An online search by the Young Witness has revealed wide price variations.

We used an online comparison company Mozo to compare 58 energy plans for a family in Young with medium daily power useage [16.1 kilowatts].

It found the prices varied from $458 to $759 [$301 difference] for the same amount of power, depending on the power company and the plans offered to consumers.

The variation was even larger for a family with high power useage [24.2 kilowatts a day] with the costs ranging from $646 to $1113, a gap of $467.

The same power company, Amaysim, had the lowest and highest quotes in both surveys.

And even for single people or couples with a low electricity use of 12.1 kilowatts a day, the plans varied by $272 [$366-$638].

The Salvation Army are urging people to talk to power providers to try and get a better deal.

Young Salvation Army Captain Lesley Newton said consumers should contact their supplier if they were having difficulties meeting payments.

“The first step we recommend locals should take if they are struggling with their power bills is to call your provider, explain your situation and ask for the hardship department. Make a deal that you can afford, don’t over promise because you can negotiate with the hardship department,” she said.

“Also you can shop around and do comparisons between energy companies.

“However these steps are not addressing the real problem of electricity price rises and the significant impact on those struggling to make ends meet. 

"The State Government must move to introduce more generous concessions to assist low income and vulnerable households."

One company, Energy Australia, is offering a plan where the power bill is frozen for two years.

Usage and daily supply charges are exempt from price rises over the term.

It was quoted at $446 in our low use search, $546 in our medium use search and $747 in the high use search.

Energy Australia chief customer officer Kim Clarke said the plan had been on offer for a limited time since October.

She said it would be available until January 31.

“Demand has been strongest in NSW, more than 35,000 households in the state have signed up, including dozens of customers in rural areas,” she said. 

“It’s for households that want certainty of knowing their energy rates won’t go up – and can only come down.

“It’s like hitting the pause button on some of the cost of living pressures people are under.

“With energy prices at record highs more and more people are considering plans that let them fix energy rates for a year or two to avoid price rises.”

Ms Clarke said shopping around was vital for consumers to minimise power bills.

“Energy prices have been rising by up to 20 per cent in some states,” she said.

“There should always be things you can do, and things that your retailer should do for you, so you stay in control of your energy and save money.”

She said people needed to be wary about special discounts offered by retailers.

“When you are shopping around there are two key numbers you need to know so you can compare one retailer’s offer against another,” she said.

“The first is your daily supply fee and second is how much you’re charged for each kilowatt hour of electricity you use post [any] discount.

“Ask what happens to your discount and other benefits when your plan’s term expires.”

There are several energy price comparisons available online.