Important Update
As of January 1st, 2025 the Affordable SA app will no longer be available. If you're looking for assistance or to connect with programs and services near you, please refer to our website: affordablesa.com.au, to access the assistance you need.
Affordable SA will still be available as a FREE service via website, where you can find all the services you need, in the palm of your hand.
Understanding Electricity Costs and Renewable Energy in 2025
The way Australians generate and use electricity is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. South Australia, once known for power shortages, became the first major jurisdiction to be powered entirely by solar energy—a remarkable milestone. As renewable energy technology becomes more widespread, you may wonder: 'will electricity become cheaper, and what steps can I take to reduce their bills today?'
The answer is promising: electricity costs are expected to decrease over time, but you can start saving now with smarter energy habits, better provider choices, and a deeper understanding of your rights as a consumer.
Your Rights as an Energy Consumer
As an energy customer in Australia, you’re protected by laws that govern your dealings with energy retailers and distributors. These rights ensure transparency, fair pricing, and access to essential energy services. Familiarising yourself with these regulations helps you make informed decisions when choosing providers and addressing billing concerns.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
1. Use Energy Made Easy
The Energy Made Easy website is a free government service that allows households and small businesses to compare electricity and gas plans. Simply input your details to view a range of offers that suit your energy usage and location. You can also contact them directly at 1300 585 165 for assistance.
2. Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating energy plans, don’t focus solely on price. Keep these factors in mind:
- Contract Length: Are you locked into a long-term agreement, or can you switch plans easily?
- Fees and Discounts: Look out for hidden fees or discounts that may expire after a set period.
- Special Deals: Some plans offer incentives like sign-up bonuses or rebates, but read the fine print to understand long-term costs.
3. Time-of-Use Tariffs
Did you know the time you use energy can affect how much you pay? Time-of-use tariffs mean energy costs vary depending on peak and off-peak periods. Adjusting your habits, like running appliances during off-peak times, can lead to substantial savings. In South Australia, off peak times for residential is 10am - 3pm.
4. Specific Plan Types
Certain plans may cater to your unique situation:
- Smart Meter Plans: These allow for detailed tracking of your energy use.
- GreenPower Plans: For those committed to renewable energy, these plans offset your consumption with sustainable energy sources.
- Solar Energy Plans: If you have solar panels, look for plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Regional Plans: Some plans are better suited for urban or rural areas, depending on infrastructure.
Reducing Energy Usage to Lower Bills
One of the simplest ways to save money on electricity is to use less of it. Conducting a home energy audit can help identify energy inefficiencies and opportunities to save. You can conduct this audit yourself by borrowing a free Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library.
Living Areas
- In Summer: Close windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day to keep the heat out. Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible, and if using air conditioning, set it to 26°C.
- In Winter: Seal draughts by closing windows and curtains. Set central heating to 18°C.
- Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights and turn them off when not in use.
- Standby Power: Switch off appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power usage.
Kitchen
- Ensure adequate space around your fridge for ventilation and check that its seals close firmly.
- Cover pots and pans when cooking to retain heat and reduce energy use.
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Bathroom and Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If using hot water, set it to 60°C.
- Dry clothes on a line instead of using a dryer.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage and aim for showers no longer than four minutes.
Accessing Financial Help for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, financial assistance may be available. Options include:
- Temporary or ongoing bill relief through government programs.
- Guidance from us at Affordable SA, call us today on 1800 025 539.
Additionally, explore our Utilities Programs listed on Affordable SA, which provide tailored solutions for reducing energy costs and managing bill payments.
The Future of Renewable Energy and Costs
As renewable energy becomes the backbone of Australia’s power grid, the overall cost of electricity is projected to decline. Solar power, wind energy, and advancements in battery storage are paving the way for a greener, more affordable future. Programs such as GreenPower and feed-in tariffs for solar customers offer opportunities to actively participate in this transition while saving money.
However, the key to maximising these savings lies in understanding your energy consumption and making adjustments today. By selecting the right provider, using energy-efficient appliances, and tapping into available support programs, you can enjoy both immediate savings and long-term benefits as Australia transitions to a renewable energy future.
Take Charge of Your Finances with ‘Be the Boss’
Managing money can be overwhelming, especially in today’s challenging economic climate. The Salvation Army’s "Be the Boss" program is here to help. This free, self-paced, three-week online course offers practical guidance to empower Australians to take control of their finances for good. Whether you're feeling out of control with your spending or just need a little help staying on track, this program provides the tools to set you on the path to financial security.
What is "Be the Boss"?
"Be the Boss" is a straightforward, user-friendly online course designed to help you assess your financial priorities, make meaningful changes, and stick to them. Here’s what makes the program stand out:
- Flexible Format: While the course is structured over three weeks, participants can choose to focus on individual sections as needed.
- Video Tutorials & Action Plans: Short, engaging videos break down financial concepts into easy-to-follow steps, and accompanying action plans help you implement what you learn.
- Tailored for Real-Life Challenges: The course addresses common financial hurdles like budgeting, saving, and managing debt, providing actionable advice to meet your specific needs.
What Will You Learn?
This program focuses on three key areas to help you master your finances:
- Understanding Your Values
- Explore what’s most important to you financially. Whether it’s saving for a home, reducing debt, or having a safety net, understanding your goals is the first step to creating a financial plan that works.
- Identifying Changes
- Identify areas where small, consistent adjustments can make a big impact. This might include tracking your expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, or prioritising essential bills.
- Taking Action
- Turn good intentions into lasting habits. The program offers strategies for staying motivated and holding yourself accountable as you work toward financial independence.
Why Participate in "Be the Boss"?
- Free of Cost: This valuable resource is completely free, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of financial situation.
- Practical and Empowering: Designed to be realistic and achievable, the program focuses on building confidence and clarity in managing money.
- Supports Broader Financial Wellbeing: It’s not just about budgeting. You’ll also gain insights into setting life goals and managing unexpected expenses.
Access Additional Support with Moneycare
For those looking for a personalised approach to financial challenges, the Salvation Army’s Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling. A Moneycare counsellor can guide you through complex financial situations, provide advice on debt management, and offer a compassionate ear.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Be the Boss is easy:
- Visit the Be the Boss course page to access the course materials.
- Watch the introductory video to understand how the course works and choose the topics most relevant to your needs.
- Follow along with the videos and complete the action plans at your own pace.
Taking control of your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Be the Boss course empowers you with knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to create a brighter financial future. Start today and take the first step towards becoming the boss of your money.
For personalised advice, reach out to Moneycare on 1800 722 363.
Paying bills is a regular part of life, and with so many payment options available, everyone has their own preferred method. Whether it’s taking a bill to the post office, using BPAY, or setting up an automatic direct debit, there’s a way to suit most lifestyles. However, if you’re receiving Centrelink payments, there’s an additional, highly convenient option: Centrepay.
What is Centrepay?
Centrepay is a free bill-paying service provided by Centrelink. It allows a portion of your Centrelink payment to be automatically allocated to specific bills before the rest of your payment is deposited into your bank account. This service is designed to help you stay on top of essential expenses without the stress of managing multiple due dates.
With Centrepay, you can pay for a wide range of goods and services, including:
- Utilities like electricity, gas, and water
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Childcare fees
- Medical expenses
- Educational costs
For a full list of eligible expenses, visit Services Australia’s Centrepay page.
How Does Centrepay Work?
Using Centrepay is straightforward:
- Select the Service Provider: Choose the organisation or company you’d like to pay through Centrepay. Many major utilities and rental agencies are registered for the service.
- Determine the Amount: Decide how much money you want to allocate to each bill.
- Set Up the Payment: Contact Centrelink directly or log in to your myGov account to set up the deduction. You’ll need to provide the details of the company, the amount to be paid, and which Centrelink payment the money should come from.
Once everything is set up, Centrepay automatically deducts the agreed amount each fortnight, giving you peace of mind that your essential bills are being paid on time.
Why Use Centrepay?
1. Convenience
Centrepay eliminates the hassle of remembering due dates or making last-minute payments. Your bills are paid automatically, saving you time and effort.
2. Budgeting Support
By managing payments directly from your Centrelink benefits, Centrepay helps you avoid overspending and ensures that your essential expenses are prioritised.
3. Fee-Free Payments
Centrepay is a free service, meaning there are no additional charges for using it. This can be particularly helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
4. Reduce Financial Stress
Knowing your bills are being taken care of can provide relief, especially if managing multiple payments has been a source of anxiety in the past.
How to Get Started
To set up Centrepay, you’ll need to:
- Log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink or visit a Centrelink office.
- Provide details about the organisation you wish to pay, the amount to be deducted, and the frequency of payments.
- Confirm your setup and ensure the deduction works for your budget.
Take Control of Your Bills
Centrepay is more than just a bill-paying service—it’s a tool that empowers you to take control of your finances. By automating essential payments, you can focus on other priorities without worrying about falling behind. If you’re eligible, it’s a simple yet powerful way to make managing your money a little easier.
For further assistance, visit the Centrepay information page.
Here at Affordable SA we receive phone calls every day from people from all over South Australia who are experiencing financial hardship. After working on the Intake Line for several years, one of the biggest things that I have learnt is that financial hardship does not discriminate - it can affect anyone.
