Why Is My Electricity Bill So High

‘Bill Shock’ takes people by surprise. It happens when an electricity bill is much higher than the previous bill or when home energy costs rise suddenly. Electricity prices naturally increase, but there are ways to keep electricity costs and electricity consumption down. We explore the best options.

Managing Electricity Bills in Australia

Australians are typically high electricity and gas users. Managing electricity bills in Australia starts with a good household energy plan. Fortunately, every region of Australia is serviced by highly regarded energy distributors and retailers. In addition, the deregulated Australian market allows you to choose and switch energy providers at any time for a better deal.

Every household is different, so you get to choose energy usage options and energy saving technologies for the lifestyle you deserve. Features to look for in an adaptable energy contract include:

• Supply charges
• Usage charges – peak, off-peak, controlled load
• Combined electricity and natural gas deals
• Solar system feed-in tariffs
• Smart Meter home electricity monitoring
• Rebates

Ways to Reduce High Power Bills

Nobody wants high energy bills compared to last year. Let’s look at ways to make the billing period more satisfying.

Use energy efficient appliances

Make sure energy efficiency is a priority as you progressively upgrade your clothes dryer, air conditioning, and other new appliances. The energy rating label on each product helps to compare appliance energy consumption. Avoiding high electricity bills and kWh charges is possible with the right money saving strategies.

Turn appliances off at the wall

Standby power consumption, or a ‘phantom load’, is a silent energy consumer that contributes to higher bills. Turn appliances off at the wall, even if they are in standby mode or install a smart power board.

Factor in your home/work balance

People can spend a lot more time at home than they used to. Remote work and study are popular, and every household member has their own schedule for work and play. Factor in the number of days there are people home to get a clear picture of your household’s electricity usage.

Use energy-efficient lighting

LED light bulbs use 80% less energy compared to halogen bulbs and last twice as long. Energy-efficient lighting is a guaranteed way to save on energy consumption.

Install a Smart Meter

A Smart Meter can access live updates on your energy usage, generally every half hour. This will help you adapt household energy usage for maximum cost savings. Customers without a smart meter will need the distributor to physically check the electricity meter for meter readings. Inaccessible meters may receive an estimated energy usage instead.

Heating & Cooling Solutions

Heating and cooling appliances are responsible for close to 50% of Australian household energy use. Appliances that run for too long or are operated in non-insulated or large areas will quickly increase energy bills. Air conditioner settings of 22-24˚C in summer and 19-21˚C in winter will keep electricity usage in check.

Hot Water Solutions

Hot water accounts for more than 25% of energy usage in the average Australian home. A lot of energy is needed to provide hot water for the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms. Here are a few money-saving suggestions:

• Install low-flow taps and shower heads
• Take shorter showers
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Use eco settings on washing machines and dishwashers
• Check hot water system for leaks.

Timing On/Off Peak Electricity Use

Electricity tariffs can vary dramatically between peak times and off-peak or shoulder times. It’s important to be aware of your time of use electricity tariff structure and how it can impact your power bill.

Looking for a better deal?

Did you know you can switch electricity retailer plans in minutes for a better deal? That’s where GoSwitch comes into the picture. An independent search of energy plan details, features, and incentives could take days, but the GoSwitch price comparison search engine does the math for you in seconds for personalised electricity services and 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 great deals from leading energy providers. You can find the right offer and switch to a better contract from the comfort of your home. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Get started – Create an energy usage profile using your postcode.
2. Compare energy deals – Use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison tool.
3. Set up and save – Speak to a GoSwitch energy expert who can assist every step of the way.

Comparing electricity deals is easy with GoSwitch, and the savings start straight away. GoSwitch can help you sign up for a new energy plan, upgrade your current contract, and assist with relocations and reconnections. GoSwitch is Australia’s favourite energy price comparison service for all the right reasons. Make the switch with GoSwitch today!