Seniors and pensioners electricity plans Australia

The Ultimate Guide to Seniors and Pensioners Electricity Plans Australia

Managing bills may be challenging for seniors and pensioners who usually rely on a fixed income. The escalating cost of electricity is a major concern that could act as a major burden. Unfortunately, most of the time, energy bills often soar high along with the years added to our age. Spending quality time at home often comes with a price, and it’s important to be aware of the options that are intended to help energy users who are already in their senior years.

While ageing and energy plans simply do not go hand in hand, there are several ways in which seniors and pensioners can avoid stress by learning how to manage their energy bills.

Tips for Seniors and Pensioners on Managing Energy Plans

Review offers and contracts

Wherever you live, there are Australian electricity retailers who can support your needs for energy. In fact, you may get a number of energies offers and you really need to choose which retailer suits you best. For easy energy billing, make it a habit to read the offers and contracts. Pay appropriate attention to the terms and conditions.

Check what tariff you’re on for your meter

Some meters of electricity are set up for peak, off-peak energy use, while others are set for a single rate throughout the day. You can, therefore, change your lifestyle to suit your tariff, depending on your meter type.

For a time-of-use meter, this would mean savings for the consumer if one were to opt to use the off-peak periods for such flexible activities as washing and cooking; however, one should also be cautious enough to consider heating and cooling requirements, as that may lead to increased energy costs if you need to run them during peak periods.

Ensure customer protection

Know the laws that are in place for customer protection regarding energy matters. Customers are entitled to information to affect them when they are under contract with a provider. Accredited electricity retailers should provide a printed summary of the contract. The customers should refer to the energy price fact sheet in order to know the following:

  • Prices and all other charges
  • Penalties
  • Early termination fees
  • Contract date and duration
  • Billing and payment information
  • Customer’s rights and obligations

Check for possible energy bill errors

Make it a habit to check your bill, especially if you think something is not right or the charges just do not complement your actual usage. You can request your electricity provider to review it. If, after that, you are still not satisfied, you can also contact the energy ombudsman in your state or territory who can offer a free and independent dispute resolution service.

Know your billing options

Paying energy bills can be quite financially stressful for many seniors and pensioners with a fixed income, but there are ways to ease the financial burden and unload the financial stress from an energy bill. You can ask your energy provider to deduct smaller amounts from your account more regularly instead of receiving one large quarterly bill. Contact your energy retailer if you are not able to pay your bill on time.

Dealing with the burden brought on by high energy bills brings on stress, but there are steps that you can take to make them manageable. Knowing your rights as a consumer, along with finding an electricity provider who can best match needs and lifestyle requirements, will help seniors and pensioners to avoid financial difficulties.

Hence, if you need any assistance in comparing energy plans Australia and finding electricity providers in your area? Make it possible with Utility Market!

Keep up with the latest insights, practical advice, and important industry updates on seniors and pensioners electricity plans Australia by following Utility Market on LinkedIn.

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