It’s not a permanent solution to the problem of high power bills, but it’s better than nothing: pensioners are set to get a $75 cheque for the Government.  The House of Representatives has adjourned until the May Budget but the Federal government has been continuing to negotiate with the Senate over company tax cuts. Senator Nick Xenophon had supported a tax cut for companies with a turno... read more>

Finally, the pollies in Canberra are listening to what our members and other Australians have been saying for a decade: power bills are far too high.  PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced this week an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) review of retail electricity prices because the markets don’t appear to be operating as effectively as they could be. The Prime M... read more>

If you’ve ever tried to work out how your energy bill is broken up or tried to compare retailers and found the process frustrating, new research shows you’re not alone. The Grattan Institute said this week “the way retailers ­advertise their discounts is confusing and possibly misleading”. Consumers found the plans difficult to negotiate and many had given up. The Choice Consumer Pulse... read more>

Why do homeowners with solar panels now get treated completely differently depending on which state they live in? And why isn’t there a way for those who don’t have a solar-friendly rooftop to get some of their energy from the sun? Well, both of those things might be about to change... Last week the Victorian Essential Services Commission (ESC) set a price for feeding solar electricity... read more>

1. Rethink the beer fridge This great Australian tradition doesn’t come cheap. Beer fridges tend to be older and therefore less energy efficient, and can chew through more than $250 a year. So if you can do without it, kiss the beer fridge goodbye! >>> Potential saving: up to $300 2. Adjust your thermostat Research has found men are most comfortable at about 22 degrees Cels... read more>