A new service to switch households to cheaper energy bills has been announced by the NSW Government ahead of Tuesday's state budget.
As part of the government's attempt to reduce the cost of living, households will be able to take their bills to Service NSW, who will do the admin work of finding the cheapest deal and switching providers.
The pilot program, which could save around $1000 on an average energy bill, will be rolled out in five locations across NSW in coming months, the premier announced on Saturday.
"We will do the work for you, we will make sure we find the best deal for you," Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters at Parramatta.
By mid-August, people will be able to attend Service NSW centres in Wynyard, Parramatta, Wetherill Park, Lismore and Taree to find cheaper deals.
Ms Berejiklian said the scheme would encourage greater competition between energy providers and give them incentive to be more transparent with their energy deal offerings.
A $25 million boost for cost of living programs in the upcoming NSW budget will help resource an extra 100 staff at the five centres, with the scheme to be evaluated by the end of the year.
Opposition leader Luke Foley described the announcement as a "gimmick" that will not solve a crisis in power prices soaring.
"All this hotline will do is tell you whether you're going to pay 60 per cent more or 62 per cent more for your power under the Liberals," Mr Foley told reporters.
He said power bills have increased by 60 per cent under the Liberal government, with ongoing increases due to privatisation.
Australian Associated Press
