Utilities are some of the consistently highest and all too frequent costs for families throughout the year.
Every 3 months you can expect to receive bills for water and energy use. But what if they don’t arrive? Sounds great until the sum of the unpaid bills arrive expecting you to pay an enormous amount within a relatively short time.
It does happen and our Financial Counsellors have recently been dealing with this particular scenario a little more than usual. Maybe it’s the weather. We certainly have been through a lot this summer in South Australia and with more extremes on the way many will be looking for solutions in keeping energy costs down without being too uncomfortable. The last thing we need is for an accumulated bill to arrive just when its all over.
If for some reason and no fault of your own making you receive a group of over due bills with little time to pay. What can you do?
It is not uncommon for a supplier to experience a delay in issuing your bill and if not noticed these can lead to a sudden shock when the bills finally arrive. If you do not receive bills when expected you may need to check the supplier has your correct e-mail and address on their accounts. If your retailer has failed to issue bills for a number of billing periods, and it has been confirmed that an issue on the retailers end such as a computer error causes the delay, there are regulations in place to protect consumers.
If you have not received a bill when you expect to, then you should contact your retailer and confirm that your correct mail or e-mail address is on file. If a retailer has failed to issue bills through a fault of their own, then when they do issue a bill they can only charge you back 9 months (or 12 months for water) from the date they advise you of the undercharged (up until now un-billed) amount. The retailer must also provide the customer with the same length of time to pay off the bill as they are billing for.
As an example: Mr P has not received a bill from his electricity retailer for 18 months. His retailer corrects the error and issues Mr P bill spanning the past 18 months. These bills should include credits to cover the oldest 9 months of charges (this would be 6 months for a water bill), and the retailer must also provide Mr P with 9 months to pay off these charges.
Tip: Some people choose to make monthly payments rather than receive quarterly bills with their retailer. This is a good way to smooth out payments over the period and if linked directly to your account can help reduce a fluctuating bank account or going into debt each quarter.
For more information contact your retailer or go to the Energy & Water Ombudsman SA website. If you are experiencing financial hardship then speak to a Financial Counsellor by phoning the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Important Update
As of January 1st, 2025 the Affordable SA app will no longer be available. If you're looking for assistance or to connect with programs and services near you, please refer to our website: affordablesa.com.au, to access the assistance you need.
Affordable SA will still be available as a FREE service via website, where you can find all the services you need, in the palm of your hand.
Understanding Electricity Costs and Renewable Energy in 2025
The way Australians generate and use electricity is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. South Australia, once known for power shortages, became the first major jurisdiction to be powered entirely by solar energy—a remarkable milestone. As renewable energy technology becomes more widespread, you may wonder: 'will electricity become cheaper, and what steps can I take to reduce their bills today?'
The answer is promising: electricity costs are expected to decrease over time, but you can start saving now with smarter energy habits, better provider choices, and a deeper understanding of your rights as a consumer.
Your Rights as an Energy Consumer
As an energy customer in Australia, you’re protected by laws that govern your dealings with energy retailers and distributors. These rights ensure transparency, fair pricing, and access to essential energy services. Familiarising yourself with these regulations helps you make informed decisions when choosing providers and addressing billing concerns.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
1. Use Energy Made Easy
The Energy Made Easy website is a free government service that allows households and small businesses to compare electricity and gas plans. Simply input your details to view a range of offers that suit your energy usage and location. You can also contact them directly at 1300 585 165 for assistance.
2. Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating energy plans, don’t focus solely on price. Keep these factors in mind:
- Contract Length: Are you locked into a long-term agreement, or can you switch plans easily?
- Fees and Discounts: Look out for hidden fees or discounts that may expire after a set period.
- Special Deals: Some plans offer incentives like sign-up bonuses or rebates, but read the fine print to understand long-term costs.
3. Time-of-Use Tariffs
Did you know the time you use energy can affect how much you pay? Time-of-use tariffs mean energy costs vary depending on peak and off-peak periods. Adjusting your habits, like running appliances during off-peak times, can lead to substantial savings. In South Australia, off peak times for residential is 10am - 3pm.
4. Specific Plan Types
Certain plans may cater to your unique situation:
- Smart Meter Plans: These allow for detailed tracking of your energy use.
- GreenPower Plans: For those committed to renewable energy, these plans offset your consumption with sustainable energy sources.
