Yes, it is super simple to shop around and find the perfect gas or electricity offer that works best for your household. But is it that simple to switch your energy provider?
Particularly, Australian citizens have been given the freedom to get up and leave the current energy supply plan if they are unsatisfied with them. However, switching your energy provider is quite dissimilar from switching your energy plan.
In Australia, there is not standard price for energy across the country. Therefore finding the best rate and moving towards what suits you is the best approach. Apart from comparing several energy plans based on cost, it is equally important to consider such things that you must know and understand before deciding on the best energy plans providers.
Check your eligibility before making a decision
Undoubtedly, changing your energy supplier at the right time will give you multiple benefits. If you are moving house, it might be a primary reason to change your energy supply provider. Well, it is of utmost importance to check your eligibility for getting a new service provider before making the decision of shifting your energy supplier.
For instance, the residents of some Australian regions such as the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria can choose the electricity and gas supplier of their choice. However, depending on the state or territory you live in, you can choose between providers but with limited options.
Confirm what you are looking for: energy plan or retailer
Whenever you are looking for a new energy plan, make sure to read through and compare each plan. Identify the terms and conditions of your energy plans to understand the details and differences. Remember that most energy contracts differ between retailers and come up as an energy plan.
Ensure whether your contract is offering you fixed or set rates for a period. Are you seriously getting a market offer that has cheaper rates than others? When you are comparing energy plans, ensure to keep an eye out for concessions you may be eligible for.
Estimate the time it will take to switch
It is important to have an estimated time for how long it will take you to switch your energy supplier. As in the past, it takes not up to 90 days to transfer electricity. In comparison with today, the energy transfer will take not more than two business days, subject to eligibility.
Most importantly, if you have separate retailers for your electricity and gas supply, it might be transferred to different dates unless you made a special request. This requires you to provide an exact date to the new service provider that you are moving to your new place. This won’t impact your current energy supply, instead, you will receive a final bill from the previous retailer.
Mark your checklist before switching energy provider
Switching your energy supplier is a simple process. However, there are certain components that you should consider before switching. Here is the basic checklist you must consider.
Take stock of your current plan
Before moving forward to your new energy supplier, review the terms and conditions of your current energy plan. Make sure to find out whether there is any early exit fee to pay. Also, ensure whether there is any cancellation required before your contract rebels. Take stock of your current energy plan and check out with your exit fee.
Review your current plan
Understand the use and discounts on your current energy plan. When you are switching your service provider, it is important to have a clear picture of the good value of your current plan against the one you are opting for. You can check this out by the information mentioned on your bill, or you can contact your retailer directly.
Ensure your outstanding repaid bills
Remember that, you won’t be able to best energy plans supply, unitil you repay your outstanding debt if you have. If your current service provider is waiting for you to clear the outstanding invoices, make sure to clear your dues before moving to a new place.
Determine your requirements
Before moving to your new energy supplier, it is important to identify your requirements. For instance, if you move with your family, your energy use must be different as compared to a single resident. Compare your last energy bills and you will have an idea of your needs and requirements.
Select a plan that suits you
Comparing several energy plans is always a great approach. This will give you an idea of what suits you and your family most and what you can afford. You will also get to know about how energy usage changes across different seasons.
Confirm the switchover
When carefully weighing up the pros and cons of several energy plans, lock into your switch by confirming your order. You can apply for this over a phone call and by visiting the office. The good thing is the transfer can occur within two business days.
Keep track of your billing cycle
When all is set for your new energy supplier, you will have an active energy supply, make sure to keep track of your new billing cycle. Most energy suppliers in Australia offer free smartphone applications for their customers to keep track of their energy consumption and its costs. here is more information about the telephone line vs internet
Conclusion
When you are moving home from one place to another, the transfer of energy supply might become a headache. But by following proper guidelines and footsteps, this process will become simple. First and foremost is to check the eligibility of service to the area you are moving to. Identify the right energy provider and confirm your plan. Follow the above-discussed checklist to keep yourself updated with your regular energy supply and billing cycle.
