But you can learn how to reduce those costs at a free information session at Bathurst Regional Council chambers from 5pm today.

The session will be hosted by Planet Ark and Do Something! founder John Dee, the author of Energy Cut: The 20 Step Guide to Cutting Energy Bills in Your Business.

Mr Dee will also be a guest speaker during council's Sustainable Living Expo at the Bathurst Farmers' Markets at Bathurst Showground from 8am-noon tomorrow.

Mr Dee said in 2012 we spent $9 billion on air-conditioning-related energy bills and nearly $5 billion on refrigeration-related energy costs.

He said on top of that we're spending tens of billions of dollars on fuel products.

After staff costs, energy use can be one of the main expenses for small businesses. However, when a business reduces its use of electricity, gas and fuel, it cuts down its energy bills.

"That's why I've written Energy Cut: the 20 Step Guide to Cutting Energy Bills in Your Business," Mr Dee said. "The free guidebook shows small businesses the many ways they can reduce their energy bills.

"The book has been written as a result of Do Something! receiving grant funding from the Australian Government to disseminate practical advice and money saving energy efficiency information to business owners."

Mr Dee said this evening's session would only run for about an hour, and invited anyone interested in learning more to attend.