Thinking of getting a smart meter? Here's what you need to know. Are you thinking of getting a smart meter or has your retailer contacted you to say they are installing a smart meter at your property? Here are some things to consider. A smart meter gives you more options on how to manage your electricity and access to a wider range of energy services. <h2>Getting a smart meter</h2> Do your homework before getting a smart meter. From December 2017, your retailer is responsible for installing new and replacement meters. Talk to them first about whether they are able to offer a smart meter. Make sure to confirm any installation and ongoing costs, and how long it will take to install the meter. If your retailer is unable to provide you with a smart meter, or supply one within an acceptable time period for you, you may want to shop around to see if other retailers can offer you one. <h2>At installation</h2> Your electricity will be temporarily turned off to install the meter. Your retailer must notify you at least 4 business days before this happens. You must also provide safe access to the installation site. If you have a working meter and your retailer has contacted you to say they are installing a smart meter at your property, they will need to give you an opportunity to opt out of the installation. <h2>Contact your retailer</h2> Your retailer is responsible for your meter. So, if you have any questions about smart meters, contact your retailer in the first instance. To find out more about smart meters and your rights, read our <a href="https://energymadeeasy.cdn.prismic.io/energymadeeasy/9f516168-95e5-44ad-994b-bd93e01090e5_AER+factsheet+-+Smart+meters+and+you_0.pdf" >Smart meters and you</a> fact sheet and <a href="https://www.aer.gov.au/consumers/my-energy-service/smart-meters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">answers to frequently asked questions</a> on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website. <h2>Contact your ombudsman</h2> If you are unable to resolve an issue with your retailer about metering services in the first instance, contact your <a href="/article/useful-contacts">energy ombudsman</a> for assistance.

Thinking of getting a smart meter? Here's what you need to know.

Be meter smart: your rights when getting a smart meter

<h1>Be meter smart: your rights when getting a smart meter</h1>

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A bar chart demonstrating the previous information. {{yAxis}} is plotted on the Y-axis against {{xAxis}} along the X-axis

To see the relevant estimated costs, please enter your electricity usage details.

To see the relevant estimated costs, please enter your electricity usage details.

To see the relevant estimated costs, please enter your gas usage details.

To see the relevant estimated costs, please enter your gas usage details.

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Available for premises with a {{meterTypeArray}}

Available for premises with a {{meterTypeArray}}

Energy Made Easy is a free Australian Government energy price comparison service for households and small businesses in NSW, QLD, SA, Tas and the ACT. 

Energy Made Easy is a free Australian Government energy price comparison service for households and small businesses in <abbr title="New South Wales">NSW</abbr>, <abbr title="Queensland">QLD</abbr>, <abbr title="South Australia">SA</abbr>, Tas and the <abbr title="Australian Capital Territory">ACT</abbr>.

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Switching checklist This checklist will help make sure you’re ready, and have everything you need, to switch to a new energy plan. I have the Basic Plan Information document or the energy company’s written summary of the plan. This document lists all the important information about the plan like: the type of rate – time of use or single rate how long the plan is for any fees and discounts. Print basic Plan Information document I know what my cooling off rights are. I have asked my current energy company if I have to pay a fee to leave my current energy plan. I have checked if prices can change on my new plan and if the energy company is planning any price changes. I have asked the energy company if I can get a concession. I have checked if the energy company has flexible payment options, like monthly billing. What happens next? Once you’ve found a plan you like, get in touch with the energy company to sign up. The energy company’s contact details are on their Basic Plan Information document or their written summary of the plan. This can also be found at the bottom of the page. To make sure you’re signing up to the right plan, give the energy company: the name of the plan the plan ID. You can find this information at the bottom of this page. Then the energy company will: change over your energy services tell your old energy company that you’re changing energy companies. A few days after you sign up, the energy company will send you a letter showing: the plan you chose with your name, contacts and address all the terms and conditions of the plan. They might be able to send this to you by email. You’ll change over to your new plan the next time your meter is read. This could take up to 3 months. If you want to start using your plan sooner, you can ask your energy company to read your meter earlier. But check to see if you have to pay a fee for this. You’ll also get a final bill from your old energy company. It will tell you if you still have money to pay them.

