No one wants a blackout during the eclipse
Let's keep our power use down during the eclipse season.
The 2023 Solar Eclipse is an extraordinary and rare astronomical event, coming to Exmouth this April
On April 20, the shadow of the moon will graze the tip of the state in a 40-kilometre-wide track, as it travels over one of the most beautiful parts of the world – the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo region near Exmouth. Exmouth is the only town within the line of totality making it one of the only places on earth to experience a Total Solar Eclipse, one of nature’s most phenomenal occurrences.
A lot of people are coming from all over the world to see the total eclipse. We don’t know exactly how many, but we do know there will be a lot more demand on essential services like power in Exmouth and surrounding towns.
20 April 2023
Exmouth, Carnarvon, Denham, Coral Bay and Onslow
More people, more demand on essential services
Let's keep our power use down during eclipse season
We’re doing our bit by supplying more electricity, but we need you to do your bit to help avoid power outages.
Start by checking out the savings calculator to find out the estimated running costs of your appliances and how to save money by cutting down your usage. Through the eclipse season, be mindful of your electricity use with these energy savings tips.
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Air-conditioner
Keep track of your energy use
Learn more about how your household uses energy and how your electricity bill is calculated. -
Water heating
Tips to reduce your water heating costs... - Reduce the amount of water and electricity you use by having shorter showers and installing a water saving shower head.
- Consider fitting flow restrictors to your bathroom, laundry and kitchen taps to reduce the amount of water that comes out.
- Take advantage of the sun's free heating by installing a solar hot water system and placing it close to where most of the hot water is being used.
- Reduce the amount of water and electricity you use by having shorter showers and installing a water saving shower head.
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Kitchen & laundry
Fridge - Set your fridge temperature between 3°C and 4°C and your freezer temp between –15°C and –18°C.
- Check the seals on your fridge door for air leaks. If you can slide a $5 note in the door frame, air is escaping – and energy is being wasted.
- Dustbust the back of the fridge. Vacuum the dust from the condensor coil at the back of the fridge to help keep it running efficiently.
- Defrost the freezer if the ice is thicker than five millimetres so your freezer can use less electricity to keep your food frozen.
- Consider if you really need your second fridge. If you don't use it much, keep your drinks in the main fridge and just turn your second one on when you're entertaining. Or better still, use ice buckets.
Dishwasher - Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use the ‘eco’ setting to lower its energy and water use.
- Regularly clean your dishwasher filter to keep it running efficiently.
Washing machine & dryer - Wash with cold water and use the ‘eco’ setting to use less energy. Washing in warm or hot water uses around 50% more energy than washing in cold water - using a typical front loader machine.
- Use your washing machine less by waiting until you have a full load.
- Avoid the dyer. If you use your dryer regularly, it can account for up to 10% of your energy use.
- Set your fridge temperature between 3°C and 4°C and your freezer temp between –15°C and –18°C.
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Dishwasher
- Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use the ‘eco’ setting to lower its energy and water use.
- Regularly clean your dishwasher filter to keep it running efficiently.
- Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use the ‘eco’ setting to lower its energy and water use.
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Washing machine
- Wash with cold water and use the ‘eco’ setting to use less energy.
- Use your washing machine less by waiting until you have a full load.
- Avoid the dyer. If you use your dryer regularly, it can account for up to 10% of your energy use.
- Wash with cold water and use the ‘eco’ setting to use less energy.
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Maintenance
By keeping your appliances in good working condition - like cleaning or changing filters - you could save hundreds a year. - Clean the filter on your air-con and you could save about $300 a year.
- Check the seals on your fridge and freezer doors. If a five dollar note can fit between the seals, then cold air is leaking out and hot air is getting in. This means your fridge is working overtime and costing you money.
- Vacuum the dust from the condenser coil at the back of the fridge - it could lead to an energy saving of 11%.
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Lighting & appliances
Reduce your lighting costs... - Swap out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs which use less watts to provide the same amount of light. LEDs use 75% less power and can last up to ten times longer than standard globes.
- Get in the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room – or use natural light during the day when you can.
Appliances (like TVs & game consoles) - Standby mode can account for up to 6% of your energy use. Your fridge and freezer need to stay running all day and night – but your TV, gaming consoles and microwave could be using electricity when they’re not in use, so remember to swicth the off at the wall.
- Consider investing in a standby power control board to detect when an appliance is on standby and cut the flow of electricity automatically.
- Swap out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs which use less watts to provide the same amount of light. LEDs use 75% less power and can last up to ten times longer than standard globes.
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Swimming pools
Tips for an energy efficient pool... - If you have a pool, set your pump on a timer. Running your pump for two hours less a day in winter could help you save on energy costs - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A clogged filter means your pump needs to use more energy. Scoop leaves by hand, keep filters clean (or backwash as required) and make sure your filter is the right size for your pool.
- If you have a pool, set your pump on a timer. Running your pump for two hours less a day in winter could help you save on energy costs - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
About the eclipse
Exmouth will experience total darkness for 62 seconds as the moon’s shadow crosses the Exmouth Peninsula. This Total Eclipse where the sun, moon and earth all line up in unison will be visible from land, making it a rare opportunity for viewing!
Visit the official websiteHorizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.