It's now easier than ever to make the switch and save on your energy bills, with the launch of a new and improved version of the Morrison Government's free energy price comparison website Energy Made Easy.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has today released new features to Energy Made Easy to help more Australians find a better energy deal.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said now more than ever Australian families and small businesses are conscious of their energy bills with COVID19 forcing more Australians to be home.
"There's never been a more important time to reduce your energy costs and shop around for a better deal on your electricity and gas," said Mr Taylor.
"Customers can now search for energy plans using their energy meter data or by simply uploading a bill, making it easier to compare all available offers and pick what works best for you."
New features to the Energy Made Easy website to make it easier to compare energy deals include:
- the ability for consumers to search for energy plans using their energy meter data or by simply uploading a bill
- full website translation into 33 different languages and
- retailer solar feed-in credits can now be included in estimated plan costs.
Minister Taylor said customers who have switched in the past are encouraged to check their energy deals again, because discount periods can expire. Checking you are on the best deal is something you should do regularly.
"If you haven't reviewed your energy plan recently, chances are you're paying too much", Mr Taylor said.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found switching from a standing offer to a median market offer could save residential customers up to $230 a year and small business customers could save up to $1155 a year, depending on the region.
The Government provided $8 million to upgrade Energy Made Easy so households and small businesses can keep making informed energy choices.
The improvements to Energy Made Easy are on top of Government reforms to improve the energy laws to put customers first. This includes a recent rule change proposal to standardise energy bills to make it easier for Australian households and small businesses to compare offers and better understand their energy usage.
Many people's ability to pay their energy bills has been impacted by COVID-19. The Morrison Government with the AER is also supporting energy customers during the pandemic through its Statement of Expectations, which calls on energy retail and network businesses to go above and beyond to provide more consumer support and relief when people need it most.
It's important that customers who can pay their bills continue to do so and that they are on the best possible deal.
The Government encourages all consumers in the ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, south-east Queensland and Tasmania to visit energymadeeasy.gov.au to compare deals and save.