<h3>Switching checklist</h3> This checklist will help make sure you’re ready, and have everything you need, to switch to a new energy plan. <ul className="blueTickList"><li className="blueTick">I have the Basic Plan Information document or the energy company’s written summary of the plan. This document lists all the important information about the plan like: <ul><li>the type of rate – time of use or single rate</li> <li>how long the plan is for</li> <li>any fees and discounts.</li></ul> <button name="printBtn">Print basic Plan Information document</button></li> <li className="blueTick">I know what my <a href="/article/glossary#cooling-off-period" target="_blank">cooling off rights</a> are.</li> <li className="blueTick">I have asked my current energy company if I have to pay a fee to leave my current energy plan.</li> <li className="blueTick">I have checked if <a href="/article/price-changes" target="_blank">prices can change</a> on my new plan and if the energy company is planning any price changes.</li> <li className="blueTick">I have asked the energy company if I can get a <a href="/article/rebates-and-concessions" target="_blank">concession</a>.</li> <li className="blueTick">I have checked if the energy company has flexible payment options, like monthly billing.</li></ul> <h3>What happens next?</h3> Once you’ve found a plan you like, get in touch with the energy company to sign up. The energy company’s contact details are on their Basic Plan Information document or their written summary of the plan. This can also be found at the bottom of the page. To make sure you’re signing up to the right plan, give the energy company: <ul><li>the name of the plan</li> <li>the plan ID.</li></ul> You can find this information at the bottom of this page. Then the energy company will: <ul><li>change over your energy services</li> <li>tell your old energy company that you’re changing energy companies.</li></ul> A few days after you sign up, the energy company will send you a letter showing: <ul><li>the plan you chose with your name, contacts and address</li> <li>all the terms and conditions of the plan.</li></ul> They might be able to send this to you by email. You’ll change over to your new plan the next time your meter is read. This could take up to 3 months. If you want to start using your plan sooner, you can ask your energy company to read your meter earlier. But check to see if you have to pay a fee for this. You’ll also get a final bill from your old energy company. It will tell you if you still have money to pay them.

Your off-peak hours, and your controlled load electricity charges, will vary from energy company to energy company. Off-peak hours are generally, overnight and during weekends. We are showing you the controlled load rates that this plan offers.

Your off-peak hours, and your controlled load electricity charges, will vary from energy company to energy company. Off-peak hours are generally, overnight and during weekends. We are showing you the controlled load rates that this plan offers.

Your electricity meter needs to be set up for a controlled load. Controlled load rates are generally cheaper than the peak or daily rate charges for electricity. The controlled load rate that best suits you will depend on your meter set up and the rates the energy company sets.

Your electricity meter needs to be set up for a controlled load. Controlled load rates are generally cheaper than the peak or daily rate charges for electricity. The controlled load rate that best suits you will depend on your meter set up and the rates the energy company sets.

Controlled load uses a separate circuit for appliances that use a lot of electricity, like a water heater or underfloor heating. The electricity use for this circuit is often recorded separately from your other electricity use. Since the appliances are separately wired and run at set times (usually overnight), the price of electricity is much lower for controlled load appliances. This lower price is called a controlled load tariff or rate.

Controlled load uses a separate circuit for appliances that use a lot of electricity, like a water heater or underfloor heating. The electricity use for this circuit is often recorded separately from your other electricity use. Since the appliances are separately wired and run at set times (usually overnight), the price of electricity is much lower for controlled load appliances. This lower price is called a controlled load tariff or rate.

You need a smart meter to be on a plan with a demand charge. To make the most of demand charges, you need to be able to manage when you use your electricity. If you can minimise how much you use during peak times, you may be able to save money on your bill. But if you don’t keep an eye on how much electricity you’re using at peak times, you could end up paying more.

