Smarter choices to save on energy bills
Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today launched the Smarter Choice retail program to assist families to save money on household bills by choosing more energy and water efficient appliances.
Premier Ted Baillieu is joined by Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith, Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan and JB Hi-Fi Chief Financial Officer Richard Murray as he launches the Smarter Choice retail program at Chadstone’s JB Hi-Fi.
The Smarter Choice program trains retail sales staff from approximately 400 appliance, lighting and hardware retail stores in metropolitan and regional Victoria on how best to advise customers about the energy efficiency of appliances.
As part of the program customers will also be able to access in-store brochures outlining running costs of appliances, energy and water efficiency tips and easy-to-use calculators showing the savings made by choosing higher efficiency products.
Mr Baillieu and Mr Smith joined JB Hi-Fi Chief Financial Officer Richard Murray at Chadstone with today's launch marking JB Hi-Fi as the first home entertainment retailer to join the program.
"Every year Victorians purchase more than one million appliances," Mr Baillieu said.
"A medium-sized Victorian household, with three to four people using electricity and gas, spends around $2400 on energy bills each year.
"This program ensures Victorians get the best information to make the smartest choice and reduce their household energy bills," Mr Baillieu said.
Mr Smith said the Smarter Choice program demonstrated the Victorian Government's commitment to providing better and more practical information and advice on what households can do about energy and water use.
Mr Murray said JB Hi-Fi staff members were better placed to give expert advice about energy efficiency to customers after participating in the Smarter Choices program.
Participating retailers include Beacon Lighting, Betta Electrical, Bunnings, Camberwell Electrics, Dahlsens, ELGAS, E&S Trading, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-FI, Mitre 10, Myer, Retravision, Warehouse Sales and other leading independent retailers.
Visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au to find a store near you and for more practical energy and money saving information.
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