Adelaide residents are becoming increasingly proactive about reducing their electricity expenses to help cut the cost of living. The introduction of the ‘Better Bills Guideline’ has made it simpler for customers to work out if they’re on the most cost-effective plan by forcing providers to reveal if a better offer exists.
This initiative encourages providers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory to inform customers of potential savings, promoting a more transparent energy market.
With the rising costs of living, every dollar saved counts, particularly around household electricity bills which can hit families hard. Comparison tools have become valuable for customers to see their current plans against various electricity providers. It presents an opportunity for individuals to either negotiate better rates with their existing suppliers or consider switching to a provider that offers a more attractive deal.
Tools that compare electricity plans are integral for consumers aiming to manage their energy costs effectively.
The energy sector has witnessed significant shifts recently with a lot of external factors contributing to energy resourcing and delivery as well as internal responses to market competition and consumer behaviour. Individuals have the confidence to demand the most competitive plans, contributing to a more consumer-focused energy market. Whether your priority is to stick with a current provider but pay less, or to explore the benefits of switching, the information provided on energy bills serves as a key starting point to knowing where you stand.
The chart below shows consumer use and daily supply charges by supplier. Competitive energy plans are assessed based on consumption patterns, allowing providers to identify and present their best offers clearly to their customers.
General Usage Rate and Daily Supply Charges
| Electricity Provider | Electricity Plan | General Usage Rate (¢/kWh) | Daily Supply Charge (¢/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGL | Value Saver | 43.51 | 102.26 |
| Alinta Energy | BetterDeal | 47.52 | 101.79 |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan – Variable Wholesale Prices | 32.28 | 104.48 |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 47.30 | 88.00 |
| Dodo | Standing Offer | 39.02 | 157.69 |
| EnergyAustralia | Flexi Plan | 47.28 | 104.50 |
| Engie | Engie Saver | 45.79 | 120.77 |
| GloBird Energy | GloSave | 34.54 | 123.20 |
| Kogan Energy | Kogan Energy with Free First | 41.15 | 117.50 |
| Lumo Energy | Basic | 43.60 | 100.96 |
| Momentum Energy | Nothing Fancy | 37.18 | 169.29 |
| Nectr | Standing Offer | 43.85 | 142.12 |
| Origin Energy | Go Variable | 43.62 | 101.07 |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 42.35 | 119.90 |
| Pacific Blue | Blue First | 38.39 | 99.00 |
| Powershop | Power House | 41.15 | 117.50 |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 43.98 | 100.96 |
| Sumo | Sumo Lite | 46.20 | 116.60 |
| Tango Energy | Eselect | 42.68 | 99.00 |
| 1st Energy | Standing Offer | 46.75 | 110.00 |
Average Electricity Usage
Adelaide households experience varying electricity consumption patterns, the bulk of which is influenced by household size and energy usage habits.
The average electricity bill in Adelaide is dependent on consumption which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). In a typical setting, a residential customer on a single rate tariff would expect to see a standard annual energy usage of 4011kWh. This is the consumption level that forms the basis for comparing rates among different energy providers.
Residents of Adelaide can expect average usage rates to be around 40 to 45 cents per kWh. These rates are subject to fluctuations based on the energy market and may vary among households depending on the size and age group of residents, which directly impact how much energy each household consumes as well as what times of the day electricity is most relied on. Reducing the volume of electricity used in your home will directly lower the amount of usage on your energy bill.
No matter how much electricity your household requires, every supplier adds on a daily fee. These supply charges are additional costs incurred to cover power delivery and maintenance of power cables, transformers and power stations. These rates range around $1 to $1.20 per day in Adelaide and form a substantial portion of the electricity bill, especially for homes with lower electricity consumption.
Over 20 retailers offer diverse plans within the Adelaide region, each with their own usage rates and daily supply costs. Consumers can consider their specific energy needs and review available plans periodically to maintain cost-effectiveness and minimise their bills by selecting energy plans with competitive usage and supply rates.
