Natural gas accounts for over a fifth of Australia’s domestic energy. Not only is it perfect for the hip pocket, but it’s also arguably better for the environment than electricity production. While gas may be an efficient resource, it always pays to be mindful of usage and save money in the long run.
How you should compare gas prices
Each energy plan that provides natural gas is structured similarly. Here’s a list of things you need to look out for when comparing.
- Consumption charges. You’ll pay a certain amount for each megajoule (MJ) of gas you use –approximately 3-6 cents per unit. Additionally, you’ll be charged daily for simply having gas supplied to your home. Put simply: you want these costs to be as cheap as possible, compared to other plans.
- Discounts applied. Some plans will offer you an assortment of discounts on your new gas bill. This may take the form of a ‘pay on time’ discount, or a flat percentage discount on all charges. Consider how much you could save by taking advantage of these.
- Contracts. A market offer contract may have a set term (e.g. 12 months) and may charge less in consumption costs. However, it may cost more at the conclusion of this period, and the rates may change with little notice.
Now that you know what to look for, find yourself a better deal! Compare gas & electricity rates.
3 tips for saving gas
If you have energy-hungry older appliances, you may want to consider upgrading and replacing them with newer, more energy efficient alternatives. For example, did you know you can invest in gas clothes dryers, which can be much more cost-effective to run than their electric counterparts?
If you’re ready to be more efficient with your gas usage, here are some useful tips to consider.
- The oven: If you’re using a gas oven or stovetop, try to keep preheating and cooking time to a minimum. Avoid opening the oven door too many times, as this releases much of the heat.
- The hob (i.e. stovetop burners): Putting lids on your pots and pans saves energy as less heat is wasted. It can also speed up the cooking process.
- Heating: You may want to consider ‘zoning’ your gas heating throughout your home (i.e. confining to rooms often used in the house). This way, you have the flexibility to use only what is required.
There are many ways to save gas and save on your next gas bill. For more ideas read our full list of gas saving tips.
