Compare your current plan with other offers using your state or territory’s official energy comparison service, and check the rates rather than focusing only on discounts. Use appliances efficiently by washing in cold water, air-drying clothes, sealing draughts and setting heating or cooling to a moderate temperature. Look for energy-hungry appliances such as old fridges, heaters and pool pumps, and consider replacing them only after checking the likely savings and upfront cost. If bills remain difficult to manage, contact your retailer early to ask about payment plans or hardship support.