Take the Guesswork Out
of Choosing Electricity in NSW

Understanding your electricity bill in NSW involves more than just knowing the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Several additional charges contribute to your overall energy costs, each playing a distinct role:

Daily Supply Charge: This is a fixed fee you pay each day, regardless of your electricity usage. It covers the cost of maintaining the network that delivers electricity to your home.

Usage Charge: This is calculated based on the amount of electricity you consume, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It’s the most variable part of your bill, as it directly reflects your energy consumption habits.

Standing Offer: The default rate for customers without a specific market contract.

Late Payment Fees: If you miss your bill’s due date, you may incur a late payment fee.

Exit Fees: If you break your contract with a retailer before it ends, you might have to pay an exit fee.

Paper Bill Fee: Some retailers charge extra if you prefer to receive a paper bill instead of an electronic one.

If you have a smart meter, it can provide valuable insights into your energy usage patterns, helping you understand when and how you consume electricity.

In the NSW electricity market, different types of tariffs, or pricing structures, exist. Each one influences when energy is most affordable for you.

Single Rate Tariff: This is the most straightforward option. You pay a single, fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) regardless of the time of day you use electricity.

Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariff: With TOU tariffs, prices vary throughout the day. You’ll typically pay more during peak hours, usually in the evenings when demand is high and less during off-peak hours.

Controlled Load Tariff: This applies to specific appliances, like electric hot water systems.

Solar Feed-In Tariffs: If you have solar panels, you can receive credit for the excess electricity you generate and feed back into the grid.

Peak and off-peak hours in NSW can vary slightly between energy retailers but generally follow this pattern:

• Peak: Weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm.
• Shoulder: Weekdays from 7 am to 4 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm.
• Off-peak: All other times, including weekends and public holidays.

Understanding peak and off-peak times is essential if you’re on a time-of-use tariff. By shifting your electricity usage to off-peak times, you can take advantage of lower rates and potentially save significantly on your energy bills.

The best tariff for you will depend on your lifestyle and energy usage patterns. At GoSwitch, we can help you compare different tariffs and find the one that best suits your needs and maximises your savings.

Switching energy providers in NSW is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple guide for new customers.

Gather Your Information: Have a recent bill handy to reference your current usage and plan details.

Compare Plans: Use GoSwitch to compare electricity plans based on your postcode and energy needs. If you’re looking for a bundled deal, remember to explore gas plans, too.

Choose Your Plan: Select the plan that best suits your household’s needs and budget.

Sign Up: Provide your details to the new retailer, and they’ll handle the switch for you.

Relax: The switch typically takes a few weeks. Your electricity supply won’t be interrupted, so you can relax and enjoy your new plan.

You can switch providers whether you’re in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, or any other part of NSW. The GoSwitch service is also available Victoria and other States for energy customers to compare plans and find the best deal.

At GoSwitch, we’re committed to making the switching process as simple and stress-free as possible. Start comparing plans and retailer fact sheets today and take control of your energy costs.