Compare The Average Electricity Bill Plans

In New South Wales, where Newcastle is located, the average yearly electricity cost is around $1,884 as of August 2024. This translates to an average quarterly electricity bill of approximately $471, based on a single-rate tariff. However, it’s important to remember that these are just averages. The average cost can vary depending on factors like the size of your household, your energy consumption habits, and the type of tariff you’re on.

The energy market is constantly changing, and electricity prices can fluctuate. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Ausgrid provide valuable information and resources to help you understand the factors that influence your electricity bill.

While these figures give you a general idea, we at GoSwitch believe in empowering you with the knowledge to find the best possible deal. By comparing offers from different providers, you can potentially uncover savings and ensure you’re not paying more than you need to.

In Newcastle, the household size can make a big difference to your power bill. It’s simple—more people usually means more electricity use.

Based on benchmark data collected by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), if you’re living solo, you might pay anywhere from $84 to $151 a month for electricity. For couples, that figure jumps up to between $131 and $230.

Families of three or four can expect to pay even more, with monthly electricity costs ranging from $156 to $272 and $177 to $307, respectively. And for larger households of five or more, energy prices can climb as high as $370 a month.

We get it—these numbers can seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you find the best energy deal for your household, no matter its size.

Your electricity bill isn’t just a random number – it’s influenced by several factors that are unique to your household and lifestyle. Understanding these can help you take control of your energy costs.

• Energy Usage : How much electricity you use is the biggest factor affecting your bill. The more appliances you run and the longer you run them, the higher your bill will be.
• Energy Efficiency : The energy efficiency of your appliances and home plays a big role. Older, less efficient appliances tend to use more power, leading to higher bills.
• Weather : Newcastle’s climate can impact your energy use. In hot summers, you might crank up the air conditioning, while in winter, you might rely on heating, both of which increase your electricity consumption.
• Household Size : As we discussed earlier, the number of people living in your home directly affects how much electricity you use.
• Tariff Type : The type of electricity plan you’re on can also influence your bill. Some plans have different rates depending on the time of day or season.

In Newcastle, some electricity plans come with time-of-use pricing, which means the electricity rates you pay change throughout the day.

Peak times : These are the periods when everyone’s using lots of power, usually on weekdays between 4 pm and 8 pm. During these times, electricity usage rates are at their highest.

Off-peak times : These are the quieter times when demand for electricity is lower, usually at night and on weekends. You’ll enjoy cheaper rates during these periods.

If you’re on a time-of-use plan, you can save money by shifting some of your energy use to off-peak times. Think about running the dishwasher, doing laundry late at night, or charging your electric car during the weekend. It’s a simple way to make your power bill a little bit friendlier.

Sorting through your electricity bill can be simpler than you think. By understanding the common terms and sections, you can manage your energy consumption more effectively. Here’s a guide to some of the key elements you’ll find on your bill:

Usage Charges : This is the cost of the electricity you’ve actually used, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Your energy provider charges a certain rate per kWh, and this section shows you how much you’ve used and what it costs.

Supply Charges : This is a fixed daily fee that covers the cost of getting electricity to your home. You’ll see it listed as a daily supply charge on your bill.

Other Charges : You might also see additional charges on your bill, such as GST, environmental fees, or late payment fees.

While the cost of electricity itself is a major part of your bill, there might be some sneaky extra charges hiding in the fine print. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these, so you’re not caught off guard.

Service Fees : Some energy providers charge additional fees for things like account management, paper billing, or late payments.
Equipment Rental : If you’re renting your electricity meter or other equipment from your provider, you’ll likely see a monthly rental fee on your bill.
Disconnection and Reconnection Fees : If your service is ever disconnected or needs to be reconnected, you might be charged a fee.

These hidden costs can add up over time. It’s always a good idea to read your bill carefully and contact your provider if you have any questions about unexpected charges.

The good news is that there might be some government assistance available to help ease the burden of your electricity bill. Various rebates and concessions are available in NSW to support eligible residents, helping to make energy more affordable. These include:

NSW Government Rebates:

• • Low-Income Household Rebate : Helps low-income households cover the costs of their energy bills.
  • Seniors Energy Rebate : Offers support to eligible seniors to manage electricity costs.
  • Family Energy Rebate : Assists families with dependent children in reducing their energy expenses.

Medical Energy Rebate : Supports individuals with certain medical conditions requiring additional heating or cooling.

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Vouchers:  Provides financial aid to those experiencing a short-term financial crisis or emergency, helping them pay their energy bills.

Energy Bill Relief Fund : A broader initiative aimed at providing additional support during times of significant need.

Residents in VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, and WA also have access to similar incentives. Eligibility criteria and the specific types of assistance available can vary, so it’s worth checking with the NSW government or your energy provider to see what you might be entitled to.

Want to do your bit for the planet? Switching to a green energy plan is a great way to make a difference. In Newcastle, you’ll find plenty of providers offering plans that source electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

Not only is green energy good for the environment, but it can also be good for your wallet. With the increasing popularity of solar panels and other renewable technologies, green energy plans are becoming more competitive, and you might even find one that saves you money.

So, if you’re ready to power your home with clean, sustainable energy, let GoSwitch help you find the perfect green plan for your needs.

Here are a few simple tips to help you save on your power bills and gas bills without sacrificing comfort.

Switch off appliances at the wall: Standby power can add up, so turn off appliances at the wall when not in use.

Embrace energy-efficient lighting: Swap old incandescent bulbs for LED lights to save on energy costs.

Wash clothes in cold water: Most clothes don’t need hot water to get clean, and washing in cold can save a surprising amount of energy.

Shorten your showers: Reducing your shower time even by a couple of minutes can make a difference to your hot water bill.

Insulate your home: Proper insulation helps regulate your home’s temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Ready to find an electricity plan that actually works for you? With GoSwitch, it’s easy! We compare a wide range of energy plans from leading electricity retailers like AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin, as well as smaller electricity providers like Dodo Power & Gas and 1st Energy, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs.

Simply enter your postcode and answer a few quick questions about your household. We’ll do the heavy lifting, searching through countless plans to find the ones that suit you best. No more confusing jargon or endless energy comparisons—just a clear, simple path to a better energy deal!