It’s the third day of winter and temperatures are dropping to a single digit, which means Queensland residents are turning on the heaters and preparing for a mind-boggling electricity bill.
As households face rising cost of living, electricity prices are rising after the energy industry’s controlling body raised the reference price for energy or offers. Market Defaults (BMD).
The DMO serves as a guide for energy retailers and seeks to protect consumers from unwarranted price increases.
The changes take effect on July 1st.
How much will my bills cost?
In Southeast Queensland, electricity bills are expected to increase by $ 165 a year or 11.3 per cent.
In the Queensland region, a report from the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) found that electricity bills will increase by 9.2 per cent or about $ 119 each year.
Mariam Gabaji, an energy expert at Finder, said real price increases would differ between energy suppliers.
“Households that are already on the edge are now facing another rise in the price of utilities,” Ms Gabaji said.
“It could increase to 131 percent … it really depends on who your energy retailer is.”
So here are some cost-cutting tips to keep your electricity bill under control this winter.
1. Buy a better deal
Ms Gabaji said that in extreme cases, people could be paying “double or triple” the amount they had previously been paying for energy this winter.
“Now is a good time to see what energy plan you are in,” Ms. Gabaji said.
“The first step is to call your provider and find out if you can get a cheaper plan, and if so, find out if they will end up raising prices before the July 1 resumption.
“The next step is to buy other energy plans because you can block a fixed rate plan, which means your user cost won’t increase for 12 months, so you’ll be safe from any price increases that may occur. which will appear over the next two months.
“The research found that you can save $ 415 by switching providers … if you haven’t switched providers in over a year.”
This federal government site can help you evaluate your energy choices.
Some people may be paying “double or triple” the amount they had previously been paying for energy this winter. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
2. “Hack your home”
Ms Gabaji said cheap and easy steps around the house like “switching to an electric blanket” instead of using a heater could save you money.
“Use waterproof tape on windows … [or] Get a carpet or a door snake just to keep the air cool, ”he said.
He also suggested that windows be properly insulated as a long-term investment.
3. Get an energy efficient heater and make it work a little less
Panel heaters are the most energy efficient, costing just $ 1.83 a day, according to Finder research.
“Reducing the use of the heater and using it for three hours a day instead of four can save you up to $ 46 [a year]”Ms. Gabaji said.
“Make sure you don’t leave the doors open for your only room to heat up, otherwise you’ll lose energy.”
4. Turn off your appliances
Leaving computers, TVs, and other electronic devices in “standby” mode will increase your bill.
Instead, be sure to turn off the devices at the power outlet, and get used to turning off the lights whenever you leave the room.
Leaving computers and other electronic devices in “standby” mode will increase your bill. (Unsplash: Carl Heyerdahl)
5. Beware of sales
The Queensland government is currently offering a $ 175 discount, which will automatically apply to the next round of household electricity bills.
Why are prices going up?
The Australian Energy Regulator (EAR) attributes the increase in prices to a 49.5% increase in the cost of wholesale energy in Queensland, resulting from rising global coal and coal prices. gas and extreme weather in Queensland and New South Wales affecting coal supply.
He described the decision as “difficult” and said the cost pressures facing electricity suppliers were real.