- Published:
- Wednesday 28 October 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a new and improved independent price comparison tool to help Victorians living in regional areas save money on their energy bills.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio was in Ballarat today for the regional launch of Victorian Energy Compare. Thirteen Ballarat residents who trialed the new tool for the launch were able to save a combined total of more than $9,000 on their electricity and gas bills.
Victorian Energy Compare is an independent government tool that lets Victorians enter data online from their smart meter or power bill to find the best electricity, gas or solar offer. It is the only independent price comparison tool that has every generally available electricity, gas and solar tariff on the market.
The average Victorian household spends about $2,800 on energy bills every year, which represents about 2.3 per cent of the average household income and up to about 7 per cent of income for lower income households.
Government data shows nine out of ten Victorians could save money by switching electricity plans. However, despite the fact that regularly reviewing energy plans is proven to be one of the most effective ways to save on energy bills, one in three (32%) Victorians have never switched electricity or gas retailers.
Victorians living in regional areas are more likely to shop around for a better deal. Latest figures show regional and rural Victorians were significantly more likely (74%) than metropolitan consumers (63%) to have switched providers* – but chances are most are still paying too much for electricity.
Victorian Energy Compare makes it easier for Victorians to review their energy plan and save money, with early trials showing it takes the average user just a few minutes to complete. Victorian Energy Compare can be found at www.vic.gov.au/victorianenergycompare(opens in a new window).
*Qantum Market Research, September 2015
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
“We are helping regional Victorian households and businesses reduce their energy bills.”
“We’ve made it easier for Victorians to switch providers and save money by creating the only independent price comparison tool that has every generally available electricity, gas and solar tariff on the market."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Ballarat residents can save money on their energy bills by using the government’s Victorian Energy Compare website to find a better deal.”
“Figures show Victorians living in regional areas are more likely to change providers. Victorian Energy Compare makes it even easier for Ballarat residents to switch and save money.”