Seniors Queensland
RISING electricity costs continue to weigh heavily on many older Australians, making it more important than ever to understand what’s behind those power bills.
For seniors living on fixed incomes, even small savings can make a meaningful difference.
That’s where programs like Energy4Seniors, run by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland with support from the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV), step in.
The initiative offers practical advice and friendly guidance to help older Queenslanders take control of their energy use and better manage household expenses.
Energy bills don’t have to be confusing. Today’s electricity statements are designed to clearly show total charges, due dates, and any discounts, concessions, or rebates that customers may be entitled to.
For residents of retirement villages, energy costs are sometimes bundled with rent or service fees, but consumers still have the right to request and receive a transparent breakdown of all charges.
The latest Energy4Seniors webinar, Making Sense of Your Electricity Bill & Knowing the Energy and Water Ombudsman, featured experts from the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland (EWQ), who explained how to read bills, interpret charges, and understand where help is available when something doesn’t look right.
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the rollout of smart meters. Unlike older meters that relied on estimates, smart meters track electricity use in real time, giving households a more accurate view of their actual consumption. They also allow customers to benefit from different pricing periods.
Electricity used during peak times – typically late afternoon to early evening – costs more, while off-peak periods, such as overnight, are cheaper. Some energy plans include a shoulder period in between.
By knowing when power is most affordable, consumers can save by running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers during off-peak hours.
Seniors interested in checking whether they’re on the right plan can visit the Federal Government’s Energy Made Easy website to compare offers from various providers.
Using the National Metering Identifier (NMI) listed on your bill helps ensure the comparisons are accurate and tailored to your specific energy use.
If you encounter a billing error, missing rebate, or service issue, the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland (EWQ) offers free, independent support.
The service helps consumers resolve disputes with retailers and ensures fair treatment across the energy industry.
Smart meters alone won’t cut your bill automatically, but they do offer valuable insights.
By better understanding when and how you use electricity, you can make small, confident changes that add up over time.
You can watch the full Energy4Seniors session free via COTA Queensland. For more resources, expert insights, and future webinar updates, visit cotaqld.org.au/energy 4seniors.
