You have the power!

For a launch pad to easy access, you should check out the Energy Made Easy website. This is the government-recommended comparison site for electricity plans in New South Wales. This content will acclimate you to comparison sites and the energy expenditure and switching process so that you can take action for a better plan of your own effective immediately.

Why can I compare electricity plans?

You can compare electricity plans because the NSW electricity market is competitive. Thus, as long as you possess the power of the educated consumer, this competition works in your favor. Essentially, a choice in the matter means you need to be aware of everything available to you. For example, you have different providers, and within those providers, different plans with varying supply and usage rates.

Therefore, awareness of what's available and what it means for you helps solidify the best choice. In addition, if you pay attention to changes across the board, there are temporal offers and discounts. You must compare electricity plans or risk paying the excess. Retailers will always have a high markup or discount plan offered at a lower price. You can't rely on other people's recommendations. Just because your colleague has a plan and she loves it or it works for her energy needs does not mean you should get the same plan.

Everyone uses electricity differently

By comparing plans, you avoid paying the excess for what's currently in fashion. So, when you realise why the need for comparison exists, it already puts you ahead of the game for efforts in saving and managing electricity costs. Energy Made Easy is the government-sponsored, non-bias comparison to find the cheapest. Energy Made Easy is the number one way to compare plans in a flash; it's a government-sponsored, non-bias comparison tool. What's required is an updated usage comparison. This corresponds with all the entries you submitted to match with your usage statistics.

Plans sorted based on preference

These are plans recommended to you to sort the plans to best help you. For example:

• Ability to compare usage fees.

• Ability to compare network charges across retailers

• Ability to compare off-peak rates, should you have any

In addition, Energy Made Easy allows for comparisons for renewable energy plans, should you like a more sustainable option, as well as comparisons of fees. Using Energy Made Easy after you've been empowered ensures the best cost-saving decision for you. Know Your Usage and Needs Before a transfer, an energy audit is also necessary. This provides a sense of what kind of contract would be beneficial. Energy is used in homes in various capacities—from appliances to heating needs to square footage. The more someone knows about their needs, the more they'll know what's best.

In addition, reviewing one's bills over time and across seasons provides awareness of needs. What's needed daily, on a monthly, and seasonal basis? This can show what's unnecessary to change habits. Lessening excess and waste before a transfer can save even more money in the future.

Investigate Your Requirements and Plan Options

You need to investigate your requirements and plan options. Not all plans suit you, so you need to select one that accommodates your lifestyle, finances, and energy usage. Evaluate Your Usage. Finally, start evaluating your usage. This is the easiest way to get savings. If you see at certain times you're using more—change it—if you use all your high-draw appliances during the day—do it. Use them at night when it's cheaper. You want to be aware of what you're doing and how it impacts your energy bill every month.

Do lights stay on all day? These are even the minuscule things that can drastically change fees and implement a savings plan. Evaluating usage helps predict what's best and makes you eligible for a better plan. Accurate meter readings = accurate billing. If you're using more than you should, they're in billing shock during the billing cycle. Your bills should reflect what's on your meter because this is an infrequently recalled situation.

You're checking the meter anyway, so if there's something wrong, you have to reach out to the company. They need as much accurate data as you do to make the best move; the more information they have about your usage, the easier it is for them to gauge plans. There are many key comparison components used to evaluate electricity plans. These components directly influence what you'll be paying and what your anticipated satisfaction will be. For example, assess the energy price fact sheet because this is the critical information hub from which to understand the details behind any plan.

Assess costs and compare

Assess the energy price comparison guide because a reliable company will have customer service improvements. Good customer service equals overall satisfaction. Assess whether there are seasonal offers or exclusions as well. Many times, seasonal offers are extended at certain times. Beware of hidden fees. Fees for early termination. Fees for reading the meter. These are all hidden costs that require the least amount of effort to uncover. At a minimum, customer reviews will provide you with an omniscient view.

What is the Difference Between Usage and Supply Charges?

Understand the difference between usage and supply charges. Usage charges are what you pay for the energy that you use. Meaning, a usage rate is applied to all kilowatt-hours (kWh) used, so if you are running a lot of energy at home, you will want to focus on lower usage rates. Supply charges, however, are a fixed daily rate. This is the fee charged for being on the grid. Supply charges apply when you have no energy usage, meaning everyone gets it even when they're not at home and using energy, so it's vital to try and find the balance.

