We know that the cost of living is high right now and energy can be expensive - so we’re here to provide you with resources and information to support you with your energy use in the ACT.

We’ve sent this to the ACT Energy Consumer Policy Consortium and our members, but feel free to pass it along to anyone you might know who needs help with their energy costs.

Spring Energy Saving Tips

Spring can be a bit of a weird weather time in Canberra. As the days get longer it can start getting warmer. But just when you think you can pack away those sweaters the chilly weather can return. As well as dealing with the changes in weather, it’s also a good time to do some spring cleaning and have a think about how you might manage over summer. Here’s some tips on how to save on your energy bills in spring:

1. If you’ve got one, now might be a good time to clean the filter on your air-conditioner. Cleaning or replacing the air filter once a year can lower the amount of energy your air conditioner uses by almost 15%.
2. On days when it’s starting to get warmer but it’s not too hot yet, it might be tempting to switch on the air conditioner if you have one. Instead, try opening some windows to let the breeze flow through. This will naturally cool your home by a couple of degrees but won’t add to your electricity bill.
3. Use fans to help circulate the air – they use much less electricity than air conditioners. Turning on your bathroom fan will also help move air around the house and suck out heat and humidity.
4. You can also use your windows for light and cover them for shade. While it’s still cool, sunlight provides light and helps warm your home. But when it starts getting too hot, it helps to cover them with things like blinds or curtains to keep out the heat.
5. As it starts to get warmer try to keep your cooling to 23°C and use a fan to move air around.
6. Drought sealing cracks around doors, windows and ducts is still important in spring. Aswell as helping to keep the warm air inside when it is cold, sealing draughts also keeps that precious cool air inside when it becomes hot! According to the Climate Council, draught sealing alone could save you over $300. Better Renting have a great guide on how to do this (it’s aimed at renters, but everyone can use their tips): Energy Efficiency Guide for Renters.
7. Know what uses the most energy so you know where to put in the most effort.

If you want to see this list as a video, check out The New Joneses: Relief Hacks for Renters.

Energy Help

There's also some great programs in the ACT to help you out:

• Renters' Home Energy Program
• Home Energy Tune Up
• If you’re keen to do a bit of DIY: Home Energy Action Kit
• If you don’t know where to start, just want to talk to someone, or need some specific advice: Sustainable Home Advice Program 

So you just got your bill. Now what?

1. If you can't pay by the due date, make sure you contact your retailer straight away!

• If you let your retailer know before the bill is due, they are required to assist you and offer you a payment plan, extension or other support options if you are having trouble paying.
• Only agree to a payment plan that is realistic in your circumstances, as your retailer may disconnect you if you don't follow it.
• As long as you follow the repayment plan or other hardship provisions they cannot disconnect you.
• If you can't agree on an affordable payment plan with your retailer, contact ACAT, who may be able to help you enter into a realistic arrangement and keep your home connected.

2. Check what concessions you’re eligible for.

• To find out if you’re eligible for ACT concessions, check out the ACT Utilities Concession.
• You may also be eligible for further concessions if you have certain health conditions, but you should contact your retailer to check. You can find further information at ActewAGL Concessions and Rebates.
• This year the National Government is also giving people energy bill relief. If you’re eligible in the ACT this is $175. Find out more at Energy Bill Relief Fund for households.

3. Once you have your concession, make sure it’s applied to your account!

• The easiest way is to add it your account yourself through the retailer’s online portal.
  • ActewAGL Concessions - How do I apply?
  • Origin Energy - Add concession details
  • Energy Australia - ACT Concessions
  • Red Energy - ACT Concessions
• You can also call them and ask them to add your concessions over the phone, or they can send you paper copies of the form to fill out.

4. Speak to a financial counsellor.

Free financial counsellors are available if you're facing bills you can't afford. You can:

• Check out Care's financial counselling and Energy Support programs
• Speak to a financial counsellor through the National Debt Helpline by calling 1800 007 007, or by using its online live chat function.

They can link you into your retailer’s hardship program and help you negotiate a payment plan. They can also assist you in accessing concessions and make sure you’re receiving the best deal.

Assistance and information in another language

If you want help in another language both ActewAGL and Origin have an interpreter service. You can call them and let them know what language you want to speak in. They will connect to an interpreter and the interpreter will start a 3-way call with the energy retailer.

• ActewAGL interpreting service: 13 14 50
• Origin Energy interpreting service: 1300 137 427

For information about the best plan, the Energy Made Easy website can be viewed in multiple languages. Just click on the drop-down arrow next to the language in the top right corner.

For information about ACT energy programs, the Everyday Climate Choices website can also be viewed in multiple languages. Just click on the drop-down arrow in the top right corner.

Discounts on electricity!

The ACT Government has a program called the Large-scale Feed-in Tariff scheme (also known as LFiT) that helps manage electricity costs.

The Government has reduced their program costs because they found that they had too much money reserved for it. This means, starting from 1 July 2023, they're giving some money back to people who pay for electricity.

From 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, everyone in Canberra will get a discount on their electricity network costs of $23.14 for every MWh of electricity used.

All in all, these changes mean that the increase to electricity prices will be much lower than it otherwise would have been, thanks to adjustments in the government program.

Gas Transition Plan

The ACT Government has released their draft energy transition plan (called the Integrated Energy Plan) which details how Canberra will phase out gas and become an all-electric city.

The Government are seeking community views, so if you’re interested, we strongly encourage you to give feedback! It’s important that our action on climate change considers everyone’s views and is fast, fair and inclusive.

You can fill out a survey, send them an email, or post a comment on their website until 12 September 2023. Check it out here: Integrated Energy Plan | YourSay ACT

If there is anything else you would like us to share in future newsletters feel free to contact Lyndsay on [email protected] or (02) 6202 7227.

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