The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has launched its improved Energy Made Easy price comparator website, with new features to help more Australians find a better energy deal.
AER Chair Clare Savage said, "Now more than ever consumers are conscious of their bills and looking for ways to save.”
“While there are protections in place for Australian households and small businesses who are having trouble paying their energy bills, it's also important to shop around and get the best deal."
"In 2019, over one million Australians visited our Energy Made Easy website to compare energy plans to make informed energy choices.”
The AER has now enhanced the website's capability to make comparing energy deals easier than before, including:
- the ability for consumers to search for energy plans using their energy meter data or by uploading a bill
- full website translation into 33 different languages
- retailer solar feed-in credits can now be included in estimated plan costs
The AER partnered with the CSIRO’s Data61 to develop a new algorithm that performs all of the estimated cost calculations for plans in Energy Made Easy. A connection with the innovative Consumer Data Portal developed by the Australian Energy Market Operator is also pivotal to the new energy meter data search option.
The redevelopment was informed by our consumer and industry reference groups, as well as behavioural insights research and user experience testing.
“Many people’s ability to pay their energy bills has been impacted by COVID-19. It’s particularly important that customers who can pay their bills continue to do so and that they are on the best possible deal,” Ms Savage said.
“We encourage all consumers to visit the Energy Made Easy website and see if they can find a better energy plan for their needs."
The AER is also supporting energy customers during the COVID-19 pandemic through its Statement of Expectations, which calls on energy providers to go above and beyond to provide more consumer support and protections when people need it most.
Background
Energy Made Easy (www.energymadeeasy.gov.au) is the Australian Government’s free and independent energy plan and price comparison service. It is operated by the AER and commenced operation on 1 July 2012.
Energy Made Easy helps households and small businesses in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory to find and compare generally available electricity and gas plans.
The AER received government funding for a major redevelopment project to enhance the website by 30 June 2020.