- Up to $200 in sign up credits
- No lock in contract
- No exit fees
- No additional fee for paper bills or payments at Australia Post
As a senior you shouldn't have to worry about the rising cost of energy prices. It's important to consider switching energy providers if you think you may be paying too much and haven't shopped around in a while; doing so may lead to more savings.
Compare plans made specifically for seniors
For more information regarding whether AGL is the provider for you, we have compared AGL to Energy Australia, Origin Energy and Alinta.
Which providers offer energy plans for seniors?
Currently, AGL is the only provider which has a specific energy plan for seniors, the Seniors Saver plan. This plan is available for seniors living in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA.
The benefits of this plan include:
- Up to $200 in sign-up credits
- No lock-in contract
- No exit fees
- No additional fee for choosing paper bills or making payments at Australia Post
What should seniors look for in an energy plan?
Pricing
Don't settle for the first option as there are plenty of providers offering cheaper plans and discounts, which is why it is important to compare the options available to you.
Discounts
Look for plans which have a higher percentage off the reference price or Victorian default offer, and good sign-up deals. Additionally, certain plans have very low rates thanks to a benefit period discount. These benefit periods normally last for 12 months so you should switch plans after the benefit period is over.
No extra costs
Some providers charge extra fees including connection and disconnection fees, exit fees and paper bill fees. While looking for a plan, try and avoid these hidden costs.
Customer care
Look for providers that offer 24-hour customer service and are easy to contact.
Am I eligible for a seniors energy rebate?
Every state offers a discounted price to pension concession card holders or seniors card holders, allowing access to a seniors energy rebate. The amount and eligibility requirements vary so it is important to check your state government's website and the table below to see which discount is available for you.
State | Seniors Concession |
---|---|
NSW | $250 |
VIC | $250 |
QLD | $372.20 |
SA | $300 |
WA | $318.37 |
NT | $1,200 (DVA PCC holders only) |
TAS | $119 (DVA PCC holders only) |
ACT | $50 |
Source: State government websites, August 2022
Additional ways to save on your energy bill
The best way to save on your energy bill is to reduce your power usage. Here are a few ways you can achieve this:
Heating and insulation
- Heaters in winter should be set between 18 and 20 degrees, while air conditioners in summer should be set between 25 and 27 degrees. Each extra degree can increase energy use by 10%.
- Seal gaps in doors and windows. Draught-stoppers under doors can prevent cool air from entering your home.
- Don't try to heat the whole house. Close off rooms you aren't using and open windows in summer to let hot air out and take advantage of the breeze.
Hot water
- Hot showers are more expensive, since you have to pay for both the heat and the water. Try to find alternative methods to warm up, as they are likely to cost you less.
- Water-efficient showerheads reduce hot water usage and can drive your bill down significantly.
Appliances
- Appliances come with an energy efficiency rating. Higher efficiency models consume less power, making them more cost-effective in the long run than cheaper ones.
- Turn appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
- Run your dishwasher and washing machine at lower temperatures, and pick water-efficient models. If you have solar panels, run your dishwasher and washing machine during the day when the sun is out.
- Replace old appliances with newer, more efficient ones.
- Use energy saving light bulbs.
Consider going solar
- Installing solar panels could save you hundreds of dollars every year. However, making the decision to invest in solar can be a long process with a buyback period of up to 6 years. Therefore, it is important to do some research before investing in solar to ensure that it is the right choice for you.
Compare energy deals and make the switch to a cheaper plan
If you've been with the same energy company for years it's likely that there is a better alternative plan out there for you, so it's important to check what plans are available. Make sure to use the concessions and rebates you are entitled to and check your energy bill to ensure that all the rebates are being applied to your bill. If you are still unsure of what the best energy plan is for you, make sure to compare energy plans to ensure you find the right plan for you.
Additional energy resources and assistance for seniors
Learn more about energy
Our energy guides can help you compare and understand what plan is best for you.
Best energy plans: 5 plans selected by our experts, assessed and updated regularly
Cheap energy plans: Find the cheapest energy plans available this month
Solar power plans: Got rooftop solar? Compare your options and save even more
Average energy bill: Find out how your energy bill compares to the rest of Australia
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