With winter looming and gear prices rising, an electricity retailer says there’s an ideal way to maintain bills under control, don’t use such a lot.

A Ministry of monetary Development survey shows the typical household spent a further $76 on power last year.

People in Nelson and Marlborough faced the best increases at slightly below six percent.

North Canterbury had the bottom at 1.26 percent.

Powershop chief Ari Sargent says there are methods to save lots of…even in winter.

He says keeping a tab on what’s been used may help reduce waste.

Ari Sargent says testing which power company is the most affordable for you is additionally a basic technique to save.

Another method to save power obviously is to take a seat around at the hours of darkness.

And tonight’s the night you are able to do it without being the sole one on the street.

Earth Hour happens at 8.30pm when we’re all encouraged to change off for an hour.