Cost of Living Relief: Community Energy Service
With the cost of living causing hardship for many at present, it's good to know that there are some things you can do to keep your energy bills down.
Here are some top tips from the Victorian Energy Saver website:
- Switch off lights and electrical appliances when you don't use them.
- Switch to energy-saving LED light globes.
- Shut doors and close curtains.
- Save energy in how you wash and dry clothes.
- Understand and improve your home's energy use.
- Save energy in the kitchen.
- Manage your heating and cooling.
- Get the best energy deal.
- Insulate your roof.
- Save money with solar energy.
Many Local Councils also offer support to residents changing to more efficient energy sources and offer information about current grants and subsidies.
Drop in Sessions:
Community Energy Officer, Sushant Gurung from Banyule Council is running some drop-in sessions around Banyule. Drop in to get assistance and advice on:
- Finding the best offer for an energy supply.
- Advice on solar.
- Grant opportunities.
- Ways to save energy.
- Upgrading your home.
There are two drop-in sessions coming up at Watsonia Library:
- Tuesday, 27 February, 9.00am— 5.00pm
- Tuesday, 26 March, 9.00am— 5.00pm
The drop-in sessions will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and bookings are not required, just drop-in to Watsonia Library at any time during the session to chat with Sushant; he’ll answer your questions and review your bills to make sure you're getting the best offers and help work through any questions you might have! For more information visit the Banyule City Council, Community energy service drop-on assistance webpage here.
You might also find this event of interest:
Libraries after Dark: Rental Relief and Tenants' Rights
Learn about tenants' legal rights with the West Heidelberg Community Legal Service and rental relief and ways to reduce rental costs with Gambler's Help Northern.
This is a tough time to be renting and this session will cover eligibility for concessions and bill reduction and offer up-to-date information on the laws around tenancy.
The talk will cover:
- Repairs – rights of renters and duties.
- Responsibilities of landlord/rental provider.
- Rent increases – right to challenge the increase, requirements in a notice of rent increase.
- Owing rent – What are your rights and responsibilities?
- Eviction – What are your rights?
Here are some resources from our collection that might help:
Practical projects for self-sufficiency : DIY projects to get your self-reliant lifestyle started by Chris Peterson
Have you ever wanted to build your own chicken coop, cider press, or herb-drying rack? How about a clever two-bin composter, horse-blanket washing machine, or genuine Langstroth beehive? In Practical Projects for Self-Sufficiency, you'll find these projects and a couple of dozen more to help you develop and grow your self-reliant lifestyle. Where most books in the popular self-sufficiency category give you pages of words and a couple of small drawings by way of explanation, this book shows you exactly how to do things, employing beautiful photos and complete plans in the best Cool Springs Press tradition.
The sustainable house handbook : how to plan and build an affordable, energy-efficient and waterwise home for the future by Josh Byrne
Discover 80+ Sustainable Living Projects Whether you live rural, in the suburbs, or in the city, this book has projects to make your home more sustainable. Have fun creating a self-sustainable home and in the process you will: -- Save money. Provide something for yourself and that's money you don't have to spend. -- Be healthier. -- Harness the power of solar energy for electricity, cooking, and heat. -- Make your own oil, flour, dairy free milk, dairy free yogurt, and more - all from one plant! -- Control bugs, rodents, and other pests without chemicals or cruel traps. ... plus many more tips for sustainable living!