You need a smart meter to be on a plan with a demand charge. To make the most of demand charges, you need to be able to manage when you use your electricity. If you can minimise how much you use during peak times, you may be able to save money on your bill. But if you don’t keep an eye on how much electricity you’re using at peak times, you could end up paying more.

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You need a smart meter to be on a plan with a demand charge. A demand charge is based on your electricity demand usage. This is the amount of electricity that you use over a particular period of time (usually measured by a 30-minute timeslot). The charge is based on the maximum amount of electricity you use in 30 minutes in the peak time your energy company sets. Your peak demand period will vary depending on where you live and the time of year. Your energy company can give you more information about this. Demand charges aim to encourage you to use less electricity in peak times. This example should help explain it: Home A uses their washing machine and when it finishes, they use their dishwasher . Home B uses their washing machine and dishwasher at the same time. Home A and Home B use the same amount of electricity. But Home B’s maximum amount of electricity is higher over the 30-minute period because they are using both appliances at the same time. This means that Home B will have to pay a higher demand charge. To cut costs, it’s important to spread out how much electricity you use in peak times.

You need a smart meter to be on a plan with a demand charge. A demand charge is based on your electricity demand usage. This is the amount of electricity that you use over a particular period of time (usually measured by a 30-minute timeslot). The charge is based on the maximum amount of electricity you use in 30 minutes in the peak time your energy company sets. Your peak demand period will vary depending on where you live and the time of year. Your energy company can give you more information about this. Demand charges aim to encourage you to use less electricity in peak times. This example should help explain it: Home A uses their washing machine and when it finishes, they use their dishwasher . Home B uses their washing machine and dishwasher at the same time. Home A and Home B use the same amount of electricity. But Home B’s maximum amount of electricity is higher over the 30-minute period because they are using both appliances at the same time. This means that Home B will have to pay a higher demand charge. To cut costs, it’s important to spread out how much electricity you use in peak times.

There is an extra charge for GreenPower. Your electricity company might offer you different ways to charge you for your GreenPower. For example they might charge you: a flat fee each day, week or month – such as $2.00 each day, week or month a percentage of your total bill – such as 2% of your bill a cents per kWh rate – such as 4.7c per kWh.

There is an extra charge for GreenPower. Your electricity company might offer you different ways to charge you for your GreenPower. For example they might charge you: <ul><li>a flat fee each day, week or month – such as $2.00 each day, week or month</li> <li>a percentage of your total bill – such as 2% of your bill</li> <li>a cents per kWh rate – such as 4.7c per kWh.</li></ul>

Through GreenPower you can use more sustainable types of energy. This helps to support the Australian renewable energy sector and helps our environment. But it will cost you more. You also don’t get any specific information on where your renewable energy comes from.

Through GreenPower you can use more sustainable types of energy. This helps to support the Australian renewable energy sector and helps our environment. But it will cost you more. You also don’t get any specific information on where your renewable energy comes from.

Green power is electricity made from wind, solar, hydro and other renewables. You can ask your electricity company to buy green or renewable energy for you to power your home. It should be from government accredited sources. GreenPower is an Australian Government program to support Australia’s renewable energy sector. You can find more information at the GreenPower website You can choose how much of your electricity comes from renewable energy, and you tell your energy company.

Green power is electricity made from wind, solar, hydro and other renewables. You can ask your electricity company to buy green or renewable energy for you to power your home. It should be from government accredited sources. GreenPower is an Australian Government program to support Australia’s renewable energy sector. You can find more information at the <a href="https://www.greenpower.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GreenPower</a> website You can choose how much of your electricity comes from renewable energy, and you tell your energy company.

A subscription plan may require a smart meter. Smart meters are digital and take energy usage readings every 30 minutes. This data is used to measure your electricity usage and see if you are still within the electricity allowance set by the energy company. If you have a subscription plan that includes solar export, the amount of electricity you feed back into the system will also be measured by the smart meter.

