Everyone loves discounts, and the Pay-On-Time discount is no different. For years, multiple Australian energy companies have offered discounts on their bills for customers who pay before the scheduled due date.

However, these discounts are difficult to come by. If you still manage to snag this discount in your package, you can use this list to help you earn it!

What is a Pay-On-Time Discount?

A Pay-On-Time discount is rewarded to you for your punctuality when you pay your energy bill ahead of a specific due date.

Most energy companies will issue a credit that will be applied to your next bill when you earn the discount, but they’re only given out for a limited time.

The amount taken off your bill depends on the company, your location, and your plan, so it pays to compare electricity companies beforehand to ensure you're getting the best deal.

How Does a Pay-On-Time Discount Work?

Pay-On-Time discounts are usually offered 2 weeks before the actual bill due date. You can find your account due date somewhere on your electronic or paper bill.

While there is no set discount, you can expect to see offers ranging from 5-30%, but 50% discounts aren’t unheard of. Currently, 1st Energy, Diamond Energy, and Enova Energy are still offering this discount.

Remember that if you can’t pay before the bill date regularly, you’ll have to pay the total cost of your bill. Consistently missing the Pay-On-Time due date could cause you to lose access to this discount entirely.

Always try to factor in the actual cost of the bill to ensure you can still pay it if you miss the Pay-On-Time due date. Otherwise, you could be subjected to increasing late fees.

How to Pay Your Bills in Advance to Get Your Discount

Pay-On-Time discounts are best suited to those who are unlikely to miss payments. To ensure you always get your discount, try implementing the following habit-building payment tips.

1. Sign-Up for Auto Pay

The majority of your regular recurring bills-utilities, car loans, and mortgages provide you with the option of having the amount owed automatically deducted from your bank account. Making this process automatic saves you even more hassle.

To set this up, you can either call your bank or each company for details, but it’s typically more efficient to go through your bank.

Once automatic payments are set up before the Pay-On-Time due date, you’re guaranteed the discount. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about your utilities shutting off.

2. Consolidate All Bills

When you have fewer bills to pay, you’re less likely to forget one of them during your weekly scheduled billing payment day. Many energy companies will combine a list of services for a simple billing cycle.

For example, Energy Australia offers electricity and gas plans as well as a separate Internet plan. Bundling your plans could also lead to further discounts and savings!

3. Use Financial Software

Financial software such as Quicken, Credit Karma, and Simplifi, provides users with a wide range of personal finance management tools that offer reminders for bill payments.

Although Quicken does provide app configuration for reminders, it can’t connect electronic bill payments directly through the software. However, Credit Karma and Simplifi all have that feature.

If you want fast, easy access to your financial accounts for a hands-off billing process and access to a good reporting interface, a good financial software may be what you need. 

4. Schedule a Bill-Paying Time

If you know precisely when all of your bills arrive at your door or email, you can set up a designated bill-paying time.

By setting aside time to pay your bills, you create a habit that makes it less likely you’ll miss your due date. You only need a few minutes each month to dedicate yourself to this process, so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a block of time.

5. Pay Via Your Phone

Whether you receive a paper or electronic bill, you can set up a payee that connects directly to your electricity provider. Instead of sending in a check or money order, which can be deemed late, simply send an e-payment to the electric company.

To make this process more efficient, send yourself a reminder by using a calendar app so you know exactly when you need to pay.

Unfortunately, some companies will still charge you a small fee for e-payments or payees. Speak to your bank or electricity provider to see if they’ll issue a charge per transfer.