Charlestown hairdressing salon co-owner Kirstie Saunders had no idea her business could save about $1800 a year simply by adopting more energy efficient practices.

Woohoo For Hair was one of two Hunter businesses that had their energy consumption audited by EnergyAustralia yesterday as part of the lead-up to Earth Hour.

The audit showed about one-third of the store's energy was going into lighting, 31 per cent for salon equipment and one-fifth from hot water and heating.

The audit team's recommendations included replacing inefficient lighting and installing a five-star gas hot water system.

"We will definitely be making some changes," Ms Saunders said."

"There are so many things I wish we had have known, energy-saving ideas that we could have implemented better."

Newcastle restaurant Bacchus discovered it could save 30 per cent on its lighting bill, or about $1400 a year, with modifications.

EnergyAustral ia energy expert Paul Myors said improving energy efficiency in the small business sector was a priority for the company.

"A lot of focus is on residential homes and big business and big industry often have their own energy consultants come in but it's the small businesses that are in the middle that often miss out on good information," Mr Myors said.

"There's a lot of energy-efficient options out there that people may not take up, because of a lack of information."