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News$700k worth of savings tips from the government
$700k worth of savings tips from the government

$700k worth of savings tips from the government

Tags: Energy Information
Last updated by Someone on

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you would have noticed all the talk about energy prices. If you have been off the grid (pun intended), there’s no hiding from your energy bill, which will find you eventually. 

And so will the Federal Government’s latest $700,000 ad campaign!

Launched this month, the Powering Forward Campaign reportedly cost tax-payers $300,000 for 60 seconds of airtime during the AFL & NRL Grand Finals, and as much as $700,000 in fees to a Melbourne ad agency.

There's some useful information buried in there, but it's hidden behind propaganda pushing the government's energy policy credentials.

What do you think of the campaign?

Our take? The website contains some useful info for people wanting to save on power bills, for example it links to the Energy Made Easy comparison site and the Victorian Switchon site to compare offers.

It also contains energy efficiency tips for households, which can be handy.

But all that useful stuff is buried behind the silly “powering forward” slogan and some bumph about the Government’s Snowy Hydro 2.0 and gas reservation policies.

They’re important, but we’d like to see the moneysaving info up front and centre!

Here’s something else you can do to save.

A couple of months back, the Fiftyup Club started our Power-Up Campaign,  which now boasts a staggering 50,000 registrations nationally That tells us that you do want to do something about energy prices even if it’s just to send a message to power companies that enough is enough.

While Australia may rank second in the world for quality-of-life, we rate first in the world for the highest energy prices. Data from the Carbon + Energy Markets' MarkIntell service says we’re ahead of Germany, Denmark and Italy with 4 Australian states in the top ten (click here to see the list).

This despite Australia having every energy resource available in the world including coal, wind, solar, nuclear and sea-water hydro power.

What can you do? It’s as easy as picking up the phone, calling your energy retailer and asking for a better deal. Don’t take no for an answer. The energy market has never been so competitive and you can get results, with many members reporting savings in the hundreds of dollars.

Click here to see the latest Fiftyup Club energy offers, extended for a limited time only


 

 

Originally posted on .

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Theresa lee
Theresa lee from NSW commented:

It would be nice to receive some discounts, when you work so hard to save and everything just keeps going up and making it hard to archive . I hope by me joining will help others. Good luck to us fifties and up, have a nice weekend. 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Theresa lee:

Theresa: I joined this club for the same reasons you joined, but I went a bit further: I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) - the want to get representation in Canberra to ensure politicians start listening to our needs. So having this club on one hand and The Seniors Party on the other hand (I believe) makes up a mighty force. Remember: numbers count. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I have two children living at home in their mid 20's looking for employment, so if they have jobs, they will move out and increase my financial status instantly 

Terrence
Terrence from NSW commented:

We would be greatful for any discounts to help with our day to day expenses,have worked hard all my life and would appreciate a leg up as i- we grow older and hopefully enjoy life a little. 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Terrence:

Terrence: I agree with you wholeheartedly, this is why I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) whose aim is to get representation in Canberra to ensure those politicians over there start listening to our needs, not just theirs. 

Jackie
Jackie from NSW commented:

Energy Australia is getting too expensive for me. They'd told me a couple days ago that there's been a 40% increase in their electricity charges. Please recommend me a cheaper electricity provider. I live by myself in a 2 bedroom apartment & Energy Australia charged me $1150 for the last 3 months, which's too much. I think. Which electricity provider that charges cheaper rates. Ple...ase tell me. Jackie. 

Kim
Kim from NSW replied to Jackie:

Hi Jackie. Something is wrong if you have such a high bill. It is probably an applience. A fridge that is constently running or a drying machine, is the classic. Try turning off at the power point. Or it may be time to call in the electrician. My bill is $500 with 4 adults and 6 computers and three tvs 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Jackie:

Jackie: Your bill is excessive to say the least. I think you should put the ball on their side and asked to do an assessment of what you use on electricity. I also live in a 2 bedroom apartment where I cook, watch TV, do the washing and use the dryer frequently. I joined this club because I sincerely believe through sheer numbers they will be able to get discounts for us, but I went a bit further: I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) that are looking at having representation in Canberra where laws are made. Again, numbers is what will assist us all. 

Alan
Alan from NSW commented:

Most "offers or deals" are targeted at the new customer, there appears little consideration or value afforded the existing customer of which over 50's are very much in the majority. I would like to see more recognition for loyalty. 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Alan:

Alan: Loyalty? Now that sounds a bit of an old fashioned word these days. The truth is Alan they don't really give a damn about us anymore, furthermore we used to be "important customers" when we were young, now they seem to look at us as a liability. This annoys me to no end. This is the reason why apart from joining this club I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) that are looking to have representation in Canberra where laws are made. We must show those politicians we are not going to be forgotten and only numbers will do that. 

Paul
Paul from NSW commented:

Assist with employment for over 50's, or help us win lotto. Hopefully any discounts that may be offered are also available in the country areas not only the cities 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Paul:

Paul: I joined this club to get discounts in various places, for I believe sheer size (numbers) is what counts these days, but I went a bit further: I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) that are looking to have representation in Canberra to show those politicians we do exist. Also this Party is looking at having rural representation too, something I like very much seeing city folks sometimes forget their rural brothers. 

John
John from NSW commented:

More recognition for Seniors in the workplace. 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to John:

John: There is a company somewhere in the USA that employs seniors ONLY: they never take a day off, are totally committed to their jobs and bring with them an extensive and rich background that could only benefit the employer. Now that's a thought for companies here in Australia. Unfortunately seniors are not seen this way here, why? because nobody knows we exist. This is the reason why apart from joining this club, I also joined The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) that wishes to have representation in Canberra to remind those politicians over there we DO exist. 

Judith
Judith from NSW commented:

To make the thousands of fifty ups more visible. A little respect please. 

Henry
Henry from NSW replied to Judith:

Judith, Please read my comments to John, from NSW. It is the same story: according to them we are past our used by date, FAR FROM IT! Numbers count and with this club, plus The Seniors Party (www.seniorsparty.org) we will be able to regain our respect and dignity. 

Lorraine
Lorraine from NSW commented:

I listen to 2CH in Sydney and would appreciate any discounts that are on offer. 

Joy
Joy from VIC commented:

I listen to 2gb radio in Geelong Vic, oh it waves in and out, so finish with laptop 8pm to 9pm. Then early hours ''äm"' Thanks for coming to Melb 1377. I am hooked. Thanks for what you are doing with the fiftyup club. Much needed. Cheers to all 

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