It’s Saturday morning, the kids want to go somewhere, and you’re already doing the maths on tickets. Being a CovaU customer comes with more than competitive energy plans. CovaU Rewards family activities help households get more value out of everyday life.

Key highlights

• Rotating discounts on family attractions and entertainment
• Everyday retail and dining offers
• Browse and filter offers by category or location
• Check before you book to turn plans into discounts
• Activation takes just a few minutes

What does planning CovaU Rewards family activities look like?

Planning CovaU Rewards family activities is simplest when checking the portal becomes part of how you book outings.

Your action checklist

• Activate CovaU Rewards through your online account
• Browse the portal by category or location
• Check for offers before booking any outing
• Save favourite offers for school holidays and weekends
• Check back regularly, as offers are updated

Why use CovaU Rewards?

CovaU Rewards gives eligible customers access to a rotating range of discounts and offers, from family attractions and entertainment to everyday retail and dining, all included as part of being a CovaU customer.

Example scenario: a family planning a theme park visit checks the rewards portal before buying tickets and finds an offer, turning an already-planned day into a discounted one.

Is it easy to make the most of your rewards?

Key takeaways

• Rewards are included as part of being a CovaU customer
• Checking before you book is the easiest habit
• Offers rotate, so check regularly

CovaU Rewards family activities at a glance

CovaU Rewards: what’s next?

If you haven’t activated your CovaU Rewards access yet, it only takes a few minutes through your online account. Build it into your routine before booking anything, big or small, so you’re not leaving value on the table.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post CovaU Rewards Family Activities: Days Out on Us appeared first on CovaU Energy.

You’ve been reading about solar for months and you’re ready to get quotes. Before you do, it helps to know what installers will look at. If you’re asking ‘is my roof solar ready?’, here’s what determines whether your home is a good candidate and what might need attention first.

Key highlights

• North-facing roofs produce the most solar energy over a year in Australia
• Shading should be checked across all four seasons
• Roof age and condition matter for a decades-long system
• Mounting varies by roof material
• Older switchboards or meters may need an upgrade

What does checking ‘is my roof solar ready’ look like?

You can do a quick self-check before any installer visits. It won’t replace a proper site assessment, but it helps you ask better questions and spot issues early.

Your action checklist

• Note which direction your main roof faces
• Watch for shadows from trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings at different times of day
• Check the age and condition of your roof
• Identify your roof material (tile, tin or other)
• Look at the age of your switchboard and meter
• Ask installers for a shading analysis across all seasons

Why roof readiness matters before you install

Solar panels are designed to last decades, with quality panels typically warranted to deliver 80%+ of their output after 25 years, so it’s worth checking your roof doesn’t need replacing or major repairs in the near future. Removing and reinstalling panels later adds unnecessary cost.

Example scenario: a homeowner with an older tiled roof gets the roof inspected first, completes minor repairs, then installs solar, avoiding the cost of removing panels for repairs a few years later.

Is going solar doable for your home?

Key takeaways

• East and west-facing roofs still work well, typically producing only 10–15% less than north over a year
• Shading changes across seasons
• Fix roof issues before panels go on

Is my roof solar ready? The checklist in detail

Solar readiness: what’s next?

A reputable installer will carry out a proper site assessment, including satellite or on-site shading analysis, before recommending a system size. Treat it as a normal part of getting quotes, and use this checklist to go in prepared.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post Is My Roof Solar Ready? A Quick Guide Before You Install appeared first on CovaU Energy.

The car is packed, the playlist is ready, and the only question left is where you’ll charge. Long road trips are one of the biggest question marks for new EV owners, but EV road trip charging Australia wide is far more manageable than it seems with a little planning.

Key highlights

• Plan your route around charging locations, not just distance
• Highway DC fast chargers can take most EVs from 20% to 80% in 20-40 minutes
• Build buffer time into your schedule
• Treat charging stops as natural breaks
• Always know a backup charger

What does EV road trip charging Australia planning look like?