- Solar Energy Plans: If you have solar panels, look for plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Regional Plans: Some plans are better suited for urban or rural areas, depending on infrastructure.
Reducing Energy Usage to Lower Bills
One of the simplest ways to save money on electricity is to use less of it. Conducting a home energy audit can help identify energy inefficiencies and opportunities to save. You can conduct this audit yourself by borrowing a free Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library.
Living Areas
- In Summer: Close windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day to keep the heat out. Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible, and if using air conditioning, set it to 26°C.
- In Winter: Seal draughts by closing windows and curtains. Set central heating to 18°C.
- Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights and turn them off when not in use.
- Standby Power: Switch off appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power usage.
Kitchen
- Ensure adequate space around your fridge for ventilation and check that its seals close firmly.
- Cover pots and pans when cooking to retain heat and reduce energy use.
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Bathroom and Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If using hot water, set it to 60°C.
- Dry clothes on a line instead of using a dryer.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage and aim for showers no longer than four minutes.
Accessing Financial Help for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, financial assistance may be available. Options include:
- Temporary or ongoing bill relief through government programs.
- Guidance from us at Affordable SA, call us today on 1800 025 539.
Additionally, explore our Utilities Programs listed on Affordable SA, which provide tailored solutions for reducing energy costs and managing bill payments.
The Future of Renewable Energy and Costs
As renewable energy becomes the backbone of Australia’s power grid, the overall cost of electricity is projected to decline. Solar power, wind energy, and advancements in battery storage are paving the way for a greener, more affordable future. Programs such as GreenPower and feed-in tariffs for solar customers offer opportunities to actively participate in this transition while saving money.
However, the key to maximising these savings lies in understanding your energy consumption and making adjustments today. By selecting the right provider, using energy-efficient appliances, and tapping into available support programs, you can enjoy both immediate savings and long-term benefits as Australia transitions to a renewable energy future.
Take Charge of Your Finances with ‘Be the Boss’
Managing money can be overwhelming, especially in today’s challenging economic climate. The Salvation Army’s "Be the Boss" program is here to help. This free, self-paced, three-week online course offers practical guidance to empower Australians to take control of their finances for good. Whether you're feeling out of control with your spending or just need a little help staying on track, this program provides the tools to set you on the path to financial security.
What is "Be the Boss"?
"Be the Boss" is a straightforward, user-friendly online course designed to help you assess your financial priorities, make meaningful changes, and stick to them. Here’s what makes the program stand out:
- Flexible Format: While the course is structured over three weeks, participants can choose to focus on individual sections as needed.
- Video Tutorials & Action Plans: Short, engaging videos break down financial concepts into easy-to-follow steps, and accompanying action plans help you implement what you learn.
- Tailored for Real-Life Challenges: The course addresses common financial hurdles like budgeting, saving, and managing debt, providing actionable advice to meet your specific needs.
What Will You Learn?
This program focuses on three key areas to help you master your finances:
- Understanding Your Values
- Explore what’s most important to you financially. Whether it’s saving for a home, reducing debt, or having a safety net, understanding your goals is the first step to creating a financial plan that works.
- Identifying Changes
- Identify areas where small, consistent adjustments can make a big impact. This might include tracking your expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, or prioritising essential bills.
- Taking Action
- Turn good intentions into lasting habits. The program offers strategies for staying motivated and holding yourself accountable as you work toward financial independence.
Why Participate in "Be the Boss"?
- Free of Cost: This valuable resource is completely free, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of financial situation.
- Practical and Empowering: Designed to be realistic and achievable, the program focuses on building confidence and clarity in managing money.
- Supports Broader Financial Wellbeing: It’s not just about budgeting. You’ll also gain insights into setting life goals and managing unexpected expenses.
Access Additional Support with Moneycare
For those looking for a personalised approach to financial challenges, the Salvation Army’s Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling. A Moneycare counsellor can guide you through complex financial situations, provide advice on debt management, and offer a compassionate ear.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Be the Boss is easy:
- Visit the Be the Boss course page to access the course materials.
- Watch the introductory video to understand how the course works and choose the topics most relevant to your needs.
- Follow along with the videos and complete the action plans at your own pace.
Taking control of your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Be the Boss course empowers you with knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to create a brighter financial future. Start today and take the first step towards becoming the boss of your money.
For personalised advice, reach out to Moneycare on 1800 722 363.