Power survey reveals Tweed residents feeling the pinch
02 April 2024
It’s no secret that many Tweed residents are feeling the squeeze from increasing electricity costs, but what may be surprising is the simple actions that could save you money.
Tweed Shire Council recently hosted a stall at Tweed City Shopping Centre providing free information about saving energy and money. Residents were surveyed about their experiences paying electricity bills and offered expert insights into options that could make a difference in the next billing cycle.
A steady stream of residents visited the stall with power bills in hand, revealing that many are paying a ‘loyalty tax’ for staying with their current electricity retailer.
Independent Home Energy Advisor Sebastian Crangle who provided support on the stall said it pays to compare rates and shop around.
“We saw a huge range in electricity supply charges and tariffs, even from the same provider,” Mr Crangle said.
“The cheapest daily supply charge we saw was $1.36, but it went as high as $1.98 – that’s a difference of more than $55 for the quarter, without adding in usage charges.”
Likewise, residents were paying a wide range of usage charges, with most on flat rates.
“Even if you stay with the same retailer, you can still ask them if you are on the best plan for your circumstances, or to match competitor rates,” Mr Crangle said.
Council’s Sustainability Education Officer Jane Moad recommended that everyone take the following steps.
“First, get to know your bill and compare your rates with other providers. Websites like energymadeeasy.gov.au allows you to compare electricity plans and use the information to negotiate with your current retailer or to switch,” Ms Moad said.
“Second, check your bill to see if you’re receiving any rebates you may be eligible for. The NSW government offers rebates for low-income earners, seniors, families, people with medical conditions and others. There’s also a one-off National Energy Bill Relief payment people in these groups can receive, with up to $700 available for eligible households this year.”
Residents can find out more about rebates online.
“Thirdly, residents should think about energy saving methods in their home. This doesn’t necessarily mean turning off your air conditioner but being smarter about overall energy use, such as more efficient appliances, minimising draughts and energy loss, insulation or using energy at different times in the day.”
Tweed resident Bob was the lucky winner of a Home Energy Consultation with Advisor Sebastian Crangle, who will complete a Residential Efficiency Scorecard Rating for Bob’s home, which will provide insights on the best opportunities to save energy and maximise the energy performance and thermal comfort of his home.
A report on the National Residential Efficiency Scorecard program found an average of 21% energy bill savings for those who implemented report recommendations, with 80% of households experiencing improved comfort in extreme hot and cold weather.
Tweed residents can also evaluate their energy retailer on the basis of environmental performance, with many choosing to make sustainable decisions based on climate action and carbon emissions.
“The Greenpeace Green Energy Guide ranks retailers based on their contribution towards a renewable energy electricity grid in Australia,” Ms Moad said.
“It is possible to make affordable energy decisions while also avoiding the worst polluters.”
Tweed Shire Council is inviting feedback to its Home Energy Bills Survey to further understand the issues facing Tweed residents and the types of support that would be most useful.
Residents can complete the survey on Council's Your Say Tweed page by Tuesday 30 April.
Image: Kingscliff residents taking the survey at the recent Power Pop Up stall at Tweed City Shopping Centre with Council’s Sustainability Education Officer Jane Moad.