The Yarnin’ Energy team have picked up where they left off in 2024, continuing a social media campaign to promote their mentor services and the $1000 Energy Credit competition. The first cab off the rank in the Yarnin’ Energy social media series, is a short video promoting the importance of contacting your Energy company or ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy team if you are in hardship and unable to pay your bills.
Yarnin’ Energy Team Leader, Aimee Williams explained the importance of tackling your debts and contacting your energy provider early. “We recently assisted a family that lived without hot water for two years, as they had got behind in their gas bill payments,” said Ms Williams. “The family came to us with multiple debts, and we were able to work with them to negotiate realistic payments plans with their creditors. After negotiating a payment plan with their energy provider, we were able to get their gas reconnected.”
Yarnin’ Energy Mentor, Libby Carr, who handled the case said, “The client was over the moon to have her hot water back on and said, ‘this is the best day’. She was excited to let her children know that they could now start having warm showers.”
The Yarnin’ Energy team has some key tips for people unable to pay their energy bill and wanting to get on top of their energy usage.
Contact your energy provider:
Reach out to your electricity or gas company as soon as you realise you can’t pay your bill, and ask about options like payment plans, smaller installments, or temporary payment suspensions.
- Explore hardship programs: Most energy companies have dedicated hardship programs designed to help people experiencing financial difficulties; inquire about eligibility and available support.
- Review your tariff: Check if you’re on the most suitable tariff for your usage pattern and consider switching to a cheaper option if necessary.
- Speak to a financial counsellor or Yarnin’Energy Mentor: A financial counsellor or Yarnin’ Energy Mentor can help you assess your financial situation, identify potential government assistance programs, and create a budget to manage your bills effectively.
- Understand your bill: Carefully review your energy bill to identify areas where you can reduce consumption and understand what contributes most to your costs.
Energy-saving strategies:
- Adjust aircon settings: Make sure your aircon filters are clean and set it to 25 degrees, this will dramatically reduce cooling costs.
- Switch off appliances when not in use: Turn off lights and electronics when not needed and unplug appliances when not in use to avoid power drain.
- Use energy-efficient appliances: Consider replacing old appliances with newer models that have better energy efficiency ratings.
- Insulate your home: Improve insulation to prevent cool air loss in summer. This could include using a door snake or ensuring windows are properly sealed.
- Use natural light: Open curtains during the day to maximise natural light and reduce reliance on electric lights.
Government support options:
- State and Federal rebates: Governments offer rebates, concessions or financial assistance programs for low-income households struggling with energy bills. Here’s a great link if you are based in Queensland https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions
- Centrepay: If you receive Centrelink payments, you can set up Centrepay to automatically deduct a portion of your payment towards your energy bill. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrepay
Please the Yarnin’ Energy team on 1800 369 878 if you would like assistance with getting on top of your energy bills or follow this link https://ican.org.au/thrive/yarnin-energy/yarnin-energy-competition/ to book an appointment.