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Dual fuel discounts explained
15 Aug 2024
In this article, Canstar Blue explains what dual fuel deals are and which energy plans may be worth switching to.
What is a dual fuel deal?
Some dual fuel providers reward customers for switching over both their electricity and gas accounts. Choosing the same energy provider for both your electricity and gas needs can sometimes come with a discount or sign-up credit off your next energy bill. Dual fuel offers, sometimes referred to as ‘double up discounts’, are applied during a benefit period – which is usually the first 12-24 months – and can depend on other terms and conditions as well.
For example, Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia are dual fuel providers, but they don’t all offer discounts when doubling up electricity and gas plans.
Is it cheaper to double up energy?
If you’re on a standing offer contract for both electricity and gas, switching to a market plan that offers a dual fuel discount alongside pay on-time and direct debit discounts could bring down your energy bill.
However, don’t assume that is the best offer you’ll get. Comparing electricity and gas plans from a range of energy providers gives you the best chance of finding the best value deal and can help you avoid confusing discounts off plans with high rates.
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Which providers offer dual fuel discounts?
There are providers across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT that offer electricity and gas plans. However, not all dual fuel providers in Australia will offer discounts or other incentives all year round, so it is important to stay informed of what providers are offering. The following energy providers offer electricity and gas plans:
- ActewAGL
- AGL
- Alinta Energy
- CovaU Energy
- Dodo
- EnergyAustralia
- Engie
- GloBird Energy
- Lumo Energy
- Origin Energy
- Red Energy
- Sumo
- Tango Energy.
A dual fuel provider can offer dual fuel discounts without notice. Some of the above providers may offer a bill credit or another incentive instead of a discount.
What other energy incentives are there?
While dual fuel discounts can be a great way to save on your energy bills, there can be more efficient discounts to help save money. For example:
- Pay on time discount: A pay on time discount rewards you for your punctuality by deducting an amount off your energy bill for paying on time. This discount is conditional and normally available for a short benefit period.
- Direct debit discount: A direct debit discount is conditional on setting up direct bank account payments with your energy provider at the end of your billing period. Like most discounts, your discount is likely to expire after the first 12 to 24 months.
- Email billing discount: Discounts like this are usually a small percentage off your power bill to say thanks for helping to take the electricity billing process digital.
- Guaranteed discount: A guaranteed discount isn’t conditional. This doesn’t mean your discount is exempt from a benefit period, but it’ll likely only be applied for a certain time.
Is a dual fuel discount right for me?
Buying electricity and gas from the same provider can make it easier to stay on top of your energy bills, but you should only do so when there is a good deal.
When signing up for any energy plan, be sure to read the fine print, including details of any conditional discounts that may be available for getting a dual fuel package. Retailers often offer sign-up bonuses with dual fuel packages, including discounts for paying bills on time, by direct debit or for receiving bills via email.
To make sure you’re getting a good deal, it is wise to compare other electricity and gas plans from different providers. Always read the energy price fact sheets for the specific details on charges, fees and conditions.
Your electricity and gas bills will be made up of two main charges:
- Supply charges: This is the electricity grid or mains gas connection fee. You will need to pay for both electricity and gas supply.
- Usage charges: This is what you pay for actual energy usage. For electricity, you will be billed in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for usage. Natural gas is charged per megajoule (MJ). Usage costs can vary depending on the type of tariff you’re on.
Whether a dual fuel discount is beneficial or not will depend on what your personal needs are. If you want to remain with your energy provider for your energy needs, choosing a plan for its double up discount could be the right choice.
Staying with a provider out of convenience isn’t always the best way to save money. Find out if you are on a good energy deal by comparing what other energy providers offer against your own plan. Get started by using the Canstar Blue comparison tool below.
Image Credit: marketlan/Shutterstock
