Ensuring you have the best electricity rate
Introduction
Managing electricity costs is a significant operational expense for Scout formations. Taking a proactive and structured approach to electricity procurement can unlock meaningful savings. Regularly reviewing energy plans ensures Scout groups secure competitive rates and avoid rolling onto high default tariffs. Savings achieved can be redirected into youth program delivery, den improvements, and essential safety initiatives. Formations should compare market offers, assess usage patterns, check contract end dates, request multiple quotes from licensed retailers, and consider solar or load-shifting options where practical. Following a clear, step-by-step review process supports transparency, compliance, and better outcomes for local Scout groups.
Review current electricity provider and plan
Begin by gathering your current electricity information:
- Find your electricity bill and look for key details such as the provider, the type of plan, and the rate you're being charged for usage and supply.
- Locate your NMI (National Metering Identifier) on the bill. This unique number helps identify your power usage when comparing different plans.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to find the NMI, it’s usually located in the billing summary or account details section of your electricity bill.
Contact your current provider
Before switching, it’s a good idea to contact your current provider and ask a few important questions:
- “Am I on the best available plan for my usage?”
- “Do you have any new offers or discounts available?”
- “Can you match or beat any other offers I’ve found?
Providers often have promotions or better deals that aren’t advertised, and simply asking these questions can sometimes lead to significant savings.
Example: When reviewing a campsite’s electricity plan with AGL, a quick call resulted in switching to a new 12-month plan with lower usage charges, immediately reducing costs.
Use the ‘Energy Made Easy’ Government website
After contacting your provider, it’s beneficial to compare plans using the Energy Made Easy website, a free government-run service. Here’s how to use it:
- Enter your NMI and postcode into the website.
- The system will retrieve your electricity usage and display available plans.
- Compare offers based on total annual cost, usage rates, and any discounts offered.
The website is a reliable tool for ensuring you're getting the best deal for your electricity usage.
Note: Be sure to check if plans include any exit fees, contract lengths, or terms that might impact your flexibility.
Evaluate the best offers
When comparing offers, consider these important factors:
- Usage and Supply Charges: Look at both the per kWh (kilowatt-hour) charge and the daily supply charge.
- Contract Terms: Ensure that the plan length suits your needs. Some plans may lock you in for extended periods, while others are more flexible.
- Discounts and Conditions: Many plans offer introductory discounts or off-peak rates that may lower your overall cost, but check the fine print to ensure they’re suitable for your group's energy consumption.
Recommendation: While price is a significant factor, we suggest staying with a well-known provider for reliability and better customer service.
Make the switch
Once you’ve identified a better plan, the switching process is relatively simple:
- Contact the new provider and provide your NMI and current account details. They will handle most of the transition.
- Ensure that your old provider closes your account and issues a final bill to avoid any confusion.
Tip: When switching, ensure your supply isn’t interrupted—most providers guarantee a smooth handover without loss of power.
Regularly monitor your energy use
Electricity rates and plans change over time, so it’s important to review your plan every 12 months to ensure you're still on the best deal. Set a reminder to compare offers annually, and if necessary, repeat this process to stay on top of the best available rates.
Implement energy-saving practices
Beyond choosing the best plan, reducing energy usage can also lead to savings. Consider implementing energy-efficient practices:
- Use energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LEDs).
- Install timers on lights or appliances to avoid unnecessary usage.
- Perform regular maintenance on heating, ventilation, and cooling systems to ensure they run efficiently.
These small changes can lead to noticeable reductions in your electricity bill over time.
Conclusion
By following these steps, Scout groups can make informed decisions about their electricity supply and ensure they are getting the best possible rate. Whether through negotiating with existing providers or switching to new ones, the potential savings can add up, allowing your group to reinvest in the activities and programs that matter most. Regular monitoring and energy efficiency improvements will help keep costs low in the long term.
For assistance or advice on this process please contact the Facilities and Risk team on facilities@scoutsqld.com.au
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