Yes Energy: An energy retailer focusing on electricity from renewable sources

YES Energy offers a couple of standing contracts with different tariffs that may be suitable for your different energy needs. You can opt for either the single rate tariff or a combination of the single rate and the controlled load tariff. 

A single rate tariff allows you to pay the same flat rate for your electricity at all times. On the other hand, a controlled load tariff allows you to allocate certain large appliances that you can pay a separate tariff for to help you manage the costs. If you opt for the combined tariff, you’ll be billed at a lower rate for the separately metered heavy-duty appliance than for the electricity consumed by other appliances. 

You’ll also be billed a fixed charge for the supply of electricity to your home by your distributor. There is only one distributor in South Australia, SA Power Networks, so the supply charge is more expensive than in other states or territories.

Both of YES Energy’s electricity offers require you to set up a direct debit to pay your bills. Also, while many energy providers bill their customers quarterly, YES Energy bills are sent monthly and typically take payment by the direct debit you’ve set up with them. You’ll receive all correspondence, including bills, by email.

There is no lock-in contract term when you sign up with YES Energy, which means you can exit anytime at no cost. When you first sign up with YES Energy, you may be charged a connection or move-in fee and will have a 10-day cooling-off period in case you change your mind. And if you want to switch away from YES Energy, there may be a disconnection fee charged. Consider checking if you need to pay a security deposit when you apply for a connection.

If you need a gas connection in addition to electricity, then YES Energy may not be right for you as they don’t currently offer gas as an option. You may save more on your energy bill by opting for an alternate retailer’s combined gas and electricity plan. You should consider comparing the tariffs available with YES Energy with those offered by other providers. You could also check YES Energy reviews online and see if other customers are satisfied with their services. 

If you’ve fallen into financial hardship and aren’t able to afford your electricity bills without falling into debt, YES Energy offers you options to help. For instance, you can request a bill payment deadline extension and get more time to pay the electricity charges. Alternatively, you could opt for a bill smoothing arrangement that evens out your electricity bills into manageable set installments rather than the variable amount you’d otherwise billed. 

If you’re a YES Energy customer and are currently facing difficulties paying your energy bills, you should contact YES Energy before the due date of your next bill. You can do so by calling the YES Energy phone number (08) 8119 0771 or emailing them at [email protected]. 

If you’re currently eligible for concessions from the state or federal government to help with paying for your electricity, contact YES Energy to discuss how to access them. Once you contact the retailer, you’ll be asked to complete the paperwork to receive the concessional credits on your energy bill. 

For instance, if you have a Pensioner Concession Card, Centrelink Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card, you may qualify for the SA Energy Rebate. To receive the concession or rebate, you’ll need to be getting YES Energy supplied to your listed primary residence. 

You can find out about the different concessions on the dedicated YES Energy webpage.

If you’ve installed solar photovoltaic panels on your property, you could receive credits on your energy bill for exporting the surplus solar energy to the grid. The solar feed-in tariff - the rate used to calculate these credits - can vary but is offered with both YES Energy standing contracts. 

You could also choose to install a storage battery and use the bulk of the solar energy generated for your household usage and only send the excess electricity back to the grid. This may reduce your electricity bill by a greater amount than the credits you’re likely to receive by relying on the solar feed-in tariffs.

If you are moving to another house also serviced by YES Energy, you should call them at least 3 business days before your moving date and supply your new address. If you are in a remote area, you may need to call them up to 10 days earlier. Remember that you may need to pay disconnection and reconnection fees. 

Depending on where you live and where you’re moving to, you may need to be available at your home during the disconnection or reconnection. Consider speaking to a YES Energy representative as soon as you’re sure about your move to plan your dates and find out about any related charges or fees.