Good EV road trip charging Australia planning starts with the chargers, then the route. Apps such as PlugShare, Chargefox and Evie Networks, along with many in-car navigation systems, show fast-charging stations along major highways, including estimated charging time.

Your action checklist

• Map charging stops before you finalise your route
• Check charger type and speed at each stop
• Book overnight stays with charging where possible
• Add buffer time, especially on holiday routes
• Note a second charging option on less-travelled routes

Why charging speed matters on the road

Not all chargers are equal. A 50–350kW DC fast charger can take a typical EV battery from 20% to 80% in around 20 to 40 minutes, while a standard charger at a hotel or caravan park is much slower and better suited to overnight stops.

Example scenario: a couple driving between two regional towns plans a fast-charge stop at the halfway point to line up with lunch, and books accommodation with a standard charger so the car is topped up overnight.

Is an EV road trip doable?

Key takeaways

• Plan around chargers first, distance second
• Fast-charge stops often match a normal coffee break
• A backup option removes most of the stress

EV road trip charging, stop by stop

Your EV road trip: what’s next?

Map your next trip around charging stops, add a little buffer, and treat each stop as part of the journey rather than lost time. Once you’ve done one road trip, the next one gets much easier.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post EV Road Trip Charging Australia: How to Plan Your Highway Route appeared first on CovaU Energy.

The first heatwave hits, and the remote goes straight to 18°C. It feels like the fastest way to cool down, but it isn’t. Heating and cooling make up around 40% of the average Australian home’s energy use, and air conditioning is usually the biggest driver of a summer electricity bill, and a few simple setting changes can make a real difference.

Key highlights

• 24-25°C is the sweet spot for cooling (recommended range: 24–26°C)
• Ceiling fans let you set the thermostat higher
• Curtains, blinds and closed doors reduce the load
• Clean filters before the first heatwave
• Timers, zoning and pre-cooling help on time-of-use plans

What does an air conditioning cost saving summer plan look like?

An air conditioning cost saving summer plan starts before the hot weather. Most of the savings come from how and when you run your system, not from buying a new one.

Your action checklist

• Clean filters or book a service before the first heatwave
• Set cooling to 24-25°C
• Run ceiling fans alongside the air con
• Close curtains, blinds and doors to unused rooms
• Use timers to cool bedrooms before sleep and living areas in the evening
• Pre-cool slightly before your peak pricing window if you’re on time-of-use

Why the thermostat setting matters

Setting your thermostat just 1°C lower can increase your cooling energy use by up to 10%. A much lower setting doesn’t cool the room meaningfully faster; it just runs the compressor harder for longer.

Example scenario: a family that usually cools the whole house at 20°C moves to 24°C with ceiling fans on, closes off unused rooms and sets a timer for bedrooms. The house feels just as comfortable, and the system runs less.

Is it doable without sacrificing comfort?

Key takeaways

• 24-25°C balances comfort and efficiency
• Moving air feels cooler, so fans let you set higher
• Timing matters on time-of-use plans

Air conditioning cost saving summer settings, explained

Summer cooling: what’s next?

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to manage your summer bill. Small, consistent changes to how and when you run your air conditioner make a bigger difference than most people expect. Start with the thermostat and the filters this week.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post Air Conditioning Cost Saving Summer Guide: Settings That Won’t Blow the Budget appeared first on CovaU Energy.

You’re standing in the appliance store, or halfway through a renovation quote, and the same question comes up: gas or electric? The gas vs electric appliances debate comes up in almost every Australian kitchen, and the right answer depends on how you cook and how you use energy.

Key highlights

• Gas cooktops: instant, visible heat control
• Induction: ~85–90% efficient vs 30–50% for gas, boiling water in about half the time
• Ovens: a closer contest
• Hot water is around 25% of home energy use and usually the biggest gas load
• Going electric can happen gradually

What does choosing between gas vs electric appliances look like?

Before comparing models, work out which appliance you’re replacing and how your household actually uses it. The answer for a cooktop may be different to the answer for hot water.

