Mon-Fri 9AM to 8PM (AEST)Do you drop the F bomb and yell abuse at your electricity provider when you get a high electricity bill ? Instead just read our quick and super helpful guide here that shows you how to handle a high electricity bill.
Assess Electricity Usage and Check Peak Time
It’s easy to sometimes just blame your energy provider for making a mistake or for thinking they have intentionally overcharged you. The truth of the matter is that providers being only human can make errors with bills and overcharge and of course corruption happens in every industry. But you shouldn’t just jump to these conclusions when you get a high electricity bill.
Rather you should first do an honest assessment of your electricity usage ( have you been using it more?). Also check to see if it’s peak time. Remember consumers pay more for electricity during peak times. Check peak times below:
Contact your Electricity Provider
It’s always a good idea to contact your electricity provider (over phone is best) and raise your concerns. If it turns out you have used a lot of electricity or more than usual and are struggling making the payment you can arrange for a payment extension. Energy providers can also set up a payment plan which allows you to pay the amount in installments over a period of time. This way you could avoid any overdue fees. If it turns out that you’re paying too much for your electricity shop around for a better deal. Compare a range of electricity deals here. Link to page once live!
Check Your Meter Reading
Remember it’s always a good idea to take a meter reading and compare it with your least meter reading. Learn how to check your meter reading here. It may have been recorded inaccurately or estimated incorrectly. Your energy provider will adjust your bill.
How to Reduce Your Electricity Costs
Here are some simple steps you can immediately take to reduce your electricity costs:
- Find the right deal for you: you may simply be on the wrong contract with your current energy provider so ask for another deal or just shop around for a better deal.
- Invest in a smart meter: smart meters work on advanced technology which record electricity usage in a much more accurate way than your standard meter.
- Switch off appliances at the wall: most appliances use up electricity if not switched off at the wall.
- Turn off all power points when not in use: powerpoints still use up electricity even when not in use. So it’s a good idea to walk around your home and turn them off.
- Reduce power consumption: do this by using the cold wash function on your washing machine, cooking on lower heats, drying your clothes on a clothesline instead of in a dryer.
- Stay informed: read electricity saving tips (internet is full of them), be aware of changes from your provider, read your bill properly etc. These things add up.
Through following these steps you’ll be better prepared to not only handle a high electricity bill but actually reduce your electricity consumption which reduces your bills.
For more great tips on your electricity along with finding the right electricity deal for you Contact our team at Cheap Bills.
