Managing energy bills
Nobody likes prices increasing, especially for something as necessary as electricity and gas, but as our costs go up we do need to pass these through to our customers. Energy prices are highly complex and there are a range of reasons why prices are going up.
The retail component of the household electricity bill is approximately one dollar in ten. Although it varies from region to region, about half of the total bill is the cost of transporting energy along the poles and wires owned by various network businesses (Origin is not a network business). The prices charged to us by network businesses are set by the regulator. The remaining share of the bill is the cost of energy supplied.
Hardship
We are particularly mindful of the issues faced by customers having trouble paying their bills. We help customers in that situation access a range of Government programs.
Additionally, we also assist customers in need via our PowerOn program. The PowerOn program has been in place for many years and key activities include:
- establishing payment plans for customers, in which Origin reduces the outstanding debt while current charges are being met
- providing energy audits
- where the need is identified in the energy audit, installing at our expense energy-efficient items and appliances for customers experiencing hardship to reduce their energy consumption.
We urge any customers experiencing difficulties to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Reducing consumption
We are committed to assisting customers in reducing their bills as well as their impact on the environment. We do this via advice and assistance in energy-efficiency and conservation.
We have a range of energy-saving ideas to provide Australians with practical advice and information on how to use energy more efficiently, save money and reduce their impact on the environment. If you want to know more, our resident energy efficiency advocate, Anne Armansin, will help answer your questions. To access these great ideas and utilise our 'Where's the waste?' program that helps identify energy hot spots around the home, plus a buyers' guides to help consumers choose the right appliances for their needs go to Origin's Energy Institute .
How do I know if I am getting the best price?
Comparing energy offers and pricing can be quite complex, so here's some questions you should think about when choosing an offer that's best for you.
We recommend that you look carefully at what is being offered to see whether you will be better off, and to ensure that you are comparing 'apples with apples'.
Gas and electricity pricing is made up of a number of components, including the actual gas and electricity charge, distribution charges, regulated market charges, supply charges and GST. If you are comparing prices, you should ensure all pricing components have been included in the offer.
Some of the things to look out for – other than price – are the payment methods, early termination or exit fees that may apply, and any other charges and services which have been included in the market contract.
In addition, please consider the customer service that you will be receiving when thinking about your options.
If you would like more information about pricing and offers that may be available to you, please visit www.originenergy.com.au/priceguide
NSW customers, please see the following advice from the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) (66KB) for customers thinking of entering an electricity or gas market contract.
Factors to consider when making decisions about your energy retailer
- To get the best price comparison always check with your current energy retailer first to see whether they can offer you a better deal.
- Be wary of price comparison sites – they are not all independent, many work on commissions and they generally do not represent all energy retailers.
- Always read the fine print.
- Be wary of long term contracts and exit fees.
