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How much are you paying? Your Energy Bills
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by Barry Marrow & Kath Gosden
When you receive your power and gas bills you immediately look at how much you have to pay. If you take a little bit of time to
get to understand what you are paying for, you could save yourself money.
Energy bills can often seem complex with lots of figures and information. As a general rule the front of your account will have
information on the amount you need to pay and when payment is due. On the back, there is general information on the property
that the bill relates to, when the next meter reading will be undertaken, the amount of energy used and what price you are
paying for each unit of energy consumed (tariff).
On the back of your account, there will also be an indication of whether or not the amount you are being charged has been based
on an actual meter reading or an estimate. If it has been estimated, you will either see the word ‘estimate’ or the letter
‘e’ beside the consumption figure. Estimates are based on previous consumption patterns. Billed amounts are then adjusted
when a real reading is done.
Power prices (tariffs) can vary depending upon the type of meter you have at your home. Some households still have single-rate
meters. This means you pay a fixed rate. With the roll out of smart meters, retailers have more flexibility to change prices
over the course of a day to encourage cheaper off-peak use, so you the opportunity to shift some of your power use to a time
when it is cheaper. If you have access to the cheaper off-peak rates, you could consider heating your water or running your
dishwasher or washing machine during those off-peak times.
Understand what tariff you are on and then shop around for a better deal. The market is competitive and Victoria has a number of
retail providers you can check out.
Sustainability Victoria through the resourceSmart program has further useful information on reading your energy bills. Go to www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au for more details.
Please Contact WMSA for more information.
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Sustainability Tips
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In the
Home consider low water use plants for the garden.
At work open window shades for
light rather than running electric globes all day.
When driving don't drive. Consider
walking or riding to the shops or work.
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