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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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Candy
Candy from NSW commented:

Hi, Prior to receiving our Gas bill the meter reader had come to take the reading. Two days later as my husband was leaving for work, a second meter reader came and checked the meter, but had spoken to my husband advising that the first reading was around 2500 whereas we were actually being charged 2900 a difference of 400. The meter reader advised that we should take this up with the company as they increase the reading without the consumer knowing. We waited for our bill and sure enough it showed the read meter at 2900 and then showed an estimate figure of $3033. On querying the discrepancy the gas company advised they would definitely look into it and when my husband questioned the even higher reading of 3033 he was simply advised that it was an estimated reading. To which my husband said, "why would send out a meter reader when you only estimate the reading and charge us on the estimated reading and not what the ACTUAL reading is" We were only left with the answer that they would look into and advise. We will probably see a refund (we hope) of around $400. What if we were never told of these increased readings and why are they estimating the next month's reading?? It is a joke and something should be done about it, how many bills have we in fact overpaid??? If we do not see a refund I will let you know. C Woods, Quakers Hill NSW . 

Yew
Yew from NSW commented:

I have received a letter from my current electricity retailer to convince me not to switch to another retailer by offering me a discount of 18% with a reminder of a charge for termination fee if I make the switch. As a member of the FiftyUp Club, I believe solidarity is of prime importance and as such, I for one, will be sticking to terms negotiated by the Club with Click Energy. 

Tess - FiftyUp Club
Tess - FiftyUp Club from NSW replied to Yew:

It's definitely a good idea to be aware of other offers in the market. That way you can compare and make a decision yourself about what is best for you. 

Ian
Ian from NSW commented:

But wouldn't it be nice to get even a 4 cent discount without having to spend $30 in Woolworths or Coles! 

Someone
Someone from NSW replied to Ian:

Ah, how nice to have a car.Now those of even modest intelligence realise that the discount does increase the price at the checkout and those, who due to lack of finances do not have a car. simply pay for the discount given to the better off. In the main, discounts are like jumpers.I must put it on to be able to take it off. Perhaps an offer for those who can not use a petrol discount would be fairer, but what has fair got to do with business. Recently I watched as a customer at the checkout asked for a subtotal after her last item and when told it was $38 plus, added two one dollar lolly bars to get her over the $30. Now that type of thinking is what those supposed discounts are about. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Sorry. The checkout amount in the above comment was $28 plus NOT$38 PLUS 

Peter
Peter from NSW commented:

I would like to think that we would benefit for our knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime of work. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

We only have a solar hot water system.Does this mean a lower discount for the electricity offer as it includes panels? Paul NSW 

Perrine - FiftyUp Club
Perrine - FiftyUp Club from NSW commented:

Hi there, I would recommend giving Click Energy a call on 1300 085 785 and they will be able to discuss the solar offer available. Alternatively, check out the offer online and compare it to what you are currently receiving. If it is competitive then you can make the switch. Hope that helps! 

Ian
Ian from NSW commented:

Please bring on a petrol deal ASAP! Closely followed by Health Insurance. 

Perrine - FiftyUp Club
Perrine - FiftyUp Club from NSW replied to Ian:

Thank you for your recommendations Ian - we are looking into these areas! 

Peter
Peter from NSW replied to Ian:

I do not think we will be any better than the deal we currently get from Woolworths, IGA and Coles (if used wisely). This might alter in the future as Aldi and Costco set up there fuel outlet franchises to compete with Woolworths and Coles. 

andrew
andrew from NSW commented:

I would like to see reductions across a number of areas some of which have already been covered with the car insurance offer and the electricity offer. As a motorcyclist I would like to see some cheaper insurance for motorcyclists. I would also like to add that people should be careful about the cheap car insurance offers as some of these offer cheap insurance based on kilometres travelled. If the kms nominated are exceeded and an accident occurs a substantial excess($2000) will have to be paid. These companies also gather unnecessary statistics when you are seeking a quote. For example the level of tertiary qualification that you hold, your marital status etc. So read the fineprint closely. 

Peter
Peter from NSW replied to andrew:

I also agree with the better deal for motorcyclists. As the owner of a larger capacity motorcycle (generally owned by 50+ riders), we tend to have the larger premiums. I also concur about the cheaper car insurance. It is a matter of "you get what you pay for". 

Conny
Conny from NSW commented:

Not a great deal for anyone who has solar. Actually one of the worst offers I seen. Shame the fifty up club cannot be bothered to find a really good deal! 

George
George from NSW commented:

I can say that the electricity deal is good value ,I am a bit of a Scrooge and for me to take the offer I considered excellent value. George 

Peter
Peter from NSW replied to George:

How have you found the offer so far. 

Alfred
Alfred from NSW commented:

I don't think the fifty up club is mush help get better discount when i surf net my self 

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