ACT electricity prices could rise by 17%, regulator warns: What can you do?
ACT energy prices are likely to rise, but there are ways to avoid the sting.
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.
ACT energy prices are likely to rise, but there are ways to avoid the sting.
Read more…Around 5.5 million households across Australia will be compensated for cost of living pressures.
Read more…Australian households are resorting to drastic methods to save on energy bills this summer, according to new research by Finder.
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
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Find out how your energy consumptions compares to other households.
Compare, switch and save on your electricity and gas plans today.
Residents of the ACT have several electricity and gas providers to choose from.