Budget 2024 energy relief rumours: Will we get a break from big power bills?
Many households and small businesses will be keeping their fingers crossed for another round of energy bill relief.
Read more…Price and features
When comparing energy plans, you will be given an annual estimate from multiple providers based on your current usage. This is an easy way to narrow down your options. Opt for a provider that gives you the best bang for buck by throwing in extra perks such as an energy tracking app or reward points.
Usage rates and supply charges
Usage rates are how much you pay for each unit of energy you consume, while supply charges are what you pay daily for being connected to the energy network.
Contract terms and benefit periods
The contract term tells you how long you're locked into a contract for, though most providers these days offer month-to-month contracts. A benefit period tells you how long discounts or other perks last for before they expire.
Extra fees
It might be tempting to go with the cheapest provider but have a look at any additional fees it charges. The most common extra costs you could encounter include connection and disconnection fees, early exit fees, credit card fees or late payment charges.
Solar feed-in tariffs
Solar feed-in tariffs determine how much you'll earn for each unit of surplus energy that you feed back into the grid from your solar array, measured in cents per kWh.
Carbon-neutral plans and GreenPower
Consider 100% carbon-neutral plans if they fit your budget or pay for a GreenPower add-on so your provider can send renewable energy back to the grid on your behalf.
Many households and small businesses will be keeping their fingers crossed for another round of energy bill relief.
Read more…This is double the rebate paid to QLD households in the current financial year.
Read more…It's a mixed bag of changes from the energy regulators.
Read more…The cost of electricity has jumped again this year. NSW and VIC residents are paying $334 and $232 a year more than they should respectively. Find out how much more you're paying on your utilities bill.
Home energy use is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The cost will vary depending on your state, your energy distributor, how much power you use and more. Find out the average cost of electricity for where you live.
Megajoule (MJ) is the unit that measures gas consumption, similar to kWh for electricity. Knowing the average cost of gas in your state can help you determine if you're paying too much.
There are 4 main electricity tariff types you'll come across. Choosing the correct one for your household can help you save on your energy bill or prevent you from paying too much.
Your energy usage habits will play a massive role in determining if you should go for a time of use or single rate tariff. Time of use is largely beneficial if you can use a big chunk of your power during off-peak hours. It's only an option when you have a smart meter installed.
A controlled load tariff is available with some energy plans in NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS to help you reduce the cost of power-hungry appliances such as heating systems and swimming pools.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own electricity and gas distributors. Each grid works with different retailers, which is why people in different states pay different prices for electricity and gas.
I hadn't looked at my electricity or gas bills in over 12 months since I'd gone into set-and-forget mode. After a quick check it was clear I was no longer on the cheapest rates offered by my provider. Just by chatting to them I found out I could move to their cheapest electricity and gas offers and save $350 a year. But by comparing their rates against other retailers, I was able to move to a plan that would save me $300 a year just on my electricity alone.
Aaron McAllister
Utilities publisher
Don’t miss out on savings if you live in NSW and haven’t compared gas plans recently.
Don’t leave money on the table. Compare gas prices in VIC and switch to a cheaper plan.
Compare the cheapest electricity and gas plans available in your state.
Check your quarterly electricity and gas bill against the average in your state.
Take the hassle out of signing up with different providers by bundling your energy and internet and claiming a discount.
Most Western Australia residents can't switch electricity providers but have a few options when it comes to gas. Find out if you can switch energy retailers.
A guide to electricity and gas providers available to residents of Tasmania.
Keep on top of rising energy bills. Compare and switch to a cheaper electricity provider in NSW within minutes.
Compare, switch and save on your electricity plan in Victoria today.
Residents of the ACT have several electricity and gas providers to choose from.