{"id":38222,"date":"2026-04-01T10:35:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T23:35:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=38222"},"modified":"2026-04-01T10:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T23:35:59","slug":"10-ways-to-save-on-fuel-and-household-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/04\/01\/10-ways-to-save-on-fuel-and-household-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"10 ways to save on fuel and household costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p id=\"isPasted\">With fuel prices on the rise, many Newcastle households are feeling the pinch. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for ways to use less fuel, save money and take control of your energy costs, there are practical steps you can take right now. Small changes can add up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getmedia\/999fd47c-e3b9-4a30-b721-dc074361f85d\/10-ways-to-save-on-fuel-and-household-costs_HERO.png\" alt=\"Petrol price sign\" title=\"Petrol price sign\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ride or walk for small trips<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;free,&nbsp;healthy&nbsp;and often quicker for local trips.&nbsp;Check out some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/living\/transport-and-parking\/cycling\/cycleways\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Newcastle cycleways<\/a>&nbsp;that can&nbsp;make riding to work&nbsp;or&nbsp;the&nbsp;shops easier. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Been a while since you rode? We&nbsp;regularly offer&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/living\/transport-and-parking\/cycling\/free-bike-checks-and-repair-cafes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free bike checks<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/living\/transport-and-parking\/cycling\/cycling-courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cycling and maintenance courses<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get help to cycle safely to school<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/living\/transport-and-parking\/cycling\/cycling-courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free school holiday workshops<\/a>&nbsp;support high school students to build cycling skills and confidence. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Led by experienced instructors, these sessions can help your kids ride safely, giving you&nbsp;the&nbsp;option&nbsp;to leave the car at home for school trips. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Catch public transport<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Buses,&nbsp;trains&nbsp;and light rail can be a cheaper alternative to driving, especially for daily trips.&nbsp;More people are choosing public transport, making it a practical&nbsp;option&nbsp;to reduce fuel and&nbsp;commuting&nbsp;costs. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan your trip using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/transportnsw.info\/trip-planner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Transport for\u202fNSW\u2019s\u202fTrip Planner.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Try carpooling<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Carpooling with colleagues, friends or neighbours can reduce fuel costs and traffic.&nbsp;Sharing trips is&nbsp;a simple way&nbsp;to make regular travel more affordable.&nbsp;Ask around and&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;be surprised who is also traveling in the same direction as you! There are also carpooling apps like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.moovl.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moovl<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ridemates.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RideMates.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cut your energy costs in minutes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Many&nbsp;households are paying too much for&nbsp;energy.&nbsp;Our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/living\/environment\/climate-action\/empowering-newcastle\/cheaper-green-electricity-plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Better Green Bills<\/a>&nbsp;program helps you find the cheapest renewable electricity plan in minutes using your real usage data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get a free 12-month subscription and join the other&nbsp;Newcastle households&nbsp;saving an average of $368 a year&nbsp;through Better Green Bills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Future-proof your home<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Switching your home to electric appliances and powering them with renewable energy can reduce your reliance on rising fuel and gas costs.&nbsp;This could include heating, cooking, hot water and even your car.&nbsp;Get&nbsp;free,&nbsp;independent&nbsp;and&nbsp;personalised advice on electrification, solar, batteries&nbsp;and rebates through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zapcat.com.au\/newcastle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Go Electric Newcastle<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go Electric Newcastle is useful for everyone &#8211; whether you rent or own, live in a free standing or strata household. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Renting? Try a portable induction cooktop<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use gas for cooking, a portable induction cooktop is a simple, low-cost alternative.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;efficient, fast and can help reduce&nbsp;your gas&nbsp;bill, especially when paired with solar.&nbsp;You can borrow one for free from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ncccl.ap.iiivega.com\/search\/card?id=abca5375-ac71-4ee9-8a53-75ac713ee9cf&amp;entityType=FormatGroup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Newcastle Libraries<\/a>&nbsp;to try before you buy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use fuel price comparison tools<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Fuel prices can vary&nbsp;across Newcastle. Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au\/app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NSW&nbsp;FuelCheck<\/a>&nbsp;to find the cheapest fuel near you and check availability before you fill up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check rebates and support<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>NSW Government offers&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.nsw.gov.au\/households\/grants-rebates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rebates and incentives<\/a>&nbsp;to help reduce energy costs, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.service.nsw.gov.au\/services\/public-transport-concessions-and-subsidies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public transport concessions<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.service.nsw.gov.au\/services\/toll-relief\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toll relief<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.nsw.gov.au\/households\/grants-rebates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">energy bill rebates<\/a>. Checking what you are eligible for could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10.&nbsp; &nbsp;Consider a staycation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A staycation in Newcastle can save money on fuel or flights while still offering plenty to see and do. Explore Newcastle\u2019s beaches, galleries, nature walks and events. Be inspired at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/visitnewcastle.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Newcastle<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With fuel prices on the rise, many Newcastle households are feeling the pinch. &nbsp; If you\u2019re looking for ways to use less fuel, save money and take control of your energy costs, there are practical steps you can take right now. Small changes can add up.&nbsp; For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;free,&nbsp;healthy&nbsp;and often quicker &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2026\/04\/01\/10-ways-to-save-on-fuel-and-household-costs\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;10 ways to save on fuel and household costs&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newcastle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38222"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38223,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38222\/revisions\/38223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}