The release of the NSW Government's Energy Efficiency Action Plan has recognised the central role that energy efficiency can play in helping consumers reduce their power bills, the Clean Energy Council said.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the cost of energy was front-of-mind for many Australian families who were struggling to pay the bills while putting their kids through school, as well as businesses which were trying to remain competitive in difficult economic conditions.

"The cheapest energy is the energy you don't use. There are now a range of technologies and actions that can help people save energy. But many consumers don't know where to start, or don't have the resources to make the up-front investments needed," Mr Green said.

"This plan recognises the opportunities for energy efficiency and outlines a range of measures to overcome the barriers. It is rare that a government invests this much effort into a plan to reduce energy use, power bills and emissions, and for this the Environment Minister Robyn Parker and her department are to be congratulated."

Mr Green said it was also excellent to see the NSW Government recognising the importance of helping low-income households save money through using their power more efficiently.

"Billions of dollars in potential savings can be achieved through energy efficiency across the residential and business sectors, and this will also help to drive further economic activity and create jobs and investment in energy efficiency businesses," he said.

"We look forward to working with the NSW Government in more detail on the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan."