Residents looking to save money on their electricity bills this summer can do so by simply using their smart phone.
Horizon Power customers can download the Horizon Power free app which enables them to see how and when they are using electricity, as well as estimating what their next bill is likely to be.
Horizon Power’s Manager Customer Service Terry Absolon said the app would greatly benefit customers during the summer months when the average power bill for customers tends to be significantly higher.
“As the weather gets hotter, customers turn up their air-conditioners to stay cooler. This accounts for a dramatic increase in their electricity consumption – often two thirds or more of their household bill which can be quite a shock for some when they receive their next bill,” said Mr Absolon.
“The app will help customers track their electricity consumption and enable them to make the necessary changes to help avoid ‘bill shock’ and reduce their power bills where possible.
“Simple actions such as setting the temperature to no lower than 24 degrees and ensuring the filters are cleaned regularly can make a big difference to the amount of energy air-conditioning systems use,” he said.
Mr Absolon also said that a recent audit of Horizon Power’s new advanced meters had provided further proof that the advanced meters are accurate and aren’t responsible for higher bills in the summer months.
“More than 100 of Horizon Power’s new advanced meters were audited to ensure they met the requirements of the Western Australian Metering Code. All meters passed the audit and were proven to be in excellent working condition,” Mr Absolon added.
Prior to installation, all meters were subjected to stringent testing conditions including operating in extreme conditions – well in excess of temperatures recorded in Western Australia – of which all meters passed.
Customers who are experiencing difficulties managing their electricity bills are encouraged to contact Horizon Power on 1800 267 926.
Fact file:
- Australian Standards require electricity meters to be able to operate without any degradation to the quality of the meter reads between the range of -10 and 60 degrees Celsius. They also require meters to be able to operate between the temperature range of -20 and 70 degrees Celsius for a continuous 72 hours. The advanced meters meet these Australian Standards. In addition, the manufacturer, Landis and Gyr has advised Horizon Power that it has tested these advanced meters for accelerated ageing at 85 degrees Celsius. “We can confirm the meters are fully operating at this elevated (85 degree Celsius) temperature.”
- The Horizon Power free app has been downloaded 3,000 times since its launch in September. Through the app, customers are able to track their electricity usage 24/7 and can view their hourly and daily energy usage and predicted spend, account balance and statements and pay their bill. The app is compatible with Android and Apple devices and can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play store.
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