Power Bills Are Going Up Again This Winter What Are You Doing About It?
Electricity prices are back in the spotlight. If youโve felt your energy bill creeping up lately, youโre not imagining it. Households and small businesses right across Australia are once again being warned to expect higher power bills in the coming months. While some support is on the way, many families are still left wondering what theyโll need to cut back on just to keep the lights on. With rising bills, switching to a better energy provider, and options like an AGL Same-Day Connection and more flexible deals are becoming essential to consider.
So, whatโs happening? Why are energy prices on the rise again? And what can you do to prepare? Letโs break it all down in a clear and simple way.
What’s Behind the Price Hike?
Thereโs no single reason why electricity bills are increasing. Instead, there are a few things happening at once:
- Wholesale electricity prices are climbing. This is the price energy retailers pay before selling it to you. If it goes up, so does your bill.
- Severe weather events, for example, storms, heatwaves, and floods can affect power supply and push prices up.
- More people working from home means greater energy use during peak hours.
- Ongoing upgrades to the power grid and other infrastructure also add to costs passed onto consumers.
Add all that together, and your next bill could look very different from the last one, even if you havenโt changed how much energy youโre using.
Whatโs the Government Doing About It?
The good news is that the Federal Government has announced a fresh round of rebates to help take some of the pressure off. From July, Aussie households and small businesses across the country will automatically receive a $150 rebate spread across their quarterly bills.
This is part of a wider $1.8 billion commitment aimed at helping Aussies deal with rising costs. And itโs not the first time weโve seen help like this. Over the last year, a total of $3.5 billion has already been handed out to households in the form of power bill relief.
This latest rebate is expected to reduce the average household electricity bill by around 7.5%, according to the Treasury.
But is that enough?
While $150 off your bill sounds good, the reality is that electricity prices are still increasing faster than most pay packets. For many Australians, it might help a little but wonโt fully cover the extra costs.
Some state governments are also chipping in with additional rebates or discounts. These vary based on where you live, so itโs worth checking your local state energy website to see whatโs available.
What Should You Expect From July?
From 1 July, the Australian Energy Regulator has warned of average power price rises of up to 8.9% in some parts of the eastern states. That means even after your rebate is applied, your overall bill could still be higher than what you’re paying today.
Even though Western Australia is not included in the national power market, prices there are still rising, albeit more slowly.
Itโs expected that more price hikes could follow later in the year if nothing changes. Some industry experts say this could become the new normal for the next few years unless more affordable energy sources are locked in.
What You Can Do Right Now
Letโs face it, most of us donโt have hours to spend comparing electricity plans or reading the fine print. But a few simple steps can help bring those power bills down:
1. Compare Electricity Providers
If you havenโt checked your energy plan in the last six to twelve months, you could be missing out on a better rate. Some retailers quietly move customers onto more expensive plans once the initial offer ends.
Use tools designed for Energy Provider Comparison to make this step easier. Theyโre quick, easy, and effective.
2. Look Into Rebates and Concessions
Each state and territory have its own rebates for pensioners, concession card holders, and low-income households. These can save you hundreds per year.
Donโt assume youโre already getting everything youโre entitled to. Go online and compare plans or give your provider a call and ask what rebates apply to your situation.
3. Keep an Eye on Peak Usage
Energy companies charge more during peak times, usually early evenings. If you can shift some of your usage, like running the washing machine or dishwasher later at night you might be able to cut a chunk off your bill.
And when evaluating usage, donโt forget to compare energy plans that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
4. Seal Up the House
Cool air on hot days and warm air in the winter can escape through drafts around windows and doors. Use weather seals, door snakes, and thick curtains to help reduce how hard your heating or cooling system has to work.
Itโs a cheap fix that can lead to real savings over time.
5. Turn Appliances Off at the Wall
This oneโs old advice, but still worth repeating. Many appliances keep drawing power even when theyโre off, especially things like TVs, game consoles, and microwaves. Switching them off at the wall when not in use adds up.
If you’re moving, it’s also a smart time to consider new home electricity connection options with competitive pricing. Compare online and be sure to ask for a same-day connection so you donโt be without heating.
6. Consider Solar (If You Can)
If youโre a homeowner and you can afford the upfront cost, installing solar panels could be worth it. You wonโt feel the benefits straight away, but over the long run, youโll see the difference, especially if power prices keep rising.
Some state governments also offer interest-free loans or rebates to help cover installation costs. Look into whatโs available in your area.
What About Small Businesses?
Aussie small businesses are feeling the pinch too. If youโre running a cafรฉ, shop, or office, youโll know how quickly energy bills can eat into profits, especially during summer and winter.
One way to address this is by using energy provider comparison tools tailored for commercial accounts.
The same tips above apply, but also look into:
- Business energy plans โ These are different from residential deals, and some providers offer tailored rates.
- Energy audits โ Some states offer free or discounted audits to help you figure out where your business is losing energy.
- Switching equipment โ Replacing old fridges, lights, or machines with energy-efficient models can save you more than you think over time.
Summing Up
Yes, another rise in electricity prices is coming. Itโs frustrating, and it feels like weโve been here before. But thereโs still time to take action. Between government rebates, switching providers, and cutting back on energy waste, there are ways to soften the blow.
For those moving into a new property, itโs worth researching โconnect electricity todayโ for services that offer flexible setup times and fair pricing.
Also, if you’re on a tight timeline, some services offer AGL same-day connection, so youโre not left in the dark.
And remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed by bills, talk to your energy provider early. Most of them have hardship programs and payment plans that can allow you to stay on track.
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