Energy costs can be a significant drain on your budget, especially when trying to make ends meet. The average electricity bill in Australia ranges from 1000 to 1200 AUD.
But you don’t have to keep paying top dollar for power. There are many ways to get energy plans that give you the best bang for your buck.
The best electricity plans can help you save money on your electricity bill and give you more control over your power usage. If you’re unsure what the best plan is for you, this guide will help you figure it out.
Fixed or Variable Rates
Fixed rates will ensure you’re paying a fixed price per kilowatt-hour of electricity. On the other hand, variable rates will allow you to pay a different rate depending on market prices. There will be times when your energy bills spike – it might be a once-off event or a recurring event.
A fixed rate ensures that you don’t have to worry about those moments as much as if you were on a variable rate plan.
Competitive Rates
The best electricity plans provide competitive rates while rewarding customers for reducing their consumption of power.
Most people think of renewable energy when they hear about clean energy. You can articulate it to the fact that renewable energy sources accounted for 21% of Australia’s overall power production in 2019. Still, renewable energy consumption makes up a tiny part of total energy consumption in Australia.
So, if renewable energy doesn’t seem a fit, you can still get competitive prices. Some companies even let you lock in your rate for two or three years to avoid possible price hikes from the competition.
But remember, it’s not an effective strategy if you don’t know how long you’ll stay with your current provider.
Offering Reliability
The best electricity plans offer a range of reliability types, and you will need to determine your needs. If you live in a place with little wind or solar power potential, you may opt for a more traditional electricity plan.
Green energy could be vital if you live in an area with lots of sun, wind, and hydroelectricity opportunities, such as Tasmania or South Australia.
Professional Customer Service
There’s no denying the fact that a reliable and professional customer service department that is available 24/7 can be a lifesaver. Without easy access to a live representative, you could face hours of waiting to resolve any issues with your account.
Also, if there are frequent power outages in your area, you’ll want to have someone on call who can offer help and advice for these situations. Remember that live chat services may not be live or answered by a natural person.
Free Power During Peak Hours
It’s becoming increasingly common for energy providers to offer no-cost installation with new power plans. While it may not be much, it can save money down the road.
Some providers will charge a small fee to visit your house and turn on your account, but they waive that fee if you sign up with them for either 12 or 24 months. So, know exactly what you are signing up for (and how long) before choosing one of these offers.
Otherwise, your no-cost install could end up costing you more than if you went with another provider who didn’t offer free installation.
Final Lines
Choosing one of the best electricity plans is more than just looking at price. It’s also about researching your individual needs and what you want out of your electricity provider. So, determine your needs before opting into any plan.
