There are various things to consider before you start comparing your electricity bills. For example:

• Do you pay bills on time?
• You want a higher pay on time discount or one standard rate?
• Do you have any existing contracts with your current retailer?
• Are you out of your benefit period?

On Econnex, comparing Electricity Bills are easy as it gives you a dollar value for each plan instead of confusing stars. Follow the below steps before you get to see the cheapest electricity plan from Econnex panel:

Steps to compare energy plans

• Enter the postcode or suburb where you live
• Select if you want to compare your electricity bill, gas bill or both electricity and gas bills
• Choose whether you want to compare your residential electric bill or business electric bill
• Select if you have a Solar panel installed at your property as our system will show the options with the best feed-in tariffs
• Tell us if someone at the property has a life support equipment. If yes, then we will make sure your new retailer is extra careful while processing your application
• Let us know if you are moving into a new property, or you require a new connection. We will make sure that your power is on when you move in.
• If you are not moving in then, please select if you have your bill available for proper comparison. We always advise comparing when you have your bills available as it provides a tailored result. 
• If you have a bill handy, then select the appropriate meter type and enter your usage from your electricity bills. If not, then continue by selecting your usage profile.
• Let us know if you hold a concession card. If yes, then please enter your concession rebate amount inclusive GST as per your last bill. Once again, this will help us to prepare a better comparison for you
• After proving your details click on how much you can save
• You will see a list of all the available electricity plans from Econnex panel of energy providers

Select the electricity plan, which is the cheapest on the list and meet your requirements. If you are still confused, read how to select an energy plan and what to see while switching energy retailers.

Learn more about how Econnex Energy Comparison works here.

Paying your bill

If you’re in a hurry and just looking to pay your bill, the best area to check is the payment options section. This will show how much is due, when it’s due and any ‘pay on time’ discounts. It will also show the different ways you can pay for your bill. Most energy retailers offer you a range of ways to pay including: BPay, Direct Debit, credit card (which may incur a fee), by mail, phone or in person at a post office.

Checking your meter reading

To find your current and previous meter readings, look for the section that shows a breakdown of your energy usage. This is usually on the second or third page of your bill.

Checking energy costs

If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, the key area to check is the energy usage and calculation section.

Under the energy usage and calculation section you’ll find:

• Current and previous meter readings
• Energy plan name
• Total usage
• Charge, rate or tariff
• Supply charge

Finding your average daily usage

Most energy retailers show the average daily energy usage of the household as a graph. The graph compares your daily usage to the same billing period in the previous year. (Some energy bills will also show a table comparing your daily usage with that of other similar households in your area.)

To learn more about reading your energy bills, and where to look for savings, see How to read your energy bills .

Understanding Gas and Electricity Charges

Usage charges are the rate you will pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity or megajoule (MJ) of gas you use. Whereas, supply charges are a fee charged by energy retailers for supplying the electricity and gas to your home. You will be charged a supply charge as long as your energy service is connected. If you go away on holiday for a few weeks, your usage may be lower during that time, but your supply charge will remain the same.

For households with low energy usage, the supply charge will make up a higher proportion of the overall bill. This is in comparison to households with high energy usage, where the usage charges will form the most significant part of the bill.

If you have a lower than average energy usage, it’s worth keeping an eye on your supply charges. And if your household has a higher energy usage, it’s worth checking how much you pay for your usage rates.

To learn where to find your usage and supply charges on your energy bills, see How to read your electricity and gas bills.

Electricity and Gas Meters

In Australia, there are three types of electricity meter : Flat-Rate Meters, Interval Meters and Smart Meters. Flat-Rate Meters can only measure one flat rate of electricity usage. Whereas, Interval Meters and Smart Meters can measure time-of-use electricity usage. Time-of-use tariffs, such as peak and off-peak rates, can help you save money on your electricity.

For gas, there are two main types of meter : Gas Metric Meter and Gas Imperial Meter.
All gas meters offer the same tariffs for usage.

To learn more, including how to read your electricity and gas meter, see Electricity and Gas Meters Explained .

Electricity and Gas Rebates

Energy rebates (also known as concessions) offer money back to help pay your electricity and/or gas bills. Some rebates are applied directly to your electricity or gas bill – for others there is an application process. The energy rebates on offer will vary depending on the state or territory in which you live. The most common types of energy rebates are for concession card holders, low-income earners or people with certain medical conditions. See how much you might be able to save with energy rebates.

Also known as a ‘buy back rates’ or ‘solar tariffs’, solar feed-in tariffs give you money back on any surplus electricity you export to the national power grid. To eligible to receive a feed-in tariff, you’ll need to have a solar system that is connected to the grid.

When choosing a feed-in tariff, you’ll have the choice of a single-rate feed-in tariff or a time-varying feed-in tariff. A time-varying feed-in tariff offers different rates depending on the time of day the electricity is exported to the grid. It provides higher rates during times of peak energy usage (at night) and lower rates during the day.

By increasing the amount of electricity you export during peak hours, you might be able to maximise the feed-in tariff credits you receive. By doing this, you could accrue some extra savings on your electricity bill. However, high feed-in tariffs can also come bundled with higher usage and supply charges. Or they may only be offered for a limited time. So, when comparing solar feed-in tariffs you’ll need to check all the details.

To learn more about solar feed-in tariffs, see Using solar feed-in tariffs to save.

Solar panels work by allowing the sun’s particles of light (photons) to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. With photovoltaic solar panels, they generate direct current (DC) electricity.

The solar system’s inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity is then fed into the electrical wiring around your home.