A subscription plan may require a smart meter. Smart meters are digital and take energy usage readings every 30 minutes. This data is used to measure your electricity usage and see if you are still within the electricity allowance set by the energy company. If you have a subscription plan that includes solar export, the amount of electricity you feed back into the system will also be measured by the smart meter.

If you are certain your electricity usage will be within the set allowance, there will be the certainty of only paying the set subscription fee every month, however if you use more electricity than the set amount, you will have to pay a single rate for every kilowatt hour you use above the allowance level. The amount charged per unit of electricity used above the allowance limit can also increase if your usage exceeds further limits set by the energy company.

If you are certain your electricity usage will be within the set allowance, there will be the certainty of only paying the set subscription fee every month, however if you use more electricity than the set amount, you will have to pay a single rate for every kilowatt hour you use above the allowance level. The amount charged per unit of electricity used above the allowance limit can also increase if your usage exceeds further limits set by the energy company.

You will pay a set, recurring fee that provides an allowance of electricity usage decided by the energy company. This means your bill will show zero supply and usage fees if you only use electricity within the set allowance. If you use more electricity than the set allowance, you will be charged for the additional electricity you use at a single rate set by the energy company. If you have a solar system and export or feed electricity into the system, you will need to check if there are additional requirements on how much electricity you feed in. Some energy companies may require a set amount of electricity to be fed into the system for you to qualify for the full electricity usage allowance.

You will pay a set, recurring fee that provides an allowance of electricity usage decided by the energy company. This means your bill will show zero supply and usage fees if you only use electricity within the set allowance. If you use more electricity than the set allowance, you will be charged for the additional electricity you use at a single rate set by the energy company. If you have a solar system and export or feed electricity into the system, you will need to check if there are additional requirements on how much electricity you feed in. Some energy companies may require a set amount of electricity to be fed into the system for you to qualify for the full electricity usage allowance.

Estimate includes an energy company solar feed-in credit.

Estimate includes an energy company solar feed-in credit.

Most energy companies pay feed-in tariffs. Solar is the most common feed in tariff. The rate they pay varies depends on the state or territory you’re in and your energy company. Generally, energy companies offer rates between 6 cents per kWh and 20 cents per kWh. Some people may receive more than this if they’re on an older contract.  The size of your solar system can also effect the rate you get.

Most energy companies pay feed-in tariffs. Solar is the most common feed in tariff. The rate they pay varies depends on the state or territory you’re in and your energy company. Generally, energy companies offer rates between 6 cents per kWh and 20 cents per kWh. Some people may receive more than this if they’re on an older contract. The size of your solar system can also effect the rate you get.

You must have solar panels or another type of renewable electricity, such as a small wind system, to be able to get a feed-in tariff.  The size of the solar panels, or renewable generator, you need to be able to get the feed-in tariff will depend on the state you’re in. Usually, your generator must be less than 100kW for small customers. Most generators are between 3kW and 10kW.  You will need to let your energy company know that you have solar panels.  The Clean Energy Council’s consumer guide to buying and installing household solar panels can help you decide if solar is a good choice for you.

You must have solar panels or another type of renewable electricity, such as a small wind system, to be able to get a feed-in tariff. The size of the solar panels, or renewable generator, you need to be able to get the feed-in tariff will depend on the state you’re in. Usually, your generator must be less than 100kW for small customers. Most generators are between 3kW and 10kW. You will need to let your energy company know that you have solar panels. The <a href="https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clean Energy Council’s</a> consumer guide to buying and installing household solar panels can help you decide if solar is a good choice for you.

A solar feed-in tariff is the amount of money you get back from your energy company for the energy you put into the electricity grid. This is not a cash payment but is presented as a credit on your electricity bill.

A solar feed-in tariff is the amount of money you get back from your energy company for the energy you put into the electricity grid. This is not a cash payment but is presented as a credit on your electricity bill.

*all pricing above is rounded up to the nearest cent or percentage. Please see the relevant section below for full rates.

