Energy prices are rising after energy industry surveillance raises the benchmark energy price.
It could add an additional $ 250 to your home bill.
With rising cost of living and interest rates, no one wants a bill shock at the end of winter.
So here are five top tips to save money on your energy bill.
1. Switch to a better offer
The fastest way to save potentially hundreds of dollars is to change your plan, making the offer that best suits your circumstances.
Frankly, it can be very confusing to try to compare offers from power companies on your own.
Subscribe to the Your Money Explained newsletter with financial journalist Emily Stewart, also known as “Sensitive Emily.” It will bring timely and practical news from all over the ABC.
Fortunately, most Australians can access a free federal government website that will compare your plans, conditions and prices.
If you live in New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia or Tasmania, you only need a recent bill to connect your numbers.
If you live in Victoria, you can compare plans here.
The Australian energy regulator says switching plans can save customers more than $ 400 a year.
Unfortunately, if you live in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, there is no place to compare and there may be fewer options for providers.
2. Take advantage of off-peak hours
Modern washing machines have a timer, which allows you to set them to work when the rates are cheaper. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
If you have a flexible pricing plan (where you pay different rates for different times of the day), use appliances during off-peak hours when rates are lower.
That could save you up to $ 100 a year, according to the Victorian Energy Saver website.
This usually means running the washing machine or dishwasher at night or on weekends.
If you have a smart meter, there are applications that you can download to monitor your usage in real time.
If you have solar panels on your roof, it is usually more cost-effective to operate appliances when you have maximum power output. There are applications that you can use to control this.
3. Block drafts in your home
Stop paying to heat or cool the street!
Look in your place and close the gaps, the doors with drafts or the floors where the air escapes.
Sticky foam door seals cost a few bucks at a hardware store and take a few minutes to install.
Even simple things like door snakes can help.
If you own a home, you might even consider putting insulation on your roof to keep things toasted inside.
4. Adjust the thermostat
No matter how tempting it may be to operate the heater at 25 ºC, your wallet will not thank you when billing. (Flickr: Corgi Home Plan)
It’s time to dump her and move on.
According to the Victorian Energy Saver website, every degree above 20 degrees Celsius can add 10 percent to your heating bill.
He suggests setting the thermostat between 18 and 20 ºC in winter. In summer, try to keep the thermostat above 23ºC.
5. Turn off the power outlet
Devices with standby power can consume a lot of electricity unless you turn them off at the outlet. (ABC News)
Finally, it may be worth turning off some of your appliances when they are not in use.
Many appliances, such as computers, game consoles, washing machines, and wireless modems, use standby electricity even when they are turned off (usually with a touch button, remote control, LED light, or the like).
Each item can only use a small amount of electricity, but together they can account for up to 10 percent of your electricity bill.