A major reason for higher electricity prices has been consumer uncertainty about how to find the lowest price.

In what will be a major shakeup for electricity market, NSW households can now quickly change electricity deals with Service NSW’s free Energy Switch service, potentially saving them up to $1000 a year on their bills.

Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, today announced the new cost of living initiative and encouraged the residents of Ku-ring-gai to test out the new quick and easy price comparison and switching tool.

“Energy Switch is an outstanding new development for NSW households. It is highly user-friendly. To change electricity providers and lock in a better deal is as easy as a quick chat with Service NSW or the click of a mouse on line.” Mr Henskens said.

"Energy Switch uses a customer’s latest e-bill to scan the entire retail electricity market, giving them a list of the cheapest three electricity plans available based on their individual usage profile. If a switch is requested, Service NSW will inform the energy provider, taking the leg work out of the process for the customer.

“This is particularly important for seniors on fixed incomes or low income earners, which is why this service has been established to help reduce expenses, in some cases substantially.

“The aim of this initiative is to provide much-needed bill relief."

Energy Switch will allow people to regularly review their plan as electricity usage and prices fluctuate over time.

Research carried out by Service NSW found 70 per cent of NSW households pay too much for electricity, particularly customers who haven’t switched for more than 12 months

Energy Switch is one a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, Active Kids vouchers, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app.

To access Energy Switch visit https://energyswitch.service.nsw.gov.au/