No one wants to pay more for electricity than they have to, which is why it’s in your best interest to compare electricity providers in your area to ensure you’re getting the best deal. In New South Wales, there are plenty of providers that can offer you discounts, rebates, and lower rates than what you currently have, so let’s take a look at how you can nab those for yourself.
What Energy Providers are Available in New South Wales?
Your first step on your comparing electricity in NSW journey is locating which electricity providers are available in the area. You’ll often see great rates from the following companies:
- Energy Australia
- ActewAGL
- Momentum Energy
- Simply Energy
- AGL
- Blue NRG
- Red Energy
- Origin
To save even more money, try and get a bundle package for your Internet and electricity.
What Contracts are Available in New South Wales?
In Australia, you have access to two different contracts: standard contracts and market contracts. Under standard contracts, electricity companies typically offer the highest amount they can legally issue, while market contracts will allow you to negotiate rates. You’ll always pay more with a standard contract and less with market contracts, so purchase the latter.
At the same time, you can save even more by simply asking or leveraging your offers with a market contract. While researching, you may find offers that are better than what a company can offer you. If you state that you will only sign up or stay with your current company if you receive the same offer, the electricity provider is more likely to offer flexible rates.
What Key Points Should You Compare?
Once you decide to compare various offers from different energy providers, you should focus on the discounts available, fees and charges associated with sign-up, and payment terms.
Many energy providers will offer a discount to give customers incentives to join. Benefits such as no-connection fees, Pay-On-Time discounts, and using a specific payment method for a rebate are quite common in the industry. However, if you want to truly save, try to find a company that doesn’t ask for a payment fee when you sign-up or a flexible billing cycle.
Always consider what payment methods are accepted when you sign up with an electricity company because if Centrepay or e-transfer isn’t available, you may not be able to sign up for direct billing. There are also additional charges related to the type of payment method you use.
What Rebates Should You Compare?
To encourage certain people or demographics to sign up for electricity plans, the NSW Government has started to offer multiple rebates and offers. Everything from low-income household rebates to family energy rebates is available through specific plans. There are also plans available to NSW citizens that weren’t available when they initially signed up.
For example, one new plan is the Energy Accounts Payment System Scheme, which helps people experiencing a short-term financial crisis, the ability to pay for their Internet. You may also receive benefits that were previously unavailable to you based on your demographic or location, like the Seniors Energy Rebate, Medical Energy Rebate, and Life Support Rebate.
Finally, you may also get a Gas Rebate if you have an eligible concession card and you rely on gas for basic needs. It’s essential to keep tabs on this rebate list to receive your discounts.
How Can I Switch Electricity Providers?
Switching electricity providers is easy. All you have to do is call your current electricity provider and declare that you want to switch to another provider. Your current provider may tempt you to stay by offering discounts. However, if you still want to change, you can ask for your final bill 1-2 months from now, depending on when your next electricity provider plans to set you up.
Then, call your new electricity provider and ask for a set-up date. To receive the best deal possible, make sure you’ve researched what plans and discounts they offer.
