Are our prices increasing?
Yes, unfortunately due to the current climate we have no choice but to increase our rates.
We have a commitment to our customers to never increase our rates for profit and we have done everything possible to minimise the impact on the customer.
We will continue with our membership model to ensure transparency is relation to any profit we make from customer’s accounts.
Once each year we update our rates based on changes in external costs and, as you’ve probably heard, the disruptions in the wholesale energy markets have unfortunately led to some significant increases. We’ve also experienced these higher prices and we’re updating our rates from 1 July 2023 to reflect these.
More information about why prices change can be read here.
To keep our prices as affordable as possible, our local team has worked hard to pass on the lowest rates possible while also increasing the amount we pay for the solar PV our customers don’t use.
When are they changing?
Our prices in DMO states will be changing on 1 July 2023.
Our prices in Victoria will be changing on 1 August 2023.
When will your prices go down?
We know price increases are as welcome as a rainy day at the beach, so when we’re able to buy wholesale power at cheaper prices we’ll pass on the benefits in future annual price changes.
What is the membership fee?
Please remember our monthly membership is how we earn money to run our business and pay our amazing Australian-based team. For you, this means you benefit from energy rates at the price we buy them, and we're here to help you save on your power usage as it doesn’t impact our bottom line. We believe this is truly the fairest and most transparent way to pay for energy.
Why is the membership fee increasing?
Our monthly membership is how we earn money to run our business and pay our amazing Australian-based team. Unfortunately, we have had to raise our membership slightly to cover the increased costs we’re incurring from inflation.
What’s happening with solar?
Our feed-in tariff will be increasing across all states by 0.5c/kWh.
Are GreenPower rates changing?
Our GreenPower rates remain unchanged, and you can choose from three options:
| 10% GreenPower | 0.39 cents/kWh inc GST | We’ll add this amount to all units of power you use |
| 50% GreenPower | 1.95 cents/kWh inc GST | We’ll add this amount to all units of power you use |
| 100% GreenPower | 3.90 cents/kWh inc GST | We’ll add this amount to all units of power you use |
If you don’t have GreenPower and would like to add it to your account we can do this for you.
Do you have any financial assistance options available if I’m experiencing hardship?
We understand that anyone can fall on hard times. We have a range of payment assistance and support options available to help get you back on track if you’re experiencing hardship. Learn more at energylocals.com.au/hardship.
Do you have cheaper plans available?
Customer support will need to investigate if they can switch the customer to a cheaper option.
Where can I access Basic Plan Information Documents/Victorian Energy Fact Sheets?
Basic plan documents are available on request or by visiting https://save.energylocals.com.au/prices/
Here’s a little reminder about the benefits of being a part of our unique community:
- Your prices only update once each year: A few customers have told us that some other retailers increased their prices during the past few months. We buy energy gradually so we can lock in prices that give our customers certainty for the whole financial year.
- You’ll always speak to someone local: If you ever need assistance you’ll get help from our team based right here in Australia.
- You can expect 5-star service: Thanks to our fair approach to energy, our customer-obsessed team, and hundreds of 5-star reviews from our happy members, you’re with the top-rated power provider on ProductReview.com.au.
- You’re supporting a sustainable future: We’ve been recognized by Finder as the 2023 Green Retailer of the Year, as well as by Greenpeace with 4.5 green energy stars for our dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of Australians.
I was hoping for a higher feed-in tariff?
We set our solar feed-in tariffs to the same as the cost of the wholesale power we buy from the market. The only exception to this is where a particular region may export more power than customers need during some parts of the year. On those occasions the amount of solar PV going into the market can actually make wholesale prices negative, so we have to pay customers and then have to pay the wholesale market operator for that same power (i.e, a double loss). We factor some of this into the FiT that we pay but it only reduces it by a fraction.
The main reason for the difference between the FiT and the price of power from the grid is the fact that network and environment charges still have to be paid on usage from the grid, wherever it comes from. This is why we pay the equivalent of the wholesale component for solar PV exports but not the full grid price, as network and environmental costs (which are required by law) normally make up well over half the tariff.
Many retailers will profit from the FiT. We do not. And we continue to set our FiT well above the regulated FiT benchmark in each state.
Will Energy Locals increase rates again?
At Energy Locals, we only change our prices once a year in-line with regulator updates, so you can rest easy knowing there will be no hiking of prices later from us for a profit grab.
How can I reduce my usage?
You may visit our website for tips and tricks on how to reduce energy consumption. https://energylocals.com.au/saving-money-on-energy-bills-tips-from-an-expert/
What is the Energy Bill Relief scheme?
There will also be the introduction of a National Energy Bill relief scheme for customer’s currently receiving concessions.
The Australian Government is partnering with state and territory governments to provide up to $3 billion in electricity bill relief for eligible households and small businesses through the Energy Bill Relief Fund. The states and territories will administer the rebates.
Households
The total bill relief will vary across the states and territories.
- In NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, the total bill relief will be $500 per eligible household.
- In Victoria, the bill relief will be $250 per household, plus a one off $250 direct payment through Victoria’s 2023 Power Saving Bonus Payment.
- In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the total bill relief will be $350 per eligible household.
- In the ACT, the bill relief will be $175 per eligible household. Your bills will also be lower owing to the ACT’s Large-scale Feed-in Tariff Scheme which will lower the average bill by $152.
Small businesses
The Australian Government is providing $325 in bill relief to eligible small businesses in all jurisdictions. The total amount of bill relief will vary across the states and territories.
- The governments of NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory are providing co-contributions of $325, resulting in a total bill relief of $650 per customer.
- The ACT Government is lowering electricity tariffs for all households and businesses through its Large-scale Feed-in Tariff Scheme. The scheme will provide $75 million in direct bill relief in 2023-24. The relief to any business will vary depending on electricity consumption. A business with an average electricity consumption is estimated to receive relief of $624 each year. This is in addition to the Australian Government’s $325 bill relief contribution.
- The Victorian Government is administering the Australian Government’s bill relief to small businesses.
For any further assistance, please advise our customer of all available assistance as per our hardship policy. They may be able to have a chat with a member of our hardship to talk about other possible government funding such as URGS or EAPA vouchers or may be eligible for further tailored assistance.
Are there any changes to concessions or rebates that can help me pay my energy bill?
As mentioned above we have the introduction of the National Energy Bill Relief Scheme. We also have information on changes of concession for the below states as of July 1st:
ACT:
Winter rate (1 June to 31 October) – 357.843 cents per day
Summer rate (1 November to 31 May) – 95.071 cents per day
SA:
After determination of the indexation rate for 2023/2024, the annual energy concession rate from 1 July 2023 will increase to $263.15; the daily rate will therefore be $0.719 (GST exclusive). Medical Heating and Cooling Concession administered by DHS, is the same rate as the Energy Concession, $263.15 for 2023/24.
We don’t have any information right now on other states, but once we have the information, we will be sure to pass it on.
What will happen with energy prices next year?
Every July, the energy regulator bigwigs conduct a thorough review of the key costs that make up the energy supply chain. Based on their review, the standing offer for energy is adjusted.
We’d love to predict what’s going to happen next year, but the last few years have seen market conditions throw a curveball, resulting in price increases. That’s the case again in 2023 but let’s hope next year wholesale prices are less impacted.
How can I get Energy Locals cheapest rate?
Our current cheapest plan is our Online Member plan and the only requirement we have is direct debit and online support. Contact us if you would like to switch to this plan.