NSW Climate and Energy Action

Energy bills and costs explained

Understand your plans, bills and costs to start saving.

Households and community members in and around their homes, with a spotlight on an energy bill
 

Introduction

Are you confused about your energy plan or bill and what all the terms and charges mean? You’re not alone!

This page will help you make sense of it all, so you’ve got the power to save more money and energy in your home or small business.

There’s a lot to learn, so take your time. You can read through from start to finish or go to the section most relevant to you.

Types of energy customers and energy plans

  • How to know what type of energy customer you are (retail or embedded network)
  • How to understand your energy plan and get the best deal

An illustrated computer with a browser open

What's in your energy bill

  • The typical information found in your bill
  • How to understand your billing cycle
  • Where to get support

Illustration of an energy bill

Energy charges and fees

  • What the different types of charges mean
  • What you’re paying for in your bill
  • How your energy use is measured
  • How to cut your energy bill

Energy charges

Energy tariffs

  • What is an energy tariff
  • Common types of tariffs

Energy tariffs in a bill

Energy meters

  • The difference between traditional and smart meters
  • The national smart meter rollout
  • What is an estimated meter reading

Illustration of a dashboard with energy use

Get help with your energy bills

  • Support options for when you need help paying your energy bill
  • Advice and support when dealing with energy issues

Customer support help line

Your rights as an energy customer

  • Understand your rights as an energy customer under the National Energy Retail law
  • Your rights if you’re an embedded network customer

Energy bill with graphs of usage

 


Start here

Household living in an apartment

Understand what type of customer you are, the energy plan you're on and compare to get the best deal.

A lively community of people inside and around their homes and neighbourhood