Earth Hour is on Saturday March 31 at 8.30pm, and households are being urged to turn off all non-essential lighting and electrical appliances for at least one hour.

Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said energy efficiency was the first and easiest step to reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

“Earth Hour is an important reminder to use energy wisely every day,” My Myors said.

“Last year we saw Sydney CBD cut its electricity use by about 12 per cent during Earth Hour – that’s the equivalent of turning off more than two million energy saving light bulbs for an hour.

“Switching off lights for Earth Hour is an important symbolic gesture, but the key to making a big difference is to take extra steps to reduce energy use all year.

“Following a few simple tips can help save a typical household of four people up to $400 a year off its energy bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent.”

Top five energy saving tips for Earth Hour

1. Switch off standby power – eliminate standby power on the night and all year round. Save up to $80 a year and 0.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

2. Don’t over heat or over cool rooms – only heat or cool the room you’re using and keep the temperature between 23 and 26 degrees. Save over $80 per year and 0.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

3. Get rid of that second fridge – old fridges can use two to three times the electricity of a newer fridge. Trade in the old fridge and save up to $250 per year and more than 1 tonne of carbon dioxide.

4. Switch off the lights and switch to energy saving bulbs – save more than $60 and 0.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the life of a CFL.

5. Check your pool pump running times - switch off pumps during Earth Hour and when you reset it don’t run it for too long. Save up to $120 per year and 0.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide.