Premier in Penrith to announce plan to cut power bills

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Penrith this morning. Photo: Melinda Jane
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Households could save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills by quickly changing their electricity deals through Service NSW’s free Energy Switch, in what will be a major shakeup for electricity retailers.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello today at Penrith Service NSW to announce that Energy Switch was now available at all Service NSW Centres and online.

“Energy Switch is a game changer and is more than just another government comparison website,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“For the first time for an Australian government, customers can switch providers in minutes with the click of a mouse or a chat with Service NSW.

“With summer just around the corner, Energy Switch has come at the right time to help households save when their energy is highest.

“We know many families and individuals are facing cost of living pressures and this new measure could help them save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year.”

During the NSW Government’s pilot of the program across five Service NSW centres, the average saving for people who switched was more than $550 per household while one customer saved more than $1600 on their energy bills.

NSW Prmeier Gladys Berejiklian meets with staff from the Service Centre in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane

Mr Dominello said: “Service NSW will do the heavy lifting for the customer by checking their energy usage, searching the market for available plans and if savings can be found, then we will make the switch for them.

“Energy Switch works by using a customer’s latest electricity e-bill to scan every retailer in NSW and gives customers the cheapest three electricity plans available. It also displays other features of each plan such as solar compatibility. If a switch is requested, Service NSW will inform the energy provider.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said measures such as today’s announcement are only possible due to the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ strong financial management.

“Energy Switch will allow people to regularly review their plan and will encourage greater competition in the market which ultimately benefits customers through cheaper prices,” Mr Perrottet said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addressing the media this morning. Photo: Melinda Jane

Minister for Energy Don Harwin said: “This is a big win for families facing bill shock and could provide them with much needed hip pocket relief.”

Research carried out by Service NSW found 70 per cent of NSW households pay too much for electricity, particularly customers who haven’t switched for more than 12 months.

Energy Switch is one a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, Active Kids vouchers, Free Rego and the FuelCheck app.

Energy Switch can be accessed in-person across all Service NSW customer centres and online through www.energyswitch.service.nsw.gov.au.


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