Many of the utilities for electricity companies these days offer renewable energy options and green plans. The green plans are based on clean energy sources and they are slightly above the average mean, but every single kilowatt hour is contributing to bettering the planet. The renewable energy options are offered with assured and non-assured charges, but the reliable clean energy sources. So in case someone wants to pay above and beyond for such options, it certainly makes one feel good to do the right thing and keep the world sustainable.

Green Plans for the eco-conscious customer

Some plans utilise renewable resources as well, like solar or wind. It's that easy to be green and reduce your carbon footprint. Some plans allow for an energy offset. This means that some or all of your energy needs will be offset by renewable energy sources. Check what's applicable percentage-wise to see what's included—every bit helps toward a sustainable future. It's important to note about pricing for green plans. These will most likely be a few dollars more—but it's worth it, as they provide a more positive impact on the planet. Just filter for the best-priced plans that work for budgetary purposes and green energy needs.

Switching electricity providers in NSW isn't too difficult

After you've done what you want and compared options, plans can be assessed online. Energy Made Easy is a good place, for example, to make sure you are definitely going down the most informative path. After choosing your new energy provider, simply contact them to get the ball rolling. Most of the switching will be done on your new company's end. They will contact your current company to inform them of the switch.

The only thing you need to be aware of is the final meter reading so that you are not charged an inaccurate first reading down the line. Generally, switching electricity providers will not leave you without power in the interim. Look out for exit fees—these are especially important to consider if you are in contract as they will let you know good times to switch or at least give you an idea of financial sacrifice. Also, look out for promotional periods and tariffs as these may impact your choice/timing. No Disruption of Services and Contracts.

There is no concern of disrupted service in the changeover or required needs assessment. What's needed should have already been put into place aside from knowledge of payment due to the current provider. Expectations for payment of back due or future intentions should be decided before any service change is even rendered known. You're also aware of the fees if you decide to switch.

Don't get caught off-guard

Search for the hidden fees, extra costs, and early termination fees after switching. For example, see if there are stipulations that your introductory rate disappears if you decide to switch. With this information in hand, you will not be charged for things down the line. You're never going to have a lapse in service because everyone has all the paperwork and your final readings and the new company's initial readings from you and the other company. This keeps the world apprised and prevents any service lapses. Understanding your own contract makes you comfortable with services rendered on a daily basis.

NSW government incentives enhance your energy savings

These are state-mandated programs that assist with savings. Intended to promote new efficiencies and lower carbon imprint, these rebates substantially reduce your energy bill. Research what rebates apply to you and how. Then you can always take advantage and never miss a savings opportunity. Also, make sure to compare eligibility from various avenues and programs which may enable you to save more. These also promote the use of new technologies. For example, if a program helps reduce the cost for energy-efficient appliances, using such a device with the program reduces upfront costs and gives energy savings going forward.

Solar Feed-In Tariff and Energy Efficiency Programs Solar feed-in tariffs allow for credits for excess energy. The energy you create and send back into the grid earns credits for you in savings. Be sure to research solar feed-in tariff pricing as different solar companies operate on different pricing.

Finally, energy efficiency programs come from the major electric companies. They show the public how to decrease energy use. Using these programs can reduce your bills and take steps for a better, sustainable future. The significance of such awareness keeps you aware of possible reduced energy costs—and a more sustainable energy use effort in your existence. Taking personal responsibility for savings in a competitive energy market. Each time you switch energy plans, you could be saving.

This means you need to stay in tune with the energy market and new offers consistently. You're saving to save. Utilise third-party electricity comparison tools like Energy Made Easy. They cut out the legwork for you and help you discover savings and plans with the lowest rates applicable to your situation. No plan is permanent. Just because you had something last year doesn't mean you should still have it this year. By assessing your energy usage over time, you'll learn opportunities at periodic checkpoints within your energy plan to ensure the best pricing and applicability for you.

Finally, keep an eye out for government programs and grants. These are additional savings and assistance avenues. A few minutes of research now can save you an excess of time later.

Compare energy plans today

Use the free comparison tool at EnergyPlans.com.au to review energy providers and lock in a better deal before prices rise.

No pressure. No gimmicks. Just real savings.