Electricity Costs
In Adelaide, the average quarterly electricity bill stands at approximately $453.70, representing one of the higher state averages in Australia. This figure derives from a survey conducted with residents across different regions, providing a broad overview of electricity expenditures.
Snapshot of Average Quarterly Electricity Bills by State:
| State | Average Quarterly Bill |
|---|---|
| SA | $453.70 |
| NSW | $419.80 |
| VIC | $409.10 |
| QLD | $389.10 |
| WA | $339.30 |
Recently, more and more Australians have been surprised by their electricity bills, with 81% indicating a higher bill than expected. These unexpected costs can lead to financial stress, with 39% of Australians expressing concern over their energy expenses.
Residents might see variances in their bills due to several reasons, including individual consumption patterns and the pricing model of their specific providers.
Electricity bills include two primary components:
- Daily Supply Charge: This is a fixed cost covering the maintenance of the electricity network, regardless of how much power is used.
- Usage Charge: This fee is calculated based on the amount of electricity consumed within the household, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Key factors affecting electricity bills:
- Electricity Plans and Providers: The choice of provider and the plan they offer can significantly influence costs. Rates for the same service can differ widely, impacting the yearly bills.
- Household Consumption: The total electricity used by appliances and household size is another determinant.
- Tariffs: Charged per unit of electricity used, they can vary depending on the meter type and electrical setup at home.
Ultimately, understanding these components and how they contribute to the total cost can equip consumers with better knowledge to manage their electricity bills effectively.
Tips for Reducing Your Bills
Reducing your electricity bills can be achieved by understanding your energy plan and improving energy efficiency at home. Both approaches can significantly lower costs for Adelaide residents.
Understanding Your Electricity Plan
Consuming electricity more intelligently begins with choosing an appropriate energy plan. Customers should compare the available options using an electricity comparison tool to select a plan that offers the best value, taking into account factors like tariffs, senior discounts, and the offer itself.
Look for a plan that best aligns with household usage patterns. For example, a single rate tariff might be more beneficial for households with consistent consumption throughout the day, while others may benefit from a plan that offers discounts for off-peak usage.
Efficiency in the Home
Substantial savings can be found by focusing on household efficiency across a few areas:
Heating and Cooling: Limit the use of heaters and air conditioners to times when it’s absolutely necessary. Sealing draughts, wearing appropriate clothing and taking advantage of natural sunlight can help make a home comfortable without turning on any power. Keep a winter temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius, going over this will cost you an additional 10% per degree to run.
Appliances: Simply unplugging appliances or turning them off from the wall socket when not in use can trim the energy bill.
Water Heating: Reducing shower times, fixing leaky taps promptly, and choosing energy-efficient water heating systems (such as solar or heat pump) are recommended.
Cooking: Choosing energy-efficient cooking appliances and white goods can make a difference.
Washing and Drying Clothes: Using cold water for washing clothes, utilising natural drying methods over electric dryers, and doing laundry during off-peak times helps cut back on costs.
Lighting: Switching to energy-efficient lighting such as LEDs can reduce the electricity used for lighting substantially.
Every action taken, from the way residents manage their electricity plans to simple daily habits, impacts energy bills, for better or worse. Homes with features like efficient lighting, solar power generation, and heating optimisation strategies can enjoy significant cost reductions.
By employing practical and informed strategies, understanding electricity plans, and improving home efficiency, Adelaide’s residents can take control of their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable household economy.
Conclusion
Adelaide residents have various options to reduce their electricity bills through strategic engagement with energy providers. One effective method is to look closely at the ‘best offer’ on energy plans, as mandated by the Better Bills Guideline. Customers can find this information displayed on their bills, which can prompt a saving on utility expenses.
Comparing electricity plans using comparison tools can also assist customers in identifying the most cost-effective deals based on their personal power consumption patterns.
To make sure the right plan is selected for long-term savings it’s important to understand what’s involved and read the terms and conditions carefully when selecting a plan. Your local electricians, Adelaide can help with understanding energy prices, utilities, wholesale, distribution network, transmission, metering, and electricity usage rates. These determine the potential savings and whether you might benefit from a switch.