*all pricing above is rounded up to the nearest cent or percentage. Please see the relevant section below for full rates.

Kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for electricity.

Kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for electricity.

Time of use rates are different at different times of day. Peak This is the most expensive rate. Peak times are usually in the evenings during the week. Off-peak This is the cheapest rate. Off-peak times are usually overnight and on the weekend. Shoulder This rate is less expensive than peak and more expensive than off peak rates. Some electricity companies have more rate times than just peak, off-peak and shoulder.

Time of use rates are different at different times of day. <h5>Peak</h5> This is the most expensive rate. Peak times are usually in the evenings during the week. <h5>Off-peak</h5> This is the cheapest rate. Off-peak times are usually overnight and on the weekend. <h5>Shoulder</h5> This rate is less expensive than peak and more expensive than off peak rates. Some electricity companies have more rate times than just peak, off-peak and shoulder.

A time of use rate plan could suit you if: you can manage when you use your electricity you’re out a lot in the evenings during the week you’re at home during the day or on weekends you use your appliances, like your washing machine or dishwasher, on the weekend. For a time of use plan you need an electricity meter that measures how much electricity you use at different times of the day. A smart meter or time of use meter measure electricity this way.

A time of use rate plan could suit you if: <ul><li>you can manage when you use your electricity</li> <li>you’re out a lot in the evenings during the week</li> <li>you’re at home during the day or on weekends</li> <li>you use your appliances, like your washing machine or dishwasher, on the weekend.</li></ul> For a time of use plan you need an electricity meter that measures how much electricity you use at different times of the day. A smart meter or time of use meter measure electricity this way.

Time periods have been rounded up the nearest hour, refer to the legend for exact times.

Time periods have been rounded up the nearest hour, refer to the legend for exact times.

A time of use rate is the cost for electricity at different times of the day.

A time of use rate is the cost for electricity at different times of the day.

We can’t find what you are looking for The content you are looking for might have been removed, renamed or temporarily unavailable.

<h1>We can’t find what you are looking for</h1> The content you are looking for might have been removed, renamed or temporarily unavailable.

To use your meter data with Energy Made Easy, you must have operated your business in the same location for 12 months or more. Find out more

To use your meter data with Energy Made Easy, you must have operated your business in the same location for 12 months or more. <a href="/frequently-asked-questions/why-am-i-unable-to-use-my-meter-data">Find out more</a>

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To give you personalised information about your estimated energy plan costs, we need to share some information with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

To give you personalised information about your estimated energy plan costs, we need to share some information with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

NMI stands for National Metering Identifier. It’s a unique number for the electricity connection at your address. We use it to get data about how much electricity you use. It’s not the same as the number on your meter.

NMI stands for National Metering Identifier. It’s a unique number for the electricity connection at your address. We use it to get data about how much electricity you use. It’s not the same as the number on your meter.

Check out our frequently asked questions and find answers to some of the most common questions people ask about Energy Made Easy.

Check out our frequently asked questions and find answers to some of the most common questions people ask about Energy Made Easy.

Searching with your suburb is currently unavailable. Please enter a valid Australian postcode to proceed e.g. 2000

Searching with your suburb is currently unavailable. Please enter a valid Australian postcode to proceed e.g. 2000

Get the latest tips or updates on energy.

Get the latest tips or updates on energy.

Read our tips to help you pay less for energy.

Read our tips to help you pay less for energy.

Ready to switch energy companies? Look over our checklist first!

Ready to switch energy companies? Look over our checklist first!

With Energy Made Easy you can compare the different energy companies and choose the best plan for you. It's a free, independent government service.

With Energy Made Easy you can compare the different energy companies and choose the best plan for you. It's a free, independent government service.

Help us find the energy companies that cover your area.

Help us find the energy companies that cover your area.

Answer a few questions about your home or business so we can suggest the best options for you.

Answer a few questions about your home or business so we can suggest the best options for you.

