's needs. For others, it could provide a lifeline to help cover rent and mortgage expenses. Based on the average $640,000 home loan and 5.5 per cent interest mortgage repayments, an $800 a year refund could provide $29,555 in savings over the life of a loan. Homeowners would also be able to pay off their loan 16 months earlier. For those renting, an $800 a year refund would provide around $40 in savings a week. Centrelink's Pensioner Concession Card provides Australians with access to a variety of benefits, including cheaper medicine and bulk-billed doctor visits. In New South Wales, eligible cardholders can enjoy additional perks such as free car registration and licences. Service NSW confirmed that current Pensioner Concession Card holders are entitled to exemptions from registration fees, motor vehicle tax, conditional registration fees, transfer fees, and stamp duty. The rules, however, vary across states and territories. In Victoria, Pensioner Concession Card holders receive a 50 per cent discount on their motor vehicle registration fee. Meanwhile, in Queensland, similar concessions are available to reduce vehicle registration costs.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Inevitable': Grim news for Aussie drivers
Australian motorists will 'inevitably' pay more when they fuel up their cars in the coming days, as energy producing stocks soar from the fallout in the Middle East. Futures markets for Brent oil have spiked in recent days and are now buying $US77 a barrel, when it was just over $US65 this time last week. It comes as tensions out of the Middle East flare up, after Israel undertook pre-emptive attacks on Iran. It said the strikes were aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. Iran has fired missiles back at Israel in response. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Monday it was 'inevitable' Aussies will have to pay more at the pump. Mr Marles said the extent of the impact hostilities would have on Australia's economy 'depends a bit on how long the conflict goes and the way in which it plays out'. But he said it was 'right to focus on fuel'. Motorists could soon be paying more for fuel. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Inevitable price rise set to hit motorists: NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia 'Already we have seen over the course of the last few days the global oil price go up and it's the inevitable consequence of any conflict,' Mr Marles said. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver wrote in his latest economic note fuel prices could be on the rise for motorists, but how much they pay will depend on how long oil prices remain higher. 'Oil prices were already rising this month on signs of increasing risks and have spiked further – with the rise so far this month threatening a flow of around 12 cents a litre for Australian petrol prices if sustained at these levels,' he said. While motorists could be paying more to fuel up their car compared with the start of May when oil was at $US65 a barrel, Janus Henderson investment portfolio manager Oliver Blackbourn said the recent spike is still within the usual range for oil. 'The price of a barrel of oil had ranged between $70 and $90 through 2024, to put the recent moves in context,' he said. 'This period includes prior exchanges of strikes between Israel and Iran, and is still far below the levels above $100 per barrel in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.' Despite the price rises it is important motorists keep the price rises in context: NewsWire John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Blackbourn said any further moves in the price of crude oil will be dependent on what happens next in the Israel-Iran conflict. On the ASX, the energy sector was up 5.7 per cent amid the higher oil prices and a takeover bid from Abu Dhabi state owned company logging a $30bn bid for Santos. Shares in Santos soared 11.87 per cent to $7.78 after the takeover announcement. Oil and gas giant Woodside jumped after the opening bell and is up more than 3.3 per cent to $26.05 at the time of writing due to the increase in oil prices. Petrol and diesel producer Ampol also climbed 1.70 per cent to 426.25 while Woodside was also rallying on Monday, up 3.1 per cent, petrol and diesel producer Ampol climbed 1.9 per cent and Beach energy shares are up 2.69 per cent to $1.33.
