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More power to you!

23/11/2018

3 Comments

 
Picture
​By Susan Davies

​THE current electricity market punishes loyal electricity customers who stick with their same retail company year after year. Those are the customers who tend to be paying the highest electricity rates.

​The Energy Innovation Co-operative (EICO) is encouraging Bass Coast residents to check and compare their energy costs at the government website Victorian Energy Compare.

The Victorian government is trying to get people into the habit of checking for the best deal. Do it before Christmas and you’ll earn $50.

Don’t listen to those annoying phone calls from unknown overseas companies. You need to see offers in writing. Make sure you use Victorian Energy Compare, otherwise you’re being steered to yet another private company.

Have your latest electricity bill at hand when you visit the website. Answer the short questions about your energy usage and you’ll be shown other electricity retail offerings which might be cheaper than your current one. Then the Victorian Government will post you a $50 cheque for having a go.

George Fairlie from GF Solar and I have been running help sessions in Bass Coast. If you don’t use the internet, the Co-op will send someone to talk to your community group, and help you access the website to do the comparison. If you’re having trouble, call me on 5657 3108 and I’ll send you a short how-to guide. Most neighbourhood houses will be willing to help as well.

EICO is also an organisational member of Co-operative Power, which is in the early stages of establishing a community-owned electricity retailer. They will have an offering to the public shortly. The aim is for an ethical, straight-talking community retailer that doesn’t have to send profits overseas so it can provide a less confusing offer and better value electricity prices to householders and businesses. The Co-op is now taking “expressions of interest” in this Victoria-wide community project.

Other energy efficiency ideas are on the Energy Innovation Co-operative website under the “living greener” tab.

Susan Davies is a founding member of the Energy Innovation Co-operative.
3 Comments
Sunny
29/11/2018 03:24:29 pm

Thanks Susan, but what do elderly people do, my mum does not use the internet.

Reply
Susan Davies
29/11/2018 03:58:00 pm

Give me a call. We have been helping people who don't use internet. Susan

Reply
Robin
29/11/2018 04:27:49 pm

Interested-just signed up for their newletter at www.cooperativepower.org.au

Reply

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