Add information like your NMI (National Meter Identifier) so we can compare your energy use to other plans or use our Quick compare.

Add information like your <a href="/article/finding-your-nmi">NMI (National Meter Identifier)</a> so we can compare your energy use to other plans or use our Quick compare.

Find and compare plans.

If you are off-grid you should contact your local council to learn more about the energy supply options available to you. If you live in an apartment building, caravan park or retirement village, or if you run a business in a shopping centre, you may be in an embedded network. It may be difficult for you to switch energy companies as the site owner or your landlord usually buys energy in bulk and sells it on to you directly, or through an energy company that they have an agreement with. You should contact your current energy company for more information about your options. For more information on embedded networks, see Tenants who buy energy from a landlord and Buying energy in a commercial building or visit the AER website.

If you are off-grid you should contact your local council to learn more about the energy supply options available to you. If you live in an apartment building, caravan park or retirement village, or if you run a business in a shopping centre, you may be in an embedded network. It may be difficult for you to switch energy companies as the site owner or your landlord usually buys energy in bulk and sells it on to you directly, or through an energy company that they have an agreement with. You should contact your current energy company for more information about your options. For more information on embedded networks, see <a href="/article/tenants-who-buy-energy-from-a-landlord">Tenants who buy energy from a landlord</a> and <a href="/article/buying-energy-in-a-commercial-building">Buying energy in a commercial building</a> or visit the <a href="https://www.aer.gov.au/consumers/consumers-in-embedded-networks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><abbr title="Australian Energy Regulator">AER</abbr> website</a>.

Find out what is trending and what households and small businesses need to know about energy today, in our hot topics.

Find out what is trending and what households and small businesses need to know about energy today, in our hot topics.

To use your meter data with Energy Made Easy, you must have lived in your home for 12 months or more. Find out more

To use your meter data with Energy Made Easy, you must have lived in your home for 12 months or more. <a href="/frequently-asked-questions/why-am-i-unable-to-use-my-meter-data">Find out more</a>

Enter your bill period. This can be from one or more bills.

Enter your bill period. This can be from one or more bills.

Do you have peak and off-peak rates on your bill?

Do you have peak and off-peak rates on your bill?

Do you have a smart meter?

Do you have a smart meter?

Do you have a controlled load?

Do you have a controlled load?

Do you have solar panels?

Do you have solar panels?

Enter your total gas usage from your bill

Enter your total gas usage from your bill

You selected "not sure" to having a smart meter Find out more about meters

You selected "not sure" to having a smart meter <a href="/hot-topics/the-electricity-meter-family">Find out more about meters</a>

Where you live, how much electricity you use and your household setup can determine which plans are most suitable for you as well as your eligibility for the plans.

Where you live, how much electricity you use and your household setup can determine which plans are most suitable for you as well as your eligibility for the plans.

The data from your NMI shows...

The data from your NMI shows...

With a single rate plan you pay the same rate whatever time of the day you use electricity. There are no peak or off-peak times of day.

With a single rate plan you pay the same rate whatever time of the day you use electricity. There are no peak or off-peak times of day.

A single rate plan could suit you if:

A single rate plan could suit you if:

Time of use plans charge you different rates for your electricity at different times of day. For a time of use plan you need an electricity meter that measures how much electricity you use at different times of the day. A smart meter or time of use meter measure electricity this way.

Time of use plans charge you different rates for your electricity at different times of day. For a time of use plan you need an electricity meter that measures how much electricity you use at different times of the day. A smart meter or time of use meter measure electricity this way.

A time of use plan could suit you if:

A time of use plan could suit you if:

Your electricity company will tell you when the different times start and stop. This will be in the Basic Plan Information Document they give you or in their written summary of the plan. Some electricity companies have more rate times than just peak, off-peak and shoulder.

Your electricity company will tell you when the different times start and stop. This will be in the Basic Plan Information Document they give you or in their written summary of the plan. Some electricity companies have more rate times than just peak, off-peak and shoulder.

