The Australian Energy Regulator today launched its new website, Energy Made Easy, www.energymadeeasy.gov.au.
AER chairman Andrew Reeves said Energy Made Easy is a simple and easy to use website with many benefits for Tasmanian households and small businesses.
"There is information for all Australian energy consumers, but the feature which may be of particular interest to households in Tasmania is the electricity usage calculator," Mr Reeves said.
For example, if you enter the 7000 postcode for Hobart, Energy Made Easy tells you that the average two-person household in Hobart uses 30.8 kilowatt hours of electricity per day in winter, and that winter is the most electricity intensive time of year for that household.
You can compare the average usage to your 'actual' usage from your own electricity, and if you decide you want to take some simple steps so make your household more energy efficient, Energy Made Easy can help. The consumption calculator works for households nationally and for all sizes.
As Tasmania continues to move towards contestability in its retail energy markets, the benefits of Energy Made Easy to Tasmanian households will become even more apparent.
"For small businesses that already can exercise choice in their electricity retailer, the energy price comparison feature of Energy Made Easy is there and ready to be used," Mr Reeves said.
"Whether they are looking for a new electricity connection or just want to check how their current retailer compares, small businesses customers in Tasmania can go to Energy Made Easy from today, enter their postcode, and immediately see all of the generally available electricity offers for them."
This is a new service, provided by the Australian Energy Regulator. Electricity retailers are required by law to provide details of all of their generally available electricity offers.
"Energy Made Easy provides clear, current and consistent information to help people compare offers and make more informed decisions about offers that best suit their needs," Mr Reeves said.
Energy Made Easy is a requirement of the new National Energy Retail Law, which started in the Commonwealth, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania on 1 July 2012.
The National Energy Retail Law also provides small energy customers with strong protections including flexible payment options, protections for customers with pre-payment meters, 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.
Visit Energy Made Easy at www.energymadeeasy.gov.au from 9am on 1 July 2012 or contact the AER on 1300 585 165.