Having a tough time paying your energy bill?

Whether you’re feeling the cost-of-living pinch or you’re going through a rough financial patch, stressing about a bill only makes everything seem worse.

From immediate relief to longer-term options, these are some practical steps you can take to pay your energy bill and get on the (metaphorical) front foot.

Still feeling stressed? Talking to a real-life person may help, so feel free to call us and discuss your situation.

Maybe your bill was particularly high this time round. Maybe you had some unexpected expenses that stretched your budget to breaking point. Maybe life just got in the way. There are plenty of reasons why you might find yourself strapped for cash when your energy bill is due.

Whatever you’re going through, here are a few ways to relieve some of the pressure. Want to dig deeper? We’ve got a bunch of tips for avoiding bill shock,  too.

An ‘Arrears Plan’ is like a lay-by for your bill. You pay off your outstanding debt over a series of regular instalments for an agreed period – but you’ll also continue to pay for your ongoing energy use as normal. It can be a good option for getting your budget back on track.

It’s easy to request a payment extension anytime, anywhere via MyAccount or by submitting an online form. It’s quick, simple and it’ll give you a bit more time to sort out your budget. 

Finding it hard to keep on top of your bills? Consider SmoothPay. This tool lets you pay a specified amount regularly — which helps to reduce the impact of a big bill and keeps bills manageable. And because you’re paying off your bill in advance, or are chipping away at it, it can be a great way to keep your budget on track.

A one-off high bill is one thing. But what if you’re consistently finding it hard to keep up? Here are some strategies to help you manage your energy bills – now, and in the future.

What’s better for your budget: one big bill every three months, or a smaller bill every month? If it’s tricky to find the funds for a big bill, moving to monthly billing could be a smart option. And because monthly billing spreads out your energy costs more evenly across the year, you’re less likely to get unexpected spikes in your bill.

Less energy use = lower energy bills. And that’s always good. Take some time to audit your home’s energy use, then work out which small tweaks – like the ones listed in our Energy Tips checklist  – could lead to bigger savings.

Australia’s federal and state governments offer a range of programs and concession rebates to help eligible households and small businesses experiencing financial difficulty. It’s always worth checking to see if you qualify.

Your Alinta Energy bill will tell you if your current plan has any cost-saving benefits – but it’ll also tell you if there’s a better energy plan for you, based on your usage and location. (If you’re in Western Australia, however, you’ll need to check our website for information on our offers.) It’s an easy switch that might make your future bills more manageable.    

Check out our energy bill explainer for more information.