The other parents who give you a wave as you drop your children off at school may have no idea that you are struggling to keep up with your mortgage repayments. The neighbour you speak to over the fence about the weather may have no idea that your mobile phone service has just been restricted because you haven't been able to pay the bill. The elderly woman who smiles at you as you take your bins out each week may have no idea that you just received a default notice from your bank because you have not been able to keep up with the payments on your car loan. The man who served you at the supermarket this morning may have no idea that you budgeted to the exact dollar for food just so you can pay your rent next fortnight.
Financial Hardship can affect anyone and there a many different reasons why:
- Unemployment
- Underemployment
- Redundancy
- Injury
- Illness
- Family violence
- Credit over-commitment
- Physical health
- Mental health
- A relationship breakdown
- Addiction
- Death
- and much more...
The important thing to remember is that if you are experiencing financial hardship you do not have to go through it alone. If utility companies, banks, creditors, collection agencies, payday lenders, insurance companies, etc are constantly contacting you demanding money and you don’t know what to tell them anymore it is okay to reach out and ask for help.
Financial counselling is a free, independent and confidential service that offers support, information and advocacy to anyone experiencing financial hardship. A financial counsellor will look at your overall financial situation and provide you with options, and can advocate or negotiate on your behalf if needed.
To see if financial counselling is right for you, the following video Moneysmart explains the role of a financial counsellor.
To find a financial counsellor near you, see the attached link for a list available in South Australia, or ring the Affordable SA Helpline at 1800 025 539.
Understanding Financial Abuse and How to Get Help
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence that often occurs alongside physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. It involves controlling or restricting someone's financial resources to exert power and control, leaving the victim vulnerable and dependent. In Australia, 15 out of every 100 women and 7 out of every 100 men experience financial abuse, with nearly 9 out of 10 women accessing domestic violence services reporting this form of abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, understanding its signs and knowing where to get help are vital steps toward regaining control and safety.
What is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse involves behaviours that limit a person’s financial freedom, independence, and security. It can take many forms, such as:
- Preventing access to bank accounts or financial information.
- Pressuring someone to take out loans, credit cards, or utility accounts in their name.
- Controlling or withholding household income.
- Damaging, stealing, or selling property without permission.
- Restricting access to essentials like transportation, the internet, or mobile phones.
- Discouraging or preventing someone from working or studying.
Who Can Be a Perpetrator?
Financial abuse can be perpetrated by:
- Partners, spouses, or ex-partners.
- Parents, guardians, or family members.
- Carers or paid support workers.
- Adult children.
- Housemates or others within your close circle.
Recognising the Signs of Financial Abuse
Consider the following questions:
- Has someone blocked or tried to block your access to your bank accounts?
- Have you been stopped from working, studying, or managing your own finances?
- Are you being pressured to take on debt in your name?
- Have you been denied access to household finances, making it difficult to pay for basic needs?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, it’s crucial to speak to someone who can help.
How to Get Help
Support Services
- 1800 Respect (1800 737 732): A 24-hour counselling and support service for those impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, or abuse.
- National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007): Free, confidential, and independent advice from financial counsellors who can help you manage debt and explore your options.
For more information about financial abuse, visit the 1800 Respect website or explore the Family & Domestic Violence category on our website.. Here, you’ll find tools, contacts, and advice tailored to those experiencing abuse.
Remember, no one should face financial abuse alone. Support is available to help you reclaim your independence and begin the journey toward safety and stability.
If you’re seeking help online, your safety is paramount. The Affordable SA website features a "Quick Exit" button at the top of the page. Clicking this immediately redirects you to a neutral site, ensuring privacy if you’re being monitored.
Back-to-School Costs: Managing the Technology Burden
The start of the school year brings new challenges for families, and it's no longer just about uniforms and stationery. Over the past decade, the rising importance of technology in education has made laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices essential tools for everyday learning. For many families, these technology needs now represent the largest back-to-school expense, compounding the financial pressures of the cost of living.
The Challenge of Rising School Costs
Many parents are still grappling with the financial aftermath of Christmas when the costs of schooling come into focus. Essential devices, textbooks, and software are expensive, and for low-income households, finding the money can seem impossible without taking on debt. However, relying on high-interest loans or payday lenders to cover these costs can lead to deeper financial trouble.
A Solution: No Interest Loans (NILS)
The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS), run by Good Shepherd, is a lifesaver for families struggling with back-to-school expenses. Here’s how it works:
- No Interest or Fees: You only repay what you borrow, avoiding the debt traps associated with high-interest loans.
- Back-to-School Essentials: NILS can now be used to cover the costs of laptops, tablets, textbooks, and other school necessities.
