Know what type of energy customer you are
It’s important to understand whether you’re a retail customer or embedded network customer. This affects who sends you your energy bills, how you’re charged and how you access government help.
Most households and small businesses in NSW get energy directly from the national electricity grid and receive bills directly from an energy retailer.
The national electricity grid is the connected system of power plants (like renewables, coal or gas), wires, and equipment that delivers electricity directly to your home or business. An energy retailer is the energy company that sells the gas and electricity to you, the customer.
Retail customers usually get separate bills for electricity and gas, but sometimes they’re combined. Some retailers sell only electricity or gas, while others offer both. You can use one company for both or choose different ones.
If this sounds like you, you’re a retail customer and you’ve got the power to choose the energy retailer and energy plan that suits you best.
Some households and small businesses are part of a private energy network called an embedded network.
Embedded network customers usually get their electricity or gas from a private energy network within a building or self-contained site. Embedded networks are common in apartment buildings, office blocks, retirement villages and residential parks.
They’re usually operated by the site owner or manager. This person or company buys energy from an energy retailer in the national electricity grid and then sells it on to homes or businesses.
If this is you, you’re an embedded network customer. You have fewer choices for retailers and energy plans, but you may get cheaper energy because it’s purchased in bulk.
Key differences between retail and embedded network customers
| Areas of difference | Retail (non-embedded network) | Embedded network |
|---|---|---|
| Type of home or business | Most houses and small business in NSW | Some apartment buildings, office blocks, retirement villages and residential parks |
| Who sends you your bill | Your energy retailer | Your site owner or manager |
| Who you pay | Your energy retailer | The company or individual that on-sells you the energy. This is managed by a building manager or operator. |
How to understand your energy plan
An energy plan is an agreement or contract with your energy retailer. It tells you how much you’ll pay for the electricity or gas you use in your home or small business.
Household energy plan
This plan is for homes. It’s simple and designed for everyday energy use. You may get discounts for things like paying your bills on time or using energy saving products.
Small business energy plan
This plan is for businesses that use more energy than households. You may get special rates, discounts or flexible billing options based on how much power you use.
There are many different types of energy plans. Your plan depends on where you live, how much energy you use, and which energy retailer you choose.
How to get the best deal on your energy plan
It’s important to check you’re on the best energy plan for your home or business. A simple switch could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Here’s how to find the best deal:
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Contact your energy retailer and check your bill
Call your energy retailer and ask about a better energy plan or discounts. They’ll tell you if you’re not on the cheapest plan and how to switch. They must also include this information on your bill at least every 100 days. This will be written on your bill under the heading "Could you save money on another plan?"
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Compare energy plans using Energy Made Easy
Compare energy plans yourself using the free and independent Australian Government website Energy Made Easy to find the best deal.
Service NSW staff can help you use the Energy Made Easy service. You can call them on 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW centre.
This will show you how much money you could save by switching to any cheaper plans on the market. You could save over $200 a year by switching to a better plan.
Things to think about when picking a new energy plan
- Look out for extra fees: Some plans charge you extra if you pay late, use a credit card or want to leave the plan early.
- Choose the plan that suits when you use power: If you use a lot of energy during the day and you have a smart meter, a time of use tariff might help save you money.
- Pick a payment option that works best for you: Plans with flexible billing options can help you manage your energy bills.
- Read the fine print: Remember energy contracts are legally binding, so you need to read the terms and conditions, so you know what you’re signing up for.
Consider purchasing GreenPower
GreenPower is 100% renewable electricity that you can access to help you reduce your emissions and support our shift towards renewable, sustainable energy.
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