The Australian Energy Regulator’s energy price comparison website, Energy Made Easy, is now available for customers in New South Wales.
AER Chairman Andrew Reeves addressed consumer representatives in Sydney today and said the website is designed to help small energy customers understand and make informed choices about energy offers.
“The website is a simple and easy-to-use tool with several useful features for consumers, including a price comparator, household electricity usage benchmarks, energy efficiency tips and information about consumer rights," Mr Reeves said.
"Residential and small business customers in New South Wales can visit Energy Made Easy, enter their postcode and immediately compare gas and electricity offers available to them.”
This service is provided free of charge for consumers. Electricity and gas retailers are required by law to provide details of all of their generally available energy offers within two days of the offers being on the market.
"Energy Made Easy provides clear, current and consistent information to help small energy customers make more informed decisions about offers that best suit their needs.”
Households can compare their electricity usage to other households of a similar size in the area by utilising the residential electricity consumption feature. The consumption calculator works nationally for households of all sizes.
“Energy Made Easy can also help consumers take some simple steps to make households more energy efficient,” Mr Reeves said.
Energy Made Easy is a requirement of the new National Energy Retail Law, which started in the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania on 1 July 2012, in South Australia on 1 February 2013 and in New South Wales on July 1 2013.
The National Energy Retail Law also provides small energy customers with strong protections including flexible payment options, specific rules for energy marketing and responsibilities for energy retailers to help customers experiencing financial hardship. Find out more about your rights at www.aer.gov.au
For further information visit www.energymadeeasy.gov.au or contact the AER on 1300 585 165.