Moving to a new place is super exciting! But between packing boxes and figuring out where the couch goes, there’s something else really important to think about: your electricity.
Think about it – the moment you walk into your new home, you’ll probably want to switch on a light. But who’s actually providing that electricity? Are you just stuck with whoever the last people used? And more importantly, could you be paying too much?
The cool thing is, just like you’d shop around for the best internet deal, you can also compare electricity companies when you move. And guess what? This can save you some serious money each year – we’re talking potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
Here in Australia, the electricity market has lots of different companies with different plans and prices. It can feel a bit confusing, but don’t worry! This guide is here to make it easy. We’ll walk through how to find a great deal without all the complicated jargon.
And speaking of different companies, you might have heard of Globird energy. They’re one of the many electricity providers here, and it’s a good idea to see how their deals compare when you’re moving. You might also come across Tango Energy – another company worth checking out to see if they have the best plan for you.
So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s figure out how you can save some cash by picking the right electricity company for your new home.
Why Bother Comparing Electricity When You Move?
When you move, it’s like hitting a reset button for your electricity. You’re not tied to any old contracts at your new place. This is your chance to find a plan that really works for you and your wallet.
Think of it like buying anything else – you wouldn’t just buy the first TV you see without looking at other brands and prices, would you? Electricity is the same. It’s something you pay for regularly, so getting a good deal can make a real difference.
Here’s why comparing electricity companies when you move is a smart move:
- Save Lots of Money: This is the big one! Different companies have different prices, fees, and discounts. Comparing can often help you find a much cheaper option.
- Get a Plan That Fits You: Your electricity needs might change in your new home. Maybe it’s bigger, or maybe it has solar panels. Comparing lets you find a plan that matches how you actually use energy.
- Understand the Rules: Not all electricity plans are the same. Some lock you into a contract, while others are more flexible. Comparing helps you understand these rules.
- Go Green if You Want: If you care about the environment, comparing companies lets you find those that offer renewable energy options. You might find that companies like Globird energy have specific “green” plans.
- Snag a Sweet Deal: Lots of electricity companies offer special sign-up bonuses for new customers, like discounts on your first few bills. Comparing helps you find these goodies!
The Australian Energy Regulator (that’s the government folks who keep an eye on this stuff) says that households can save hundreds of dollars a year just by switching to a better electricity plan. Imagine what you could do with that extra cash!
Quick Look at the Aussie Electricity Market
Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s quickly understand how electricity works here in Australia. In most states, you get to choose who you buy your electricity from. These companies buy the power and then sell it to us.
Your electricity bill usually has a few main parts:
- Usage Charge: This is how much you pay for the actual electricity you use (think cents per unit).
- Supply Charge: This is a daily fee just for being connected to the grid, even if you don’t use much power.
- Other Bits: Sometimes there are connection fees, disconnection fees, or late payment fees.
Different electricity companies have different rates for these things, which is why comparing them is so important.
In places like Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland, you have lots of companies to pick from. In other states, there might be fewer choices, but it’s still worth looking around.
Step-by-Step: Finding the Best Electricity Deal When You Move
Okay, let’s get down to it. Here’s how to compare electricity companies when you’re moving:
Step 1: Know Your New Address
Sounds obvious, but you need the exact address of your new place to get accurate quotes. Prices can change depending on where you live.
Step 2: Guess Your Energy Use (If You Can)
This can be tricky if you haven’t moved in yet. But you can try to guess based on how big the house is, how many people will live there, and if you have things that use a lot of power, like air conditioning or electric heaters. Some comparison websites have tools to help with this.
Step 3: See Who’s Around
Do a quick search online for “electricity providers”. This will give you a list of companies that operate in your area. You’ll probably see names like Globird energy and tango energy pop up.
Step 4: Use Comparison Websites
This is the easy way to see everything side-by-side. There are websites in Australia that let you put in your details (where you live, maybe how much energy you think you’ll use) and then show you different plans from different companies. This saves you a lot of time! Some popular ones are:
- Energy Made Easy (run by the government)
- Compare the Market
- iSelect
- Canstar Blue
These sites often let you filter by things like how long the contract is, if they offer green energy, and any discounts.
Step 5: Check Company Websites Directly
While comparison sites are great, it’s also worth going straight to the websites of companies you like the look of, such as Globird Energy or tango energy. Sometimes they have special deals that aren’t listed on the comparison sites.
Step 6: Understand the Different Plans
Electricity plans come in a few different flavors:
- Fixed Rate: The price you pay for energy stays the same for your contract. This makes it easy to budget, but you might miss out if prices go down.
