Consider the seasons
Seasons tend to have a direct impact on the way we use our energy, in summer we use air conditioners to cope with the blistering Aussie heat, and in winter, we turn to heaters and electric blankets to keep ourselves warm and cosy. It’s for this reason we recommend comparing your bill with a bill for the same time last year, rather than the one before it.
Seasonally, we can also adopt smarter usage habits. Beat the winter chill by heating your main living spaces – rather than individual rooms, and when running your heater ensure you set the temperature between 18 – 20 degrees Celsius. Each degree over uses about 10% more energy.
In summer, when you run your air conditioner set it to 24°C or higher (each degree under uses 5% more energy). To get the most bang for buck out of your cooling and heating, keep the doors shut and curtains drawn – trapping the air. Repair any faulty door seals and opt for door snakes and weather strips to block any gaps where air can escape.
Check the meter read type
In some instances, your local distributor (who takes your meter reading) may submit an estimated reading to us. This is usually due to access issues or in some cases severe weather events (like flooding). You can check your meter ready type on the second page of your bill. If your bill is based on an estimated reading, you may be able to submit a self-read to us (as long as it’s 10 business days either side of your scheduled read date).
Are you eligible for rebates?
If you hold an eligible concession card, this should be shown under the discounts and rebates section of your bill. If your rebate hasn’t been applied, please reach out to our friendly team, so they can make sure your bill is updated.
Check your energy plan
Your plan, and discount, may have ended. If it has, then it’s time to choose another one. You can see which energy plan you’re on by logging onto My Account or looking at the front page of your bill. If your plan has lapsed, you can select a new one via our compare plans page, it only takes a few minutes.
Do an energy audit
We’re all human and we all have needs (who can go without their morning cup of coffee?), but some appliances use more electricity than others. There are a few ways you can check which appliances may be drawing the most power. Firstly, you can do a home energy audit by using our checklist. This is a great first step when it comes to understanding your usage habits.
Secondly, our handy energy saving tips can help make sure you’re getting the most out of your appliances – providing you with optimum settings – helping you save on your usage without sacrificing on comfort.
Lastly, there are plenty of smart devices that can help you take control of your usage. From timers, to smart plugs and even home energy monitors that can tell you how much power you’re drawing from the grid at any given time. Investing in some energy tech could help you save in the long run.
We’re here to help
If you’re still unsure about the reason for the increase in your energy bill, check out our high bill checklist. Alternatively, reach out to our friendly team via hello@origin.com.au and we’d be happy to go through your bill with you.
