Compare Gas And Electric Providers

Don’t Be Overwhelmed!

When choosing an energy provider, it’s easy for all the choices available to overwhelm you. There’s tariffs, discounts, different rates – it can all get a bit much sometimes. But don’t fret, because Billy Explores is here to help. Nothing annoys us more than seeing everyday Aussies being impacted by rising energy prices*, and through Billy Explores you can compare gas and electric providers so you could get a better deal for you.

Depending on where you live, there’s a stack of options for choosing the best energy provider for your family’s requirements. You just need to compare what each of them is offering. We know, you’ve got to take little Trevor to his cricket match and get home in time for Sally’s dance performance – you don’t have time to search through website after website looking at energy prices. Don’t worry, if there’s one thing Billy Explores knows more than the himalayan exploration, it’s energy providers. Let’s take a look at the things you need to consider.

Compare Types of Gas and Electric Contracts

Did you know there are actually two types of contracts you can enter into when connecting with an energy provider?

Standing contracts have rates which could be set by the State or Territory Government because they are regulated. In simple terms, this means the provider can’t change the rates, terms and conditions no matter how nice they’d like to be. The positive side is you are pretty well protected against unfair fees, charges and lock-in contract periods.

Market contracts on the other hand are controlled by the energy providers themselves. This means, when competition is healthy, you could benefit from lower rates, introductory incentives and monthly discounts. Most market contracts will involve a fixed-term contract and possibly exit fees if you leave early.

Before connecting, make sure you understand the terms of your gas or electricity contract. Of course, the best energy providers out there will help you understand your contract terms.

Understanding Tariffs

How you use gas and electricity plays a big role in choosing which type of tariff is right for you.

Single rate tariffs charge the same rate for energy consumption regardless of what time of day you’re using it. There’s no peak or off-peak times to worry about, so if you find that you use most of your power during peak times, a single rate tariff will likely be best for you.

Compare Gas And Electric Supply and Usage Charges

Supply charges are a fixed daily rate and don’t change regardless of how much power you’re using. This part of your plan is worth checking, especially if you’re a small household and don’t use huge amounts of power. It is worthwhile investigating whether you could save money with a lower daily supply charge.

Usage charges, as their name suggests, are the rates you’re charged for the energy you consume. Needless to say, if your household uses a lot of power, looking for a lower usage charge than your current rate is going to be a great source of savings. This charge ties in with the tariff your energy plan offers.

Compare Gas and Electric Discounts

In today’s competitive market most providers will offer some kind of discount on your energy bills. So why not take advantage of them? Some common discounts are:

• Usage charge discounts: Some of these are guaranteed, some will be conditional – for example you might only get the discount if your bill is paid on time.
• Sign-up discounts: It’s worth doing some research here because some will be clear cut, offering a discount off your first bill. Others may offer a reduced usage charge but for a limited time. These ones may also be dependent on you signing up online.
• Paperless bills: Many providers offer a discount if you choose to receive your bill online.
• Direct Debit discount: Obviously energy providers would prefer customers to make payments on time or before, so many will give you a discount if you pay automatically by direct debit when the bill falls due.

We recommend checking discount conditions carefully. If you get a limited time benefit but end up paying increased usage charges you could cost yourself more money in the long term.

Try to Compare Hidden Gas and Electric Fees and Charges

To us, it seems like every day there are more hidden fees and charges, and companies are trying to hit us with a fee we didn’t even know was payable! However, some fees and charges are avoidable – late payment fees for example. Consumers can also be caught out with any exit fees on market contracts when switching energy providers. To avoid any hidden fees and charges, make sure you understand the terms of your plan.

What About the Environment?

Maybe financial savings aren’t as important to you as reducing your carbon footprint. With many everyday Aussies seeing climate change as a growing concern^, it’s not surprising that many people want to be with an energy provider who have are also focussed on doing their bit for the environment. Luckily, most providers will publish information on any environmentally-friendly supply options or any environmental policies they have on their website. So if this is an important factor when selecting the best energy provider for you, make sure you check it out before signing up.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what to look for when it comes to comparing energy providers. If you want more information, we’ve got tips on finding the cheapest gas and electric bills, not to mention a bunch of energy saving tips you can use to hopefully reduce those bills.

But do you want to hear the best news? When it comes to comparing gas and electric providers, you don’t have to physically do the work yourself (ie calling each and every energy provider)! In just a couple of clicks, Billy Explores can help you to compare gas and electric prices, find the best energy provider for you and potentially start saving money today!

 

 

 

*  What is Behind Soaring Energy Prices and What Happens Next? IEA.org, 12 Oct 21,

^ Climate Poll 2021 Lowy Institute 26 May 2021