Rebates and vouchers
Have you checked the Savings Finder? You may be eligible for NSW Government rebates, vouchers and discounted schemes to help reduce your energy and utility costs.
The NSW Government offers a number of electricity and gas rebates to help eligible NSW residents reduce their energy bills, including rebates for low-income households, families, seniors and people who use life support equipment at home.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Thinking about buying a solar battery for your property? The Australian Government is now offering around 30% discount on upfront installation costs. Check if you're eligible.
No-cost energy-saving tips
There are many free and simple things you can do around your home to use energy more efficiently and cut your energy bills.
Simple tips to save energy and money
Follow these tips to reduce your energy use at home. These small actions can make a big difference to your power bills.
Comparing plans and changing your energy retailer (or calling your current one) can be a way to cut costs. Some retailers will also give you bill credits for moving your plan online or bundling services.
More ways to save
- Energy saving tips when you rent, in summer and winter, and when energy is cheaper.
Find your way around your bill
Knowing how to read your bill and understand the amount of energy you use can help you spot problems and find ways to save.
Understand your energy plan and bills
Understand your plan, bills and costs so you can start saving.
Energy Made Easy - How to read your bill
The Energy Made Easy sample electricity and gas bills can help you break down your usage and understand the key terms on your energy bills.
Your energy bill is the most important tool to understanding your service. The Australian Energy Regulator explains the information you should check on your bill to make sure it’s accurate.
Review your energy use
Doing an energy audit can help you work out what's wasting energy and identify areas for potential savings.
Smart meters are the current technology for recording your electricity use in your home. They record your electricity use throughout the day and send your readings to your electricity retailer. A smart meter can help you understand when and how much electricity you use, which may help you find a better deal. The aim is for everyone in Australia to have a smart meter by 2030.
More cost-cutting ideas
- Ask your retailer if they can do an energy audit of your home. They can usually do it over the phone and can help you find ways to be more energy efficient.
- Try searching online for ‘DIY home energy audit’ to work out how you’re using energy at home and find more ways to save.
Choose energy-efficient appliances and upgrades
Knowing how much your fridge, freezer, washing machine or dryer will cost to run is just as important as the price tag.
Are you in the market for a new appliance? The energy rating label can help you choose one that uses less energy so you can save on your electricity bill.
Learn how the information on an appliance’s water rating label can help you choose more water-efficient products and pay less on your bills.
Are you ready to take the next step to make your home or business more comfortable and sustainable? Learn about the benefits of energy efficient appliances and upgrades.
Household energy-saving upgrades
The NSW Government's household energy security safeguard helps you reduce your energy use and cut your power bills. By upgrading appliances and equipment throughout your home to more energy-efficient models, you will save more money in the long run and lower your environmental impact.
Review your water use
Reducing water use in your home is better for the environment and saves money. You can easily lose water through leaks, inefficient taps, showerheads and toilets. Small changes to habits can also help you save water.
Almost every household can become more water efficient, and it doesn't cost much. The Australian Government’s Your Home website has tips for reducing the amount of water you use both inside and outside the home.
For Sydney Water customers, WaterFix is a residential service that can help you save water at home. This service offers low call-out fees and discounts for pensioners. During the visit they will repair visible leaks, discuss any additional repairs and suggest water-efficient devices for a more water efficient home.
Sydney Water also has other tailored water saving programs. One could be just right for your home or business.
Problems paying your bills
Are you are having trouble paying your electricity, gas or water bills, or worried about being disconnected? Ask your energy provider what assistance may be available to you, such as options to pay your energy bill, switching energy plans or starting a payment plan. All energy providers in NSW offer hardship programs to help customers manage their bills.
Get help with your energy bill
If you need help to pay your electricity and/or gas bill, there’s support available. Here’s what to do to help get on top of your energy bills.
Help for households facing energy bill stress
If you are having a hard time paying your household electricity or natural gas bill due to a short-term financial crisis or hardship, you may be eligible for the NSW Government's Energy Accounts Payments Assistance (EAPA) scheme. You can apply for the scheme online, in person or over the phone. An EAPA representative will then contact you to assess your eligibility. The assessment will involve asking for details about your crisis and a call with your energy retailer to discuss the support they can offer you.
The National Debt Helpline outlines the steps you can take to get your utility bills under control – and what to do if you’ve got a disconnection notice.
If you need help staying on top of your energy bills, the Australian Energy Regulator tells you what help is available – and when to contact your retailer.
Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW
Have a complaint about your energy, gas or water provider? The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW offers a free dispute resolution scheme that may help you.
Emergency relief
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, these community resources provide counselling and other practical assistance.
If you’re finding it difficult to pay for household bills or need someone to talk to about your financial situation, Anglicare can provide immediate practical assistance.
Vinnies crisis support hubs may be able to speak to electricity and other utility companies on your behalf and provide help with bills.
Tools and calculators
Use these free tools to find an energy plan or efficient appliance for your home or business.
Compare electricity and gas retailers and find the right plan for your home or small business.
Estimate and compare the running cost and energy rating of common household appliances.
Find financial support from the government and energy saving tips to help you save money on your energy bills.
Calculate how much you could save on your energy bills with energy efficient upgrades.