Ways to save
Switch to save. Comparing plans and changing your energy retailer (or calling your current one) can be the simplest way to cut costs. Some retailers will also give you bill credits for moving your plan online or bundling services. Use Energy Made Easy to find the right plan for you.
Stop phantom power loss. Switch off your Wi-Fi overnight and don’t leave appliances on standby – turn them off at the switch. Anything that's warm to the touch – that’s wasted energy.
Use heating and cooling efficiently. Set heaters to between 18C and 21C in winter and only use them during the coldest part of the day. In summer, set your air-conditioning to between 23C and 26C.
Use energy-efficient appliances. Always check the energy rating labels when you are shopping for a new appliance. Consider installing a home energy power meter to measure your energy use and calculate the running costs of household appliances.
Change your habits. You can save energy without spending any money at all by making some simple changes, like draught-proofing your home, closing your curtains at night, and turning off lights when you leave a room.
Know how much it costs to run your appliances. Air conditioners and clothes dryers the biggest energy-sucking appliances in your home. Try searching online for ‘small appliance calculator’ to work out the running costs. You may need the appliance wattage, which is usually listed on a label.
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.
No-cost energy-saving tips
There are many simple, no-cost things you can do around the house to reduce your energy bills and your utility bills.
Free ways to save energy and money
Energy NSW shows you exactly how much money you can save by following the tips to reduce your energy use around the house.
Did you know that hot water takes up about 25% of your energy at home? The Australian Government has practical advice to help you reduce the impact of the heaviest hitters to your household energy bill.
Almost every household can become more water efficient, often for very little cost. The Australian Government’s Your Home website has tips for reducing the amount of water you use both inside and outside the home.
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 with your service. It’s also helpful when shopping around to get a better deal.
Your electricity and gas bills contain information about your energy use. The Australian Government guide tells you what items to look out for that will help you understand your bill.
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.
Learn how having a long shower or leaving the printer on can impact on your electricity bill with the NSW Government’s guide to measuring your energy usage.
The government-backed Home Scorecard energy efficiency assessment rates your home’s energy use and helps you make your home more comfortable. Your assessment may cost between $250 and $500, but any money you spend on upgrades will help you save in the long run.
A smart meter is a digital device that records your electricity use and transmits the information to your retailer daily. This cuts out meter-reading fees and charges because this type of meter doesn't need to be read manually. A smart meter can help you understand when and how much electricity you use, which may help you find a better deal. Talk to your energy retailer if you want to get one.
The rebate swap for solar offer helps eligible households in selected NSW locations get a free 3kW solar system. It could help you save up to $600 a year on your household electricity bills.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.