How to curb energy costs by bundling all your utility bills into one

SOARING gas and electricity costs in recent years have prompted consumers to become smarter about scoring themselves better deals.

Red wallet and Australian cash. Picture: iStock.

SOARING energy costs in recent years have prompted consumers to become smarter about scoring themselves better deals.

When it comes to signing up to multiple fuels — whether it is gas, electricity or solar — it’s common for consumers to bundle more than one fuel service with the same provider to save.

Energy comparison website iSelect’s spokeswoman Laura Crowden says around half of their customers to the site keep all their eggs in one basket and purchase gas and electricity with the one energy supplier. However she warns this may not always be best.

“Whether or not it is better value to bundle your gas and electricity accounts together with the one energy provider will really depend on where you live and your household’s individual energy needs,’’ Crowden says.

“Some providers give incentives to customers to bundle their gas and electricity — such as providing credits towards their account, but it may still work out cheaper to split your energy needs between two different providers.”

Laura Crowden says your decision to bundle will depend on where you live and your household’s individual energy needs.

Crowden suggests analysing both options — that is bundling fuels or splitting them to determine which will leave you better off.

Don’t be afraid to haggle on the phone — energy providers are hungry to score new customers.

Origin’s general manager of retail Rebekah O’Flaherty says consumers should always keep an eye out for new offers hitting the market — often this includes dual fuel discounts.

“We regularly offer financial incentives and rewards to customers who add gas or electricity to Origin single fuel accounts,’’ she says. “There are also benefits to accessing and managing multiple accounts through a single point of contact.”

Some retailers also offer other types of discounts, for instance if you are referred by a friend.

Click Energy gives new customers “mates rates” by rewarding new customers with $50 off their next bill and so too will the customer who referred you.

But before you do switch providers, make sure you contact your existing energy supplier to see if they can better any other offers you have received.

Originally published as How to curb energy costs by bundling all your utility bills into one