Some households also purchase a solar battery, so they can store surplus solar power for use when the sun isn’t shining.

To learn more about solar panels, and how they can help you save, see A little guide to solar.

Moving can be very stressful and expensive. So, the best plan of attack is to prepare well in advance.

Some key things to consider are:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Updating your details
• Removalists
• Packing
• Cleaning
• Pets

Disconnecting and connecting utilities is one of the main things you’ll want to get right when moving. After all, no one wants to spend the first night in their new home with no power or gas.

Utilities

To organise disconnecting and connecting your electricity and gas, contact your retailer well in advance of your move out date. This will ensure everything goes smoothly. (If you’re looking to change energy plans, Econnex has an easy-to-use energy comparison tool.)

The same goes for phone and internet services – especially if the nbn has not been connected at your new home before.

Water is not usually something you have to worry about, as it will remain connected during the move. However, if you are moving to a new build you might need to check with the local water provider that everything has been set up.

Insurance

Some home and contents policies do not provide cover for belongings while they are being moved to another residence. So, it’s best to check the details of your policy with your insurer.

While you’re speaking with them, also make sure your new home is covered and that they have your new contact details.

Updating your details

Two key things you’ll need to do to update your details are redirecting your mail and updating your driver’s licence.

To redirect your mail, you will need to complete and submit a form with Australia Post. The form will take three full working days to process, so it’s best not to leave this until the last minute.

To change the address on your driver’s licence, you will need to contact the transport or roads authority in your local state or territory. Usually you will need to notify a change of address within 14 days of moving. If you’re moving interstate you might have up to 3 months to change your licence. However, you’ll need to check the details for the state or territory you’re moving to.

Removalists

Unless you have a lot of people who can help you move, booking professional removalists is a good idea. They will have all the necessary equipment to move and protect large items. Plus, if you use professional removalist, your existing contents policy may cover you for the move.

Packing

The earlier you can start packing, the better. This will give you the chance to sort through your belongings and donate or sell any items you no longer need. And that can mean big savings when it comes to moving things to your new home.

Professional removalists can also pack the contents of your home for you. However, if you’re doing it yourself you’ll need boxes, packing paper, packing tape, fragile warning tape and bubble wrap. Your mover can help you work out how many boxes you will need. They may also be able to supply them. Alternatively, you may be able to source these supplies from your local hardware store.

Cleaning

While doing the cleaning yourself can save you money, it can take a lot of time and equipment to do it thoroughly. For example, carpets will usually need to be steam cleaned before you move out. See a list of 2020 cleaning costs in Tips to help you with your next mov .

Pets

Moving can be a stressful time for pets too. So, make sure you look out for them during the move. For example, set aside some of their favourite toys to help them stay calm during this time.

For more hints and tips, including a moving checklist, see Tips to help you with your next move.

Depending on where you live, you may have multiple energy retailers and plans to choose from.

When choosing an energy plan, you’ll need to consider:

The type of electricity meter you have

If you want to take advantage of time-of-use pricing, you will need a smart meter or interval meter. Time-of-use pricing includes peak, off-peak and shoulder tariffs for different times of the day.

How you use energy around your home

If you use the washing machine and dryer during off-peak times, you might be able to benefit from time-of-use pricing. Also factor in how much energy you use overall. If your household uses a lot of energy, a plan with lower usage rates might give you greater savings. Whereas, if your energy usage is low, a plan with competitive supply charges may be a better option.

If you have a solar system

If your solar system is connected to the electricity grid, consider a plan that offers the best feed-in tariffs. With solar feed-in tariffs, you can earn money back on any surplus solar power you generate.

If you want to support renewable energy sources

If supporting renewable energy sources is important to you, look for an energy retailer that offers a GreenPower product and/or carbon offsets.

Then to work out the best energy deals, compare the tariffs, charges, fees and any discounts.

Tariffs

With electricity plans, there are four types of tariffs: single rate, time-of-use, controlled load, and demand. Not all households will be eligible for all types of tariffs. For example, if you have a smart or interval meter you might be able to sign up to a plan with time-of-use tariffs. And if your hot water system has its own meter, you may be able to receive a controlled load tariff for the power it uses.

Gas plans are a lot simpler. There is no time-of-use pricing, only single rate tariffs. However, some energy retailers can charge different tariffs blocks. For example, there might be a higher tariff block when the demand for gas is higher.

Charges

When you look at your bill, you’ll see usage charges and supply charges. Usage charges are for the amount of energy you use. While, supply charges are for the ongoing supply and maintenance of your energy service.

Fees

When looking for the best energy deals, don’t forget to factor in the cost of fees. These can include an establishment fee, late payment fee, disconnection fee, reconnection fee and exit fee.

Discounts

When comparing discounts, check if you need to meet a condition to receive the savings. For example, with a pay-on-time discount, you’ll need to pay the full amount on time to receive the benefit. And with direct debit discounts, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money in your account to pay the bill. Otherwise, you might be slapped with a fee.

To put it simply, the best energy deal will always be the one with the lowest overall cost and with conditions that you can meet. So, always make sure you check all the details and conditions of your contract before you sign to make sure you’re happy.

To learn more, see How to find the best energy deals.

Power prices are falling across Australia, thanks to big changes happening in the energy market. Wholesale electricity prices are falling nationwide; the Federal Government's policy changes are making the energy market more competitive. You should be getting cheaper gas and electricity bills; but if you're not, you can save hundreds of dollars by taking a little time to explore your options.

Looking for the cheapest gas and electricity providers in your area, aligned to how you use your power? It's time to look into energy comparison.