Running a household is more expensive than ever. Between mortgage repayments, groceries, and everyday living costs, many families are looking for ways to cut back without sacrificing comfort. At RJT Plumbing & Gas, we know energy bills are one of the biggest expenses every household faces. What you may not know is that you could be paying more than you need to—simply because you haven’t compared energy plans recently.
That’s where the government’s Energy Made Easy website can help.
This free, independent tool was created by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to give households and small businesses a simple way to compare electricity and gas plans. If you live in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, or the ACT, you can use it to find out whether your current provider is giving you the best deal or if it’s time to switch.
Here’s everything you need to know about the site, and why we recommend our customers check it out.
Why Energy Plans Matter for Plumbing and Gas
As a plumbing and gas business, we see firsthand how energy costs impact families. Whether it’s running a hot water system, powering your gas cooktop, or keeping showers comfortable, energy is a huge part of everyday living. But not all plans are created equal.
Many of our customers are surprised to learn that two households with the same appliances and energy needs can be paying very different amounts, simply because they’re on different plans. Energy retailers are constantly updating their offers, and unless you’re comparing regularly, you might be missing out on significant savings.
What Is Energy Made Easy?
Energy Made Easy is a government-run comparison website that lists every electricity and gas plan available in your area. Unlike commercial comparison sites, it doesn’t take commissions from energy retailers or push you towards certain providers. It’s 100% independent and designed to give you an honest look at your options.
The website has been around since 2012 and is updated regularly. In 2020, it had a major refresh to make it easier to use. You can now upload a copy of your energy bill, connect your meter data for accurate comparisons, and even review solar feed-in tariffs if you have panels on your roof.
How It Works
Using Energy Made Easy is simple. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Enter your postcode or suburb
This tells the system which retailers operate in your area. - Provide your usage details
You can either enter details from your last bill, upload the bill itself, or—if you want really accurate results—use your NMI (National Meter Identifier) to pull your actual usage data. - Review your options
The site will calculate estimated annual costs for every plan available to you. It clearly shows which plans are cheaper than your current one and highlights the best-value offers. - Compare the details
Each plan comes with an Energy Price Fact Sheet. This breaks down fees, charges, discounts, and contract terms in plain English.
Make your choice
If you find a better deal, you’ll need to contact the energy retailer directly to switch. Energy Made Easy won’t switch plans for you—it simply gives you the tools to make an informed decision.
The Benefits for Homeowners
So why should you bother checking the site? Here are some of the biggest benefits we see for our customers:
- Save money: The difference between plans can be hundreds of dollars per year. That’s money back in your pocket.
- Find the right fit: Plans vary not only in price but also in how they’re structured. Some work better for households that use most of their power during the day, while others are better for night-time usage.
- Avoid hidden surprises: Energy Made Easy gives you the fine print upfront, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
- Stay up to date: The energy market changes constantly. Even if you checked last year, new offers may be available now.
Plumbing and Energy Efficiency Go Hand in Hand
At RJT Plumbing & Gas, we believe in helping customers get the most out of their systems. Choosing the right energy plan is only one part of the puzzle. The other part is making sure your plumbing and gas systems are working efficiently.
Here are a few tips we often give our customers:
- Check your hot water system: If your hot water unit is old or running inefficiently, it could be using more energy than necessary. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can save big on bills.
- Consider a tankless system: Instantaneous (tankless) hot water systems heat water on demand, meaning you’re not paying to keep a tank hot 24/7.
- Fix leaks quickly: A dripping tap or leaking pipe may not seem like much, but over time it wastes water and can increase your energy bills if hot water is involved.
- Use water-saving fixtures: Low-flow showerheads and taps reduce both water and energy use without compromising comfort.
By pairing smart plumbing solutions with the right energy plan, you can maximise savings and enjoy a more sustainable home.
Who Should Use Energy Made Easy?
We recommend the site to:
- Homeowners who haven’t compared plans in the last 12 months.
- Families who feel their bills are creeping up but don’t know why.
- Small businesses who want to reduce operating costs.
- Anyone with solar who wants to check if they’re getting the best feed-in tariff.
Even if you’re happy with your current provider, it’s worth checking at least once a year to make sure you’re still getting a good deal.
Energy costs are a major part of running any home, but the good news is you have options. The Energy Made Easy website is a simple, government-backed tool that gives you the information you need to make smarter choices.
At RJT Plumbing & Gas, we’re passionate about helping our customers save money and live more comfortably. Whether it’s through efficient hot water systems, gas appliances, or smart water-saving solutions, we know that plumbing and energy efficiency go hand in hand.
Take a few minutes to check your energy plan, you might be surprised by how much you can save. And if you’d like advice on how your plumbing or hot water system could help lower your bills even further, give our team a call. We’re here to help.
