Red Energy

Who are Red Energy?

Red Energy have been providing most of Australia (more on that later) with a renewable energy option since 2004. Like Vegemite and avocado toast, they’re 100% Aussie. Why? To start, they’re owned by Snowy Hydro Limited, which harnesses electricity from the powerful Snowy River.

Red Energy prides themselves on their excellent customer service. And you don’t even have to take their word for it – they’ve won A Canstar Blue Award for Most Satisfied Customers an impressive 10 years in a row. Maybe that’s because when customers call, they’re helped by the same friendly voice from start to finish. And that friendly voice will come from someone located right in Melbourne.

Are they available all over Australia?

Not quite. Red Energy have plans available in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and ACT.

What is GreenPower?

GreenPower is a government initiative to get more Australians using environmentally friendly energy¹. The program allows households and businesses to displace their electricity usage with certified renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro. Electricity providers built after 1997 and meet strict environmental standards may qualify for a GreenPower tick on some of their products. You’ll also be able to see how much renewable energy is being purchased on your behalf.

What is Snowy Hydro Limited?

Completed in 1974, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is Australia’s largest Hydro-scheme. The Scheme was first created to divert the naturally south-flowing Snowy River westward for the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers for irrigation. Today, the Scheme is a complex system of dams, power stations, and trans-mountain tunnels that plays a huge part in powering Australia with renewable energy. We love that.

Today Snowy Hydro Limited works with its retail subsidiaries like Red Energy to help get hydro power to homes and businesses like yours².

What kind of energy plans do Red Energy offer?

Like a lot of energy companies, Red Energy offers a few different plans for individuals as well as businesses. Whether you’re looking for a new energy plan for your household, or want to see how Red Energy stacks up for your small business, compare energy providers with iSelect. Many Red Energy plans come with solar rebates and renewable matching promises.

Before you sign up with any energy provider, be sure to read through the product information sheets or documents which will outline the ins and outs of your plan.

What are solar rebates?

For Red Energy solar customers, a feed-in tariff will be applied to your account. A solar feed-in tariffs are rates paid for the electricity fed back into the electricity grid from renewable energy sources like solar panels as an incentive for solar users. Red Energy’s feed-in tariffs for each state can be found in the Basic Product Information Documents (NSW, QLD, SA) or Victorian Energy Fact Sheets.

What is a renewable matching promise?

For every unit of electricity you use with Red Energy, Snowy Hydro Limited will match it with one unit of electricity generated from a renewable source. This might help reduce your overall carbon footprint.

I like rewards. What does Red Energy offer?

If you have to pay for things like electricity and gas, you might as well earn free stuff when you pay your bill. Red Energy offers a Rewards Program that can help you earn discounts on offers on things like cinemas, petrol, and groceries.

Are there any payment plan options?

If you need a bit of help with your monthly energy payments, Red Energy offers EvenPay®. With EvenPay®, you pay utility bills in equal instalments on the same day every month. Red Energy will review your energy usage every 6 months and will contact you if your EvenPay® arrangement needs to be adjusted.

If you’re having a hard time paying your utilities, it can be a good idea to get in touch with your provider who may be able to offer a solution.

Anything else I should know?

We always like to shout out the companies doing a bit of good in the world. Red Energy is involved in a few charities across Australia, including Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. They also sponsor a lot of schools, and a few athletes including para-triathlete Lauren Parker.

How can I save money on my energy bill?

The way you use energy in your household or business will also have a big part in how much you pay each month. Red Energy has heaps of tips on how to reduce your energy consumption on their website, but here are a few pointers to get you started:

• Use natural light when possible instead of turning your lights on.
• Use heating and cooling as little as possible, and try to avoid leaving them running when you’re not home.
• Be aware of any peak electricity periods that could make it more expensive to use electricity at certain hours of the day.
• Look for energy efficient appliances when shopping for things like fridges.
• Only use your washing machine and dryer when you have a full load.

These behavioural changes could help lower your monthly bills, but a great way to get a good deal on energy is to compare providers before you commit. If you’re moving or just shopping around for a new electricity provider, use our comparison tool to compare Red Energy rates and plans from our range of energy providers, or give us a call on 13 19 20.

Sources:
1. https://www.greenpower.gov.au/about-greenpower/what-we-do
2. https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/

 Last updated: 14/10/2020