Lack of any progress on energy prices – “fair dinkum” or otherwise – makes it obvious that high electricity prices will continue.

It is evident that the energy situation in which we currently find ourselves requires consumers to take more control of their energy management.

Long gone are the days when Orange citizens purchased their power at a fixed price from the local authority – in Orange's case, the Ophir County Council.

In the 21^st century the consumer now has a bewildering plethora of schemes, options and charges touted by a number of retailers competing for custom.

It is now the responsibility of the individual to negotiate with power retailers to determine the contract which best meets his or her energy requirements.

To achieve a successful smart energy outcome requires a considerable amount of knowledge of the available energy systems and opportunities.

However, many members of our community are placed at a disadvantage in this process because of lack of knowledge of the system.

Many are also unaware of the adjustments they can make to their living or working environment to more effectively and cheaply manage energy consumption.

The Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange will be conducting a smart energy workshop for residents from 10am-2.30pm next Saturday at Orange City Bowling Club.

Bookings are essential and can be made on 0490 087 424.

The program will include information about how to read an electricity bill, auditing your own energy use, tips to reduce energy in the home, home insulation, energy saving tips for appliances, cooling, warming and lighting, energy and climate change, the installation of solar as an alternative.

A highlight of the workshop will be a presentation from John Davis from Hybrid Energy Systems on the topic of smart energy systems and sustainable energy design.

Participants will also have the opportunity to observe real time data from the solar system installed by the bowling club.