Gas Plans 

When it comes to finding the best gas plan in Australia, there are a few steps you can follow to make sure you’re getting a good deal:  

Understand your gas usage 

Take a look at your gas bill or get in touch with your current provider to determine how much gas you typically use. This will help you understand your gas usage and choose an appropriate new plan. 

Think about your future needs 

Are you about to get a new appliance which may change your gas usage? For example, are you thinking of upgrading your gas hot water service to one with an electric heat pump which uses less energy? Think about how any planned changes you’re going to make to your high-consumption household appliances may affect your gas consumption. 

Compare gas plans 

Once you’ve answered a few simple questions about the type of plan you’re after and know what your average gas usage is, you’re ready to start comparing different gas plans from various providers. With Savvy’s simple comparison service, you’ll quickly be able to compare gas offers online from a range of leading Australian retailers relevant to your area. 

Compare different usage charging methods 

Look at the gas usage charging structure and consider any seasonal rates which may apply in your state. For example, Victoria has a seasonal tariff which means gas costs more in winter when there is higher demand for home heating. Keep in mind that each state and territory in Australia has its own regulations, so the prices and charging methods you should compare are just those for your state retailers. 

Find out if block rates apply 

Many retailers charge block rates for gas usage. Block rates are a pricing structure where different pricing rates are applied to different blocks or ‘tiers’ of gas consumption. The first block often has a higher rate, while subsequent blocks have lower rates. It's important to understand if block rates are applicable to your gas plan, as they can have a large impact on your overall gas costs. To find this out, check your latest gas bill and look under the usage section to see if different rates have been applied. 

Compare the supply charge 

When comparing gas plans, it's important to check the supply charge associated with the plan. A supply charge is a fixed fee which is included in your gas bill. It’s the cost of having access to the gas supply network, regardless of how much gas you use. The supply charge covers the maintenance, operation and administration of the natural gas infrastructure which delivers gas to your home or business. It's typically a daily fee measured in cents and is separate from the usage charge, which is based on the amount of gas you consume. 

Check for discounts 

Many gas providers offer discounts to attract customers. These discounts may include sign-up credits or savings for paying bills on time or using direct debit. For example, a retailer may offer a certain dollar amount (such as $75) off your entire bill as an online sign-up credit, while another retailer may offer a 3% discount each quarter for paying by direct debit. Compare the discounts offered by different providers to see which ones can provide you with the best value in the long term, but don’t be taken in by short-term discount offers which may only last a few weeks. However, finding appropriate discounts is one smart way to reduce the cost of your gas bill.   

Consider greener options 

If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, look for gas providers which offer greener options. This could include carbon-neutral gas plans, ones that support the purchase of renewable energy, bio-gas plans, climate-friendly gas plans or green gas certificates. These options may come at a slightly higher cost, but they can contribute to a more sustainable future. 

By following these steps and considering your specific gas needs, you can choose the gas plan which is most suited to your usage, budget and environmental goals with more confidence. Remember to review the contract length, fees and available bill payment options before making a final decision.