- Variable Rate: The prices can change depending on the market. You could save money if prices drop, but you might also pay more if they go up.
- Time-of-Use: You pay different rates depending on when you use electricity (like cheaper rates at night). If you can use your appliances at off-peak times, this could save you money.
- Solar Feed-in: If your new home has solar panels, you’ll want to see how much the company will pay you for any extra solar power you send back to the grid.
Step 7: Look Beyond Just the Price
While price is important, don’t forget to check other things:
- Contract Length and Fees: Are you locked in? What happens if you want to leave early?
- Customer Service: Check online reviews to see what other people think of their customer service.
- How You Get Billed: Do they have easy ways to pay?
- Green Options: If you care about the environment, see what they offer.
Step 8: Pick Your Winner and Sign Up
Once you’ve compared everything and found a plan you like, it’s time to sign up! You’ll usually need to give them your new address, your move-in date, and some personal info.
Step 9: Make Sure You’re Connected
Double-check that your new electricity company has everything set up for your move-in day. You don’t want to arrive at a dark house!
Let’s Talk About Globird Energy and Tango Energy
Like we said before, Globird energy and Tango energy are just two of the many electricity companies in Australia. Here’s a quick look at what they often offer:
Globird Energy: They often focus on having good prices and simple plans. They usually have both fixed and variable rate options and sometimes have sign-up deals. It’s a good idea to go to their website (just search “Globird energy Australia”) to see what they’re offering in your specific area right now.
Tango Energy: They’re known for being strong in Victoria but also serve other states. They often talk about their customer service and might have plans that suit different energy usage, including homes with solar. You can find out more on their website (just search “tango energy Australia”).
Remember, the best company for you will depend on where you live and what you need. That’s why comparison is so important. One of these, or another company altogether, might have the perfect deal for your new place.
Making Your Move Easier: The Electricity Part
Moving can be a bit crazy. Let’s try to make the electricity part less stressful:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! Start looking at electricity companies a few weeks before you move.
- Keep Notes: Once you pick a company and a plan, keep a record of the important details, like when your service starts and any special conditions.
- Read Your Meter: On the day you move in, take a photo of your electricity meter reading. This helps make sure you only get charged for the electricity you use from that day on. Give this reading to your new company.
- Check Your First Bill: When your first bill arrives, take a look to make sure everything seems right. If something looks off, contact your electricity company.
“Taking a little time to compare electricity companies when you move might seem like a small thing when you’re dealing with all the moving boxes, but it can really save you money in the long run. Think of it as setting yourself up for a more affordable future in your new home.”
The Long-Term Wins of Choosing Smartly
The money you save by comparing electricity when you move isn’t just a one-time thing. By picking a plan that fits how you use energy and has good prices, you can have lower bills month after month, year after year.
Plus, by being proactive about your electricity, you’re more likely to keep an eye on how much energy you’re using and maybe even find even better deals later on. The electricity market in Australia can change, so it’s always a good idea to check your plan every now and then, even after you’ve settled in.
Your energy needs might also change over time. Maybe you get solar panels, or you buy more energy-efficient appliances. Having the right electricity plan can help you make the most of these changes. For example, if you get solar, you’ll want a plan that gives you a good price for the extra energy you send back to the grid.
Wrapping Up: Power Up Your Savings!
Moving house is a big deal, and there’s a lot to think about. But don’t forget about your electricity! By spending a little time comparing companies like Globird energy and tango energy, and others in your area, you can save real money and start your new life in your new home with a little extra cash in your pocket.
It might seem like a small task right now, but the ongoing savings from a good electricity plan can really add up. So, while you’re packing those boxes and making your moving plans, remember to add “compare electricity companies” to your list. Your bank account will thank you!
Ready to save some money on your power bills? Start comparing today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When’s the best time to start looking at electricity companies when I’m moving? About 2 to 4 weeks before you move is a good time. This gives you enough time to see what’s out there and get your new connection sorted.
2. What info do I need to compare electricity plans? You’ll usually need the address of your new place and maybe an idea of how much electricity you think you’ll use. Comparison websites will help you with this.
3. Will I automatically get the same electricity company as the people who lived there before? Usually not. You’ll need to set up your own account. If you don’t, you might end up on a more expensive default plan.
4. What are the important things to look at when comparing electricity plans? Pay attention to how much they charge for the electricity you use, the daily fee just for being connected, how long the contract is, if there are any fees for leaving early, and if they have any discounts. Also, think about green energy options if that’s something you’re interested in.
5. Where can I find websites that compare electricity companies in Australia? You can use the government’s Energy Made Easy website, as well as other comparison sites like Compare the Market, iSelect, and Canstar Blue.