To improve their energy efficiency, the Kotara family have signed up to the Hunter Power Saver Challenge.

"They [the boys] love the Xbox, they love the computer, they love everything electric," Mr Robson said.

"Electricity is not going to get any cheaper so we need to hedge against that and try and do something to manage the family budget."

Over the next month the Robsons will be set a range of tasks to improve their current 0.25 out of five energy efficiency rating.

A key element will be the use of the cent-a-meter device, which allows them to calculate the efficiency of individual appliances.

"I've been really keen to get something that allows you to do real-time monitoring of power consumption for a while," Mr Robson said.

"We've probably got lots of opportunities to cut down our energy use but it's about getting some decent advice about what to do."

Newcastle City Council Power Saver Challenge energy auditor Karen Toirkens said behavioural change would be a big part of helping the Robson family reduce its power bill.

[PI9016] Follow the progress of the Power Saver Challenge households in The Herald.