- Eligibility: Low-income earners and those in financial hardship are eligible to apply.
NILS has already helped thousands of families purchase essential household items like fridges and washing machines. Extending this support to educational needs ensures that children have access to the tools they need to succeed without placing undue strain on family finances.
Why Choose NILS?
For low-income families, no-interest loans provide a practical and affordable solution to cover school costs:
- Avoid Long-Term Debt: Repaying only the principal amount ensures you won’t spiral into financial hardship.
- Accessible: Designed for people experiencing financial difficulties, the application process is straightforward and supportive.
- Support Education: With NILS, families can invest in their children’s education without compromising other essential expenses.
How to Apply
Applying for a NILS loan is simple:
- Visit the NILS Website: Go to nils.com.au to locate your nearest provider.
- Contact a Local Provider: Speak with a local representative to discuss your needs and eligibility.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather proof of income, identification, and quotes for the items you need to purchase.
For more details about NILS and other financial support services available in South Australia, visit the Affordable SA website or download the Affordable SA App for free on Apple or Google Play.
Take Control of Back-to-School Costs
Investing in your child’s education shouldn’t push your family into financial hardship. With programs like NILS, you can afford the essentials without taking on risky debt. Start the school year with confidence, knowing there are support systems in place to help your family thrive.
For further assistance, call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539.
And just like that the school holidays are over.
If you have children, the back to school frenzy is probably the next big financial thing in your life.
Whether a child is starting Reception or Year 12, the cost of education can have an extremely large impact on household finances.
Uniforms, bags, textbooks, stationery, school fees, camps, excursions, school photos, swimming carnivals, laptops, lunches…the list goes on.
Here on the Helpline, particularly this time of year, we hear many stories of families who are trying to juggle everyday living expenses in an attempt to buy laptops, school jumpers, school shoes or any other extra cost that may surface for the new school year.
For more information about how to reduce back to school costs, see the attached link to the Moneysmart website.
The Affordable SA App also has a dedicated section for Education. See the following link for more information https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/education
How to Avoid the Financial Aftermath of Christmas
As the festive season fades, many people find themselves facing the financial hangover of Christmas. While the decorations are packed away and supermarkets rush into the next holiday with Easter buns and eggs, credit card bills and unplanned expenses linger, casting a shadow over the new year. Planning ahead for Christmas is essential to avoid these financial pitfalls and ensure the holiday remains a time of joy, not stress.
The Ripple Effect of Christmas Costs
The 24 hours of Christmas Day often take weeks to plan and months to repay. Without proper budgeting, the financial repercussions can lead to:
- Utility Disconnections: Overdue bills from overspending on gifts or celebrations.
- Debt Accumulation: Credit card payments or payday loans eating into new year earnings.
- Credit Defaults: Missed payments that can impact future financial stability.
Planning Ahead for Next Christmas
If this year’s Christmas caused financial strain, it’s never too early to start preparing for the next one. Here are tips from financial counsellors to help you stay ahead:
1. Create a Christmas Budget
- Review your spending from the previous Christmas to estimate costs for gifts, food, and activities.
- Divide the total amount by the number of pay periods left before next Christmas and set aside that amount in a separate account.
2. Plan Hosting Costs Early
- If it’s your turn to host Christmas lunch or dinner, factor in the additional expense and start saving early.
- Consider asking guests to bring a dish to share, reducing the financial and logistical burden.
3. Account for Employment Breaks
- If you’re casually employed or your workplace shuts down over the holidays, save in advance to cover essential living expenses during this period.
4. Rethink Christmas Hampers
- While convenient, Christmas hampers with payment plans can often cost more than buying items individually. Explore alternatives like shopping sales throughout the year to build your own hamper.
Avoiding Post-Christmas Blues
Christmas should be about enjoying time with loved ones—not worrying about bills. Here’s how to keep the holiday magic without breaking the bank:
- Set Spending Limits: Agree on a gift budget with family and friends to avoid overspending.
- DIY Gifts: Homemade treats, crafts, or thoughtful gestures can be just as meaningful as store-bought items.
- Shop Smart: Take advantage of post-holiday sales for next year’s decorations, cards, and wrapping paper.
Need Financial Help Now?
If you’re starting the new year struggling with the financial impact of Christmas, support is available:
- National Debt Helpline: Call 1800 007 007 to speak to a free financial counsellor.
- Online Resources: Visit the MoneySmart website for tips on managing Christmas spending and budgeting advice.
By planning ahead and using the resources available, you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas next year without carrying financial burdens into the new year. Remember, the magic of the holiday season doesn’t have to come at the expense of your financial well-being.