Bathurstians may have receive one of the cheapest average electricity bills in the Central West, but there are still savings to be had according to a cost comparison website.
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Rising energy charges are a burden for many consumers, Lifeline Central West’s executive director Alex Ferguson said.
“We are in a high altitude, cold climate and we burn more fuel, gas and electricity to stay warm over eight to nine months of the year,” he said. “You could easily argue that we are more energy dependant than other places.”
And he is right according to www.mozo.com.au who have compared energy costs across the state to confirm people who live west of Lithgow pay more for electricity.
The average annual electricity bill for Bathurstians, and those further west, is $2103. This is compared to an annual cost of $1739 for people living from Lithgow to Parramatta or $1744 for people in Sydney and Newcastle.
Mozo reveals that while consumers pay the same average on their gas bills across the Central West, there are big savings to be had with electricity costs.
The average electricity bill in Bathurst is $489 a quarter, but people could pay as little as $411 a quarter (an annual saving of $312) if they switched providers.
Mozo said NSW households are being punished with higher electricity bills based on charges dictated by their distributor.
“Living on the right side of an arbitrary energy distribution boundary can mean paying hundreds more each year, and it’s simply luck of the draw,” Mozo director Kirsty Lamont said.
Manager of Bathurst’s Salvation Army Family Store Steve Barrott said three people applied for help with energy bills yesterday.
He said it is not uncommon for people on a tight budget to approach the store for assistance with high bills.
“One bloke owed $2500 in electricity and he rang up for help,” Mr Barrott said.
“It’s tough, I’ve had a lot of people come in and say they are having difficulties.”
Mr Ferguson said any tool that helps people save money on their energy bills was useful.
“Even if you don’t look at this website it’s still worth looking around for the best deal,” he said.
“The cost of running a family now is huge, you have a couple of extra children and all your utility costs will go up.”
Mozo compares 1100 offers from 22 energy providers across 30 regions.
