The festive season is here! Homes are glowing with twinkling lights, the smell of holiday feasts fills the air, and families are gathering to create those special memories we cherish all year long.
But let's be honest, amid all the joy, there's that little worry creeping in about the electricity bill, right? You're not alone. Between running the air con to keep everyone comfortable in the Aussie summer heat, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and keeping the fridge stocked for guests, it's easy to feel like the costs are adding up.
The good news? You don't have to choose between a magical Christmas and staying on budget. We'll show you some simple, practical tips to enjoy every moment of the festive season without the stress of skyrocketing energy bills.
Your festive energy-saving checklist:
•    Christmas Lights: Use LED lights with timers (6-10 PM).
•    Kitchen Appliances: Switch to air fryers instead of ovens (saves 1000W+), cook multiple dishes simultaneously, and keep fridge at 75% capacity.
•    Air Conditioning: Set temperature to 25-27°C instead of 18-20°C. Each degree lower adds 10% to your bill.
•    Cooling Strategy: Use ceiling fans with AC, close doors/windows, and only cool rooms where guests gather.
•    Vampire Power: Unplug devices when not in use (TVs, chargers, coffee makers) - saves ~$100/year per household.
•    Smart Tools: Use power strips with switches and timers to automatically turn off devices during sleeping hours.
Let's explore some detailed energy-saving tips below.

Christmas Lights Won't Break the Bank

Good news for decoration enthusiasts! According to Compare the Market's 2025 research, you can hang up to 700 LED lights for as little as $1 per night. That's less than $35 for the entire month of December when running them 4 hours per night.
While LEDs are already efficient, using a timer is still a smart move. Set your lights to turn on during peak viewing hours (typically 6-10 PM) and switch off automatically when everyone's asleep. This way, you'll maximise savings while keeping your home beautifully lit when it matters most.

Holiday Kitchen - Where Energy Really Spikes

Kitchen appliances during the festive season are the real culprits behind increased electricity bills, not decorative lights. The festive season can be when electricity bills skyrocket for many Australian households. Ovens, refrigerators, and electric cooktops running continuously as you prepare feasts and host gatherings are what drive costs up. 
Energy-Efficient Cooking Strategies
1.    Air Fryer vs. Oven: Ovens may consume 2000-2500W, while air fryers use only 1200-1500W. They cook faster and save energy significantly.
2.    Smart Menu Planning:
a.    Roast multiple dishes simultaneously to maximise oven heat.
b.    Combine gas stovetop dishes with electric appliances.
c.    Cold salads and appetisers reduce the electric cooking load.    
3.    Optimise Your Refrigerator:
a.    Don't overfill beyond 75% capacity (air needs to circulate)
b.    Defrost food naturally in the fridge overnight
c.    Organise food neatly to minimise door-open time.

Summer Air Conditioning: The Most Critical Factor

Christmas in Australia falls during the hot summer. According to multiple energy experts, air conditioning and cooling appliances are the primary factors contributing to increased holiday electricity bills, especially when multiple people gather indoors. Heating and cooling account for around 40% of household electricity bills, making them the largest energy consumer.
Savings Formula
•    Most people crank their AC down to 18-20°C for "instant cooling," but this habit is quietly draining your wallet. The sweet spot? 25-27°C, cool enough for comfort, smart enough for your budget. Here's the impact: every degree lower increases your electricity cost by roughly 10%. For a household running AC 8-10 hours daily, that's hundreds of dollars wasted annually on excessive cooling you don't actually need.
•    Close windows and doors to retain cool air
•    Combine with Ceiling Fans: Creates a cooling breeze, increases comfort perception.
•    Focus cooling on occupied areas. Avoid cooling the entire house if guests are gathered in one or two rooms.

"Vampire Power" - The Silent Energy Thief

Australians spend approximately $860 million on standby power annually, which amounts to roughly $100 per household each year (source). This is "vampire power", energy wasted when devices aren't in use but remain plugged in. Despite improvements in product design reducing standby power by 68% over the past decade, it still accounts for 5.9% of Australia's total residential electricity use.
Devices to Unplug
•    TV and media players (when not watching).
•    Computers and monitors.
•    Coffee makers, microwaves.
•    Phone chargers (when not charging).
•    Christmas decorative lights (when sleeping).
Quick Tip: 
•    Use power strips with switches. Turn off multiple devices with one button.
•    Set timers to automatically turn off devices at specific times (handy for entertainment systems and decorative lights).
•    Smart plugs can be programmed to switch off during sleeping hours.
For more useful energy-saving tips, click here. 

Saving with Sumo Energy Rewards App.

Why stop at saving on energy alone? This Christmas, make your money work harder with Sumo Energy Rewards. With the Sumo Energy Rewards App, you can access eGift cards from popular retailers like Woolworths, Coles, IKEA, JB Hi-Fi, David Jones, and more for all your Christmas shopping, decorations, and gifts. Plus, enjoy up to 20% off dining at hundreds of local restaurants and cafés across NSW, VIC, and QLD when you're celebrating with family and friends.

In short, Christmas is a time for gathering and sharing love. By applying these simple tips, you can fully enjoy a brilliant festive season without worrying about electricity bills!
Wishing you a warm, bright, and smart Christmas!

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