Here’s a timely guide to ensure you’re on the cheapest gas and electricity.

Do you think that you’re paying too much for the energy you utilize?

In case you haven’t reviewed your energy plan recently, the chances of you paying high for your electricity and gas are high.

Most Australians count electricity bills among their chief concerns when it comes to expenses, and with electricity costs going up by 63%, that’s going to get worse.

Energy Usage Comparison

How do you know whether you’re using more or less energy than other households similar to yours?

Here’s How!

You can make use of the energy usage calculator (available online), which can help you show how much energy do you utilize compared to other similar households in your vicinity.

These calculators are useful in showcasing the average energy usage for a particular house in the area with the same number of people as yours for each season (or even for the whole year. )

For instance, if there are four people who live in your house, the energy usage calculator will offer you an idea of how much energy does other houses with similar strength use. By going through the data, you can compare your electricity bills easily.

The amount of energy you use usually depends on a lot of things. For example:

• Your appliances,
• The number of people who live in your house, and
• How you use your devices/machines/appliances.

Just for a check, if you live in New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory or Queensland, your retailer is bound to show on your electricity bill the usage of energy of your house and other houses in your area. All this is usually showcased in an interactive format, such as tabular or graph format on your bill.

Analyzing Your Bills

Have a look at your previous bills and check the daily tariffs and supply charges. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get anything while looking at the bill, as it can be a daunting task to read one. Understanding and comparing electricity bills are usually notoriously hard.

Your tariffs will be either:

• A single flat rate at all times.
• A block tariff or a multi-flat, which includes stepped pricing that varies with the amount being used.
• Time-of-use or flexible tariff, (prices might vary based on the time of use)
• Controlled load (takes a lower price at night)

Depending on the type of meter you have installed, you’ll be charged in one of the above ways. For the time-of-use or flexible tariffs, you will require a smart meter. In case you’re using an older meter (accumulation type), you’ll be charged on a flat or block tariff.

Irrespective of the level of energy you use, your retailers might apply a daily supply charge in the bill. However, there will also be a discount applied to the invoice.

If you’re a solar owner, then you should also have a feed-in tariff for the energy they export to the grid.

How to Switch Energy Providers?

Once you compare electricity plans, follow these necessary steps of switching your energy providers:

• If you find a better deal after comparison, then you can contact your current energy provider and see if they can do better and offer you a similar offer. If they deny doing so, then it’s a good time to switch by re-checking the fees with other providers in your area.
• Contact the new retailer directly and commence the switching process. Don’t forget to re-check the exit fee that would apply with your current energy provider.
• Depending on your retailer, distributor, and what your billing cycle is, the process of switching might take up to 1 to 3 months to complete. However, the switch might get more agile if you have a smart meter installed at your place.
• Your gas or electricity supply won’t be interrupted when you switch or change your energy providers or contracts.

When it comes to electricity or gas, you can get a better deal and keep more money in your pocket — all you need is to be aware of your energy usage.