Queensland Premier challenges energy providers to step up following Alinta partnership

South-east Queenslanders could save hundreds of dollars a year on energy bills following Alinta Energy’s partnership with the state government.

Alinta is offering a 25% discount over two years when bills are paid on-time and in-full, a sizeable discount that could save average customers hundreds of dollars per year.

The deal comes in the wake of the energy retailer’s joint-venture with government-owned, CS Energy and will provide electricity to residential and small business customers in the Energex Distribution area of south-east Queensland.

QLD Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said it would provide some much-needed relief for customers with energy prices soaring elsewhere.

“This new venture will inject new competition into the retail market and I am pleased our government-owned corporations like CS Energy are actively helping to put downward pressure on power prices to benefit consumers,” said Palaszczuk.

RELATED: Mozo guide: How to switch energy providers

The Premier also challenged other providers to remain competitive in response to the market’s new players.

“Now is the time for all retailers to step up and see if they can match these lower price offers,” she said.

According to Mozo’s Compare & Save Energy tool, an average three-person household in the Queensland suburb of Tingalpa could save almost $190 on their quarterly energy bill when comparing Alinta’s discount to the least competitive plan in the market.

The move comes less than a week after PM Malcolm Turnbull met with the heads of eight energy providers in a bid to increase the clarity of energy bills for Aussie customers, who are often paying more than they need to be.

“What we want to put in place is the ability of consumers to have an informed choice,” said Turnbull.

Mozo’s quick tips to save on your energy bill:

• Consider switching - no matter where you live, the chances are you can find a better value energy plan using Mozo’s Compare & Save tool.
• Update your appliances - updating to more energy-efficient household appliances could save you in the long run.
• Don’t overheat your home - keeping the thermostat steady will keep energy use low and savings high.
• Insulate your home - keeping the warmth inside your home will reduce the amount of time you need to spend heating it.

For more ways to save, head to our Energy Savings Tips hub.