Energy retailer discounts and government rebates alleviate energy bill stress. Unlike some rebates, energy discounts are available to all energy customers in Australia’s deregulated energy market. We show you how to take advantage of energy discounts that add up to big savings.
How do energy rebates work?
An energy rebate is support from the government towards electricity or gas bills. This is usually done via a flat payment, although in some situations you might get a percentage off your bills. Energy rebates in Australia come from both the federal and state governments, so you might be eligible for multiple types of energy concessions. Energy rebates can be applied in 2 ways:
- Every Australian household and eligible customer get a rebate
- Those who are more vulnerable receive a discount on their bills
The types of rebates available depend on the state you live in and whether you meet eligibility requirements.
What electricity plan discounts are available?
Leading Australian energy providers offer discounts that help you save on your electricity bill. Popular discount types offered for residential customers include:
- Sign-up discount: When you sign up with a new retailer, they may offer you a discount on your first bill or via instalments over a few months.
- Guaranteed discount: With these plans you can get discounts on your energy usage supply charges. Guaranteed discounts can last 12 months or more.
- Conditional discounts: These discounts are offered when certain energy plan conditions are met, such as if you pay bills on time or pay via direct debit.
- Bundle offers: Energy companies offer bundle deals that can include electricity & gas plans, solar power plans, home internet, and small business deals.
A closer look at discount energy
There are wide ranging tariffs and discounts for deregulated energy customers in NSW, VIC, and QLD. Contact your local government energy service regarding tariffs and use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search engine to discover discounts and incentives from leading Australian energy retailers. Here are five energy retailer discounts worth looking into before signing a new energy contract.
1. Usage and Entire Energy Discounts
Some discounts apply to your whole bill, and others only apply to the usage. You can determine which discount type will save you more money long-term. For example, an energy provider may provide a modest 10% across your entire bill, but it may save you more overall than a larger discount applied only to your usage.
2. Time Based Energy Discounts
Energy discounts usually have a time limit. This could be anywhere from 12 months to two years. You’ll see your bills increase once the discounts end, and it could be a good time to shop around for a better deal.
3. Pay on Time Energy Discounts
Pay on time discounts are common amongst home energy providers. Some can be quite generous offering discounts of up to 30% off. However, if you miss the deadline, you will lose the discount and may be hit with a late payment fee.
4. Direct Debit Energy Discounts
Some providers will offer you a direct debit energy discount. A percentage is taken off your energy bill to reward you for setting up direct debit and paying on time. Always ensure you have enough money in your nominated bank account to pay your bill to avoid late payment fees or bank fees.
5. Bundle Deal Energy Discounts
Some retailers will offer you a discount if you bundle your gas and electricity services together. Some retailers also bundle internet, solar power, and health insurance services. Shop around using the GoSwitch search tool to see if you can get a better deal.
What to look out for
Special discounts are often coupled with lock-in contracts and exit fees for early contract termination. In some cases, a basic plan with flexible time-of-use energy rates can be the right option. You can also choose the Government’s standing offer reference price for your electricity account. Every household has different electricity usage requirements for work and play, including options such as carbon-neutral greenpower and solar energy feed-in tariffs.
Changing to a discount energy retailer
Did you know you can switch energy retailer plans at any time in Australia’s deregulated energy market? However, an independent search of features, fact sheets, and T&Cs could take days. That’s where GoSwitch comes into the picture.
The GoSwitch price comparison search engine does the math for you in seconds for customised electricity services, and great natural gas deals. The choices are all yours for household and business energy and the GoSwitch service to you is 100% free.
Switching Energy Retailers with GoSwitch
GoSwitch compares the latest and best discount energy deals from leading Australian energy retailers. You can find the right electricity, gas, or solar offer and switch to a better contract from the comfort of home. Here’s how it’s done in three easy steps:
- Get started – Create an energy usage profile using your postcode.
- Compare energy deals – Use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search tool.
- Set up and save – Speak to a GoSwitch energy expert for more advice and inspiration.
Comparing electricity deals for your new home is easy with GoSwitch, and the savings can start immediately. A GoSwitch energy expert can help you sign up for a new energy plan, upgrade your current contract, and assist when moving house in Queensland, NSW, VIC and most of south-east Australia. Find a better energy deal with GoSwitch today!
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