Gas Plan Comparison Australia

Whether it’s for cooking, keeping your house at a comfortable temperature, or firing up your hot water system, so many of our daily activities contribute to rising utility expenses.

Don’t let gas prices in Australia get the better of you. With some simple plan comparing, and a better understanding of how to regulate your energy use, you can find a gas plan which suits your needs and budget.

The variations between different gas plans may be more significant than you think, and if you switch to a cheaper plan, the savings can really add up over time. It makes sense, then, to start your search for a better deal.

Are you getting the best deal on your gas bills?

Gas may be an efficient resource, but with its consumption increasing 1% from 2016-2017, it definitely pays to find ways to save money and lessen your environmental impact at the same time¹. When considering whether you’re getting a good deal on your gas usage, there are a few things to consider:

• Discounts: Does your energy provider offer monetary incentives, such as pay-on-time discounts?
• Supply charges: Daily supply charges are reviewed and changed each year, and these supply charges also vary by provider, so it pays to see if you can compare plans and providers and see if you can make a saving

How much are you paying for gas?

It’s important to keep track of your gas bills each period so you can monitor any variations. Before you start comparing gas plans, find out if you’re liable to pay an exit fee from your current provider. You should be able to find this information on your bill, or you can call your retailer.

To work out how much you’re currently paying, you can check the tariff on your most recent bill. We’ve broken down the charges here.

• The daily supply charge: this is the cost of supplying gas to your property. You will incur a supply charge even during periods you’re not using any gas.
• The usage charge: this describes the gas you use. It will appear on your bill in cents per megajoule (c/MJ).

Having this information handy will help you make an informed decision when selecting a gas plan.

What to look for when comparing gas plans

When comparing gas plans, you should consider more than just rates in order to see the full picture. Other things you might want to take into account include:

• Conditional discounts: Will you get money-off by paying on-time or via direct debit - and what conditions apply?
• Bill smoothing: Does the provider allow you to spread the estimated cost of your energy bills for the next year equally across weekly, fortnightly, or monthly installments?
• Fees and charges: Do late fees, establishment fees or paper bill fees apply? Will you be charged an exit fee if you choose to switch providers or move house?
• Contract type: Are you locked into a contract or can you leave at any time?
• Charges: Of course, cost is important, so ensure your daily supply charge and usage charges are as low as possible.

Some tips to be more energy efficient

It pays both economically and environmentally to find ways to cut your energy usage. While gas may be necessary for specific tasks around the home, there are some ways you can reduce the amount used.

• Cooking tips: When using the oven, try to keep pre-heating times to a minimum. If possible, don’t open the oven door during cooking, as this lets heat escape. Place lids on pots when using the hob to speed up the cooking process and reduce the amount of time gas is burning.
• Keeping the home warm: Try to regulate the amount of time you spend heating the home, and ensure windows and doors are insulated to control temperatures. Keep the doors closed on rooms that aren’t in-use so you have a smaller area to keep warm.

Compare gas plans today with iSelect

You might be surprised how easy it is to compare gas plans on offer from our range of providers* - especially when we do the legwork for you! You won’t have to go without gas during the changeover, either, which means switching providers is simple and painless.

We don’t charge you a cent for our service, so begin your search for a better provider today. Compare energy plans* online, or give our team a call on 13 19 20 and we can offer advice to help you find an energy plan today.

Sources:
1. https://www.energy.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian_energy_update_2018.pdf