Ben Polis EnergyWatch Interview

Ben Polis EnergyWatch Interview

EnergyWatch.com.au is a service designed to teach Australians how to save money on household bills, advise on a greener home, and being more energy efficient. EnergyWatch.com.au provides a free service to Australian consumers seeking a discount on their monthly electricity bills. The company has grown at a record pace, saving more than 100,000 individual customers millions of dollars across Australia.

Interview with Ben Polis

Ben Polis is the funder of EnergyWatch.com.au.

Question: How can Australians generally save money when running their household?

Ben Polis: The best place to start is by ensuring you're not paying more than you should be in rates. In Australia, many states have now deregulated the energy industry, meaning consumers now have the opportunity to select their own provider. Knowing this, retailers are now offering discounts to attract customers, so saving money on your electricity and gas rates is easy. Simply call one of EnergyWatch.com.au's consultants who will compare your rates with others available in your area, and find you a cheaper energy deal in less than four minutes.


Question: What are some of the top electricity cost saving tips?

Ben Polis: There are many ways to save money on household utilities. To save money on electricity, families can be smarter and subsequently lessen their carbon footprint.
Install a solar hot water system (which allows you to generate your own clean, green electricity from sunlight).
Ensure your home is fully insulated , as a well-insulated home is up to 10 degrees warmer in winter and up to seven degrees cooler in summer.
When purchasing appliances, choose the product with the highest energy efficiency star rating. The more stars, the more efficient the product and the less energy it will use.
Install compact fluorescent lights, which use up to 75% less energy than standard light globes.
Regularly review your electricity bill at least every 12 months.


Question: Is it important to turn items off at the power point rather than let them run on stand by?

Ben Polis: You can reduce your electricity bills by as much as 10 per cent simply by unplugging appliances or switching devices off at the power point when not in use


Question: What item uses the most electricity in a home?

Ben Polis: On average, the highest energy household appliance consumption is from top loading clothes washers, large fridge freezers, reverse cycle air conditioning units and large gas heaters.


Question: Which appliances are kind electricity wise?

Ben Polis: Highly rated energy efficient appliances are always the better option. These may be slightly more expensive at the time of purchase, but will save you money on running costs and therefore end up being the cheaper option in the long run.


Question: How can we ensure the recent electricity price rises do not affect our ability to pay our bills?

Ben Polis: EnergyWatch.com.au is urging Australian households to contact them and compare retailers in their area in order to find a better deal. Many people are still on inflated default tariffs, and don't realise how quick and easy it is to save money on electricity bills. EnergyWatch.com.au provides a free service that saves people money by helping them to make an informed choice on which provider best suits their needs.


Question: How important is it that Australian families shop around for a cheaper deal?

Ben Polis: EnergyWatch.com.au believes the biggest problem is that people don't realise cheaper deals are available to them. It is extremely important for Australians for be shopping around for a cheaper electricity rate, and shouldn't just accept the constant price rises. Since starting in 2009, EnergyWatch.com.au has helped over 100,000 customers save an average of $386 on their electricity bills.


Question: Generally what are the best questions to ask when shopping around for a new supplier?

Ben Polis: The best question consumers can ask when shopping around for electricity is what discount they are currently receiving on their bills. Most people should get between a seven and 10 per cent discount on the default rates, and if not, they need to ask if it's possible. By phoning EnergyWatch.com.au, an experienced energy consultant will be able to find this for you, and get you a better deal.


Question: Can you talk about how much energy is saved by households using energy saving light globes?

Ben Polis: Compact fluorescent light globes use up to 75% less energy than standard light globes and should be installed in every room in the house if you want to reduce your bills.


Question: How does EnergyWatch.com.au work?

Ben Polis: EnergyWatch.com.au is a free and simple service that helps consumers compare electricity retailers to find a better energy deal in their area. The Australian energy market is one of the most competitive in the world, making it extremely difficult for the consumer to know if they are making the right choice in provider. EnergyWatch.com.au's objective is to offer better energy prices and products to the consumer.

All people have to do is phone 1300 SAVE NOW (1300 728 366) to speak with one of our experienced energy consultants, or alternatively, leave your details on our website and we will phone you back.

The whole process usually only takes a few minutes. All you have to do is have your most recent electricity bill handy and our consultants will talk you through the process. We will compare the rate you are currently on with different retailers in your area and find you a better deal.

If you are happy with the new retail rate, we will organise the transition for you, taking all the hard work out of switching. We advise customers they are covered by a 14 day cooling off period during which time they should review the offer.


Question: How is EnergyWatch.com.au free?

Ben Polis: EnergyWatch.com.au'sis an energy broker that works the same way a mortgage or insurance broker does. Our focus is on sourcing customers a better deal for their electricity and gas, via our ongoing negotiation with retailers. It is a completely free service to consumers.


Interview by Brooke Hunter