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How to Pick The Best Electricity Deals for Each Season

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Currently available in NSW, ACT, SA, VIC, parts of QLD, TAS & WA (only Gas). Not available in Ergon Area (QLD), NT and embedded networks or non-quotable meters.

How to Pick The Best Electricity Deals for Each Season

Selecting the Cheapest electricity deal can save you a lot of money especially in Australia where rules change with the seasons. Since energy usage changes throughout the year you need to adapt according to the changes and select the perfect deal. Here’s a full guide on how to choose the best electricity deals for each season in Australia.

Seasonal Usage

  • Summer: High energy usage due to aircon.
  • Winter: Increased usage for heating.
  • Autumn and Spring: Moderate energy usage with minimal heating or cooling needs.

Each season brings its own challenges and opportunities to save on your electricity bill.

Summer Savings: Keep Your House Cool Efficiently

1. Time-of-Use Plans

Time-of-use plans are perfect for summer when aircon usage is at its peak. These plans have lower rates during off-peak hours.

  • Peak Hours: 2 PM to 8 PM when demand is highest.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Late evening to early morning when rates are much lower.

Tip: Run high energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours to get the most savings. This will not only reduce your bill but also manage the load.

2. Aircon Efficiency

Make sure your aircon is energy efficient. Older units consume more energy and therefore more bill. Buying a newer one will save you money in the long run. Regular maintenance like cleaning filters and proper insulation can also improve efficiency.

3. Solar Power

Summer has plenty of sun so it’s the perfect time to use solar power. Consider switching to a provider that offers good solar feed-in tariffs.

Example Providers:

  • Powershop has competitive solar feed-in rates so your overall bill will be lower during sunny months. This will help offset the aircon costs.

4. Cooling Strategies

Using ceiling fans, closing blinds during the hottest part of the day and using natural ventilation in the evening can reduce the need for aircon. Simple things like these can cut down your energy usage by a lot.

5. Plan Promos and Discounts

Check for seasonal promos and discounts from electricity providers. Some providers offer summer specific discounts to new customers or to retain existing ones. Keep an eye out for these and you’ll get some savings.

Winter Savings: Stay Warm without Breaking Your Budget

1. Fixed Rate Plans

Fixed rate plans can help you stay warm during winter when heating usage goes up. These plans lock in a rate for a set period so you don’t get caught out by price increases.

Example Provider:

  • EnergyAustralia’s Rate Fix Plan has a fixed rate for 12 months so you can budget better during the colder months.

2. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Upgrade your home’s insulation and use energy efficient heaters and you’ll use less energy. Look for plans that offer rebates for upgrades. Better insulation means heat doesn’t escape, so you don’t need to heat as much.

3. Bundled Services

Bundling your electricity with other services like gas or internet can save you more. Many providers offer discounts for bundled plans.

Example Provider:

  • Origin Energy offers discounts when you bundle electricity with other services so it’s a good option for households that need multiple utilities.

4. Heating Strategies

Use programmable thermostats to schedule your heating, so the home is warm when you’re in and not when you’re not. This way you don’t waste energy and stay comfortable.

5. Government Rebates and Assistance

Check for government rebates and assistance programs that help with winter heating costs. For example, the NSW Government offers energy rebates for eligible households​. These rebates can save you a lot.

Autumn and Spring: Optimizing for Moderate Usage

1. Flexible Plans

Flexible plans with variable rates are good for these transition seasons when energy usage is moderate. These plans have no lock-in contracts so you can switch if a better deal comes along.

Example Provider:

  • OVO Energy’s The One Plan has competitive rates and flexible terms for moderate usage periods.

2. Rewards Programs

Get rewards programs that offer points or credits for your energy usage. These can add value especially during low usage months.

Example Provider:

  • Red Energy gives you Qantas Points for every dollar you spend on your energy bills, so you get value for your money. Accumulate these points and you can save or redeem rewards.

3. Moderate Usage

Use natural light and ventilation during these seasons to reduce your reliance on electrical lighting and climate control. Energy efficient appliances and mindful usage can also save you money. Simple actions like turning off unnecessary lights can make a difference.

4. Comparing and Switching Plans

Autumn and spring is a good time to review and compare electricity plans. With moderate usage you can test new providers without the risk of big bills. Check regularly for new deals so you don’t overpay.

Regional Considerations

Electricity deals can differ greatly by region due to different networks and regional pricing. Here’s a quick rundown of how to find the best deals in each Australian state:

  • New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has a lot of plans due to the competitive market. Use comparison websites to compare and find the best value plans​. Look for providers that offer extra perks like bill credits or loyalty rewards.

  • Victoria (VIC)

VIC is fully contestable so there are many options. Look for plans with big discounts off the reference price. AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin often have good deals​.

  • Queensland (QLD)

In QLD, solar feed-in tariffs and government rebates can impact the cost. Powershop and Energy Locals often have good deals. Also, use Electricity Monster to compare and find the best deals​​.

  • South Australia (SA)

SA has higher electricity costs. Energy Locals and Powershop have plans with big discounts off the reference price​.

Additional Tips to Find the Best Electricity Deals

1. Compare Regularly

Electricity plans and rates change all the time. Compare plans regularly to make sure you’re on a competitive rate. Finder and Selectra have tools to help you compare the latest deals​.

2. Know Your Usage

Understanding your electricity usage pattern helps you choose a plan that matches your consumption, especially during peak times. Knowing when and how you use electricity can help you make more informed decisions.

3. Use Government Resources

Energy Made Easy has comparison tools to help you find the best deals for your needs and location. These tools are designed to make it easy and simple.

4. Negotiate

If you find a better deal elsewhere, don’t be afraid to negotiate with your current provider. Many will match or beat competitor offers to keep you. A quick phone call can save you big.

5. Renewable Energy

Invest in renewable energy options like solar panels for long term savings and to reduce your reliance on the grid. Look for providers with good solar feed-in tariffs and green energy plans. Saves you money and the planet.

Summary

To get the best electricity deals for each season you need to understand your energy usage and use the plans to your advantage. By having a strategy for summer, winter and the months of autumn and spring you can save on your bills. Compare regularly, use energy efficient appliances and take advantage of solar and bundled services and you’ll save on your bills all year round.