The different rates are generally called:

The different rates are generally called:

8 kWh daily average in the last month

13 kWh daily average in the last month

An electricity meter that is checked in person

An electricity meter that is checked in person

A separate circuit for appliances that use a lot of electricity

A separate circuit for appliances that use a lot of electricity

A digital meter that measures when and how much electricity you use

A digital meter that measures when and how much electricity you use

Panels, usually on your roof, that generate electricity from the sun.

Panels, usually on your roof, that generate electricity from the sun.

20 kWh daily average in the last month

Please change your search or the filters to try again.

Please change your search or the filters to try again.

EME does not show your current plan. Using your bill to compare to your current rates is easy. Find out more

EME does not show your current plan. Using your bill to compare to your current rates is easy. <a href="/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-compare-my-current-plan-on-eme">Find out more</a>

Your NMI is on your electricity bill. It can include numbers and letters and is 10 or 11 characters long. We use the NMI to get information about how much electricity you use. We get this information securely from the Australian Energy Market Operator. Help me find my NMI

Your NMI is on your electricity bill. It can include numbers and letters and is 10 or 11 characters long. We use the NMI to get information about how much electricity you use. We get this information securely from the Australian Energy Market Operator. <a href="/article/finding-your-nmi">Help me find my NMI</a>

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Am I a small energy customer? 

Energy Made Easy is proud to support Scams Awareness Week, which runs from 21–25 May 2018. This year Scamwatch is urging all Australians to be on the lookout for threat-based impersonation scams by taking a moment to 'Stop and check: is this for real?'.

Ask yourself: is this for real? Be scam aware

It's that time of year again when energy retailers make changes to their prices – so you may see an increase to your energy prices. 

Be in the know – 1 July energy price rises, you and your bill

Thinking of getting a smart meter? Here's what you need to know.

When you're comparing plans, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a plan with a benefit period, and a plan with a contract term. Here's how they work.

Benefit periods and contract terms – how do they work?

This summer the damage from bushfires has been unprecedented, with devastating effects on communities. It is helpful to know some safety tips and other assistance that's available for those who have been affected by bushfires.

Bushfire safety and assistance available this summer

Buying energy in a commercial building

No, we cannot switch you to a new plan. We provide all the details you need to make an informed decision but you need to contact the retailer of your choice, to switch to a new plan. Once you have found a plan you like and you are ready to switch, have a look at our switching checklist.

Can you switch me to a new plan?

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You may have recently heard the terms 'default market offer' or 'reference price' in the media in relation to electricity offers. They relate to new rules for retailers operating in New South Wales, South Australia and South East Queensland. If you live in these regions, what does this all mean for you?

'Default market offer' and 'reference price' explained

The Default Market Offer is an electricity price safety net that protects consumers from unjustifiably high prices. It is the maximum price an electricity company can charge customers on standard retail plans.

Default Market Offer: The Electricity Price Safety Net

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Disconnections

Discounts and fees

Many consumers on standing electricity offers in New South Wales, South  Australia, South East Queensland and Victoria are set to receive an  automatic discount from January 2019.

Discounts on standing offers from 1 January 2019

Yes. Energy companies (retailers) are required by law to provide us with data for every plan they make available to most customers. This may include plans with special conditions that you need to meet, to be able to take up a plan. If this is the case, our plan information documents will list any conditions that the retailer has specified.

Do you really have every plan covered?

How to understand the real value of a discount.

Don't be dazzled by discounts

Efficient appliances

Which type of tariff is right for you?

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Energy and your business

Energy around the house

Energy bills

Oliver Derum from Energy Consumers Australia says if you don't know that you're getting a good price on your electricity, then you're probably not.

Energy Made Easy featured on ABC's The Checkout: 'If I Could Say One Thing'

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Energy Made Easy featured on ABC's The Checkout: 'The Consumerette'

You may have noticed some changes to Energy Made Easy. These improvements are the culmination of our work over 2 years to redevelop the entire website. So what's changed and why?