If you’re moving and need a new energy plan or njust looking to save money on your bill, it’s always a good idea to shop around first. For many people, plan costs are one of the single most significant factors for changing energy providers in Australia. Due to new renewable energy technology, and cleaner and more expensive processes, the cost of energy is rising worldwide. Electric rates in Australia are no exception. Depending on the area where you live, however, you could have a choice of several electric suppliers offering multiple plans at varying prices. To find the best product for your family at the best price, you’ll need to compare suppliers and programs.
If you purchase an Australian electric plan, most suppliers will start you on a benefit period. This is the period that discounts and incentives will reduce your electric bill. Benefit periods usually last anywhere from one year to three years and vary with differing electric providers. Once the period ends, however, your electric service plan converts to a default offer, which typically comes with higher energy rates. This is the time when most rate customers begin to compare electricity plans to find cheaper alternatives. By comparing energy suppliers and plans, you could save significantly on your electricity and gas bills. Price isn’t always the only factor, however. Let’s look at why you should comparison shop for electricity providers before you purchase a plan.
Discounts and Incentives
As discussed, many energy suppliers will typically offer customers discounts and incentives when they first switch over to a new plan. However, not all energy providers are the same, and not all offer the same discounts and rates. If you’re looking to save the most money, you’ll want to compare plans and prices. When comparing plans, you’ll need to pay attention to the offered discount off the reference price. The reference price is a benchmark price based on the average electricity usage in an area. This will also be the price that your plan will revert to when your benefits period ends.
When you comparison shop, you can find a list of energy providers in your area and the discount they offer off the reference price. You’ll also want to pay attention to the estimated annual cost of the plan based on typical energy usage in the area. Additionally, you’ll want to explore possible sign-up incentives and promotions offered by suppliers as a means of added savings. Comparing electricity rates and plans before you purchase can amount to substantial savings on your energy bills.
Other Considerations
As with most things, price isn’t always the only indicator of quality. No matter how expensive or cheap plans might be, you might also want to look into the company itself to ensure that they will be a good match for you. From things like customer service and availability to support and service, you’ll want to ensure that you’re going with a company that will be there for you. Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to get through to a customer service rep to talk about your bill or report problems when you need to. Do your research to make sure that you’re getting the quality service that you expect.
Additionally, you might also consider environmental impacts. You could do some digging around to check on the stats for greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel usage, and investments into renewable energy. Many companies even offer apps and dashboards to help customers monitor their own energy usage and check their ecological footprint. Comparing utility companies can help you select a supplier that supports green energy and supports environmentally friendly practices with their electric supply.
Comparison shopping for energy companies can go a long way towards securing the lowest price on your energy rates. With a bit of time and research, you can find the best contract terms and the best company for your needs.
