The Australian Energy Regulator’s energy price comparison website, Energy Made Easy, www.energymadeeasy.gov.au is now available to customers in South Australia.
AER Chairman Andrew Reeves, speaking at an information session for South Australian consumer representatives, said the website is a first for small energy customers in South Australia.
"The website has 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 South Australia can visit Energy Made Easy, enter their postcode and immediately compare gas and electricity offers available to them.”
This is a new service, provided by the Australian Energy Regulator, and is 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. It is a simple and easy to use website and the AER encourages consumers to go online and compare energy offers," Mr Reeves said.
The website also includes a residential electricity consumption feature, which is designed to help households understand their electricity usage and compare it to other households of a similar size in their area.
“You can then compare the average usage to your 'actual' usage from your own electricity bill, and if you decide you want to take some simple steps to make your household more energy efficient, Energy Made Easy can help. The consumption calculator works nationally for households of all sizes,” 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 and in South Australia on 1 February 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.
Visit Energy Made Easy at www.energymadeeasy.gov.au or contact the AER on 1300 585 165.