Rising electricity prices could be the end of this Christmas tradition

Twinkling Christmas lights are set to be a thing of the past, as surging electricity prices force more Australians to pack away the decorations this festive season. While Christmas shows are on the chopping block for many households, new research by comparison site Compare the Market suggests, ditching them won’t having the savings impact households think. Compare the Market head of energy Meredith O’Brien said depending on the age of the lights, decorating your house in lights could cost about $6 for the entire month, although this will vary depending on which state you live. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of Australians saying they’ll ditch Christmas lights or hang up fewer lights, but the reality is these don’t have a massive impact on your electricity bill,” Ms O’Brien said. “Depending on the type of Christmas lights you use, how many you display and how long you keep them on for, as well as the type of electricity plan you have, lights may only add a few dollars to your bill for the whole festive period.” Ms O’Brien said modern day LED Christmas lights available for purchase these days typically used significantly less energy than the incandescent ones from the past. NSW households are estimated to pay between $5.73 to $25.48 for the entire month, while South Australians, who have the largest costs, would pay an estimated $7.26 to $32.28, depending on the lights they choose to purchase. “If you plan on fishing out old incandescent lights from your shed to hang up, it may be time to invest in some new lights. These older bulbs can be power drainers, not to mention that you can no longer purchase them in Australia,” Ms O’Brien said. Darkening streets aren’t the only impact this Christmas, with Compare the Market data also showing that 44.5 per cent of Australians say they’ll run their airconditioner less, 44 per cent say they’ll turn unused devices and appliances off at the wall and 14.5 per cent will avoid using their spare fridge or freezer over summer. The Compare the Market research comes after Australia’s biggest state narrowly avoided a widespread power breakdown. In a statement on Wednesday evening, NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe confirmed the Australian Energy Market Operator had downgraded its blackout warning for the state. “The risk of power supply shortage in NSW has considerably reduced and AEMO has downgraded its warning,” Ms Sharpe said. “We thank the households, businesses and NSW government employees who have taken steps to reduce demand on the system this evening.”