Your action checklist

• List the gas and electric appliances in your home and their age
• Note which ones need replacing soonest
• Compare your actual gas and electricity bills, not rules of thumb
• Check the efficiency of the specific models you’re considering
• Decide whether to switch all at once or one appliance at a time

Why the gas vs electric question is changing

Electric heat pump hot water systems typically deliver 300–400% efficiency (3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity), compared with around 70–85% for gas systems, which is changing the equation for many households compared with older gas systems.

Example scenario: a household with an ageing gas hot water system replaces it with an electric heat pump first, keeps the gas cooktop for now, and plans to move to induction when the cooktop needs replacing.

Is going electric doable?

Key takeaways

• There’s no single winner; it depends on usage, efficiency and your plan
• Hot water is often where the biggest difference lies
• Switching can be gradual as appliances need replacing

Gas vs electric appliances, side by side

Gas vs electric: what’s next?

If you’re considering moving fully electric, it doesn’t need to happen all at once. Many households start with hot water or cooktops and transition other appliances over time. Whichever way you go, compare your real bills and choose what works for your kitchen.

Related reading

• Gas Versus Electric Heating: Which Is More Cost-Effective for Australian Homes?
• The Impact of Using Energy-Efficient Appliances on Your Home’s Energy Consumption
• Gas Safety and Maintenance: A Checklist for the Upcoming Winter
• Energy saving tips for your home
• Compare CovaU residential electricity and gas plans

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post Gas vs Electric Appliances: Which Is Right for Your Australian Kitchen? appeared first on CovaU Energy.

If you live in NSW, Victoria, SA, Tasmania or the ACT, the clocks go forward on the first Sunday in October (Queensland, WA and the NT don’t observe daylight saving), and suddenly it’s still light at 7:30pm. Dinner, washing and screen time all shift a little later. When the clocks change for daylight saving, so do the hours your household uses the most energy, and that’s an opportunity to save if you adjust with them.

Key highlights

• More evening daylight means lights and appliances can wait
• Your peak usage window may shift relative to your routine
• Peak solar generation lines up an hour later on the clock
• The clock change is a natural prompt to reset winter habits

What does a daylight saving energy plan look like?

These daylight saving energy tips Australia households can use are about habits and timing, not new equipment. The goal is to make the most of the longer evenings without pushing your bill up.

Your action checklist

• Delay switching on lights until it’s actually dark
• Check your time-of-use peak window against your new routine
• Run the dishwasher or washing machine later in the afternoon if you have solar
• Switch off heating settings that carried over from winter
• Update appliance timers and smart home schedules for the season

Why does daylight saving affect your bill?

Daylight saving can shift when your household’s busiest energy hours fall. While your panels catch the same hours of sun, peak solar generation aligns an hour later on your clock, giving you more self-generated power during late-afternoon household activity. If you’re on a time-of-use plan, your peak window stays fixed to the clock while your routine shifts, so it’s worth checking how the two now line up.

Example scenario: a household with rooftop solar used to run the dishwasher after dinner. After daylight saving starts, they run it mid-to-late afternoon instead, using more of their own solar generation and less grid power in the evening.

Is it doable without changing your routine?

Key takeaways

• Extra evening daylight cuts lighting use during the evening peak
• Time-of-use households should re-check their peak window
• Solar households can shift loads later in the day

Daylight saving energy tips, habit by habit

Daylight saving: what’s next?

Use the clock change as a simple reminder each year to check your appliance timers, your retailer plan and any smart home settings, so they reflect the season you’re actually in. Small time shifts can add up to real energy savings.

Related reading

• Daylight-Saving Time: Assessing the Energy Impact in Australia
• Understanding Demand Tariffs in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
• Simple Energy-Saving Tips for Lower Energy Bills This Winter
• Energy saving tips for your home
• Compare CovaU residential electricity and gas plans

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, and no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing customers. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists or request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and sign up here directly.

The post Daylight Saving Energy Tips Australia: Small Time Shifts, Real Savings appeared first on CovaU Energy.

Australia’s electricity market is undergoing a major upgrade, with a goal of replacing all legacy electricity meters with smart meters by 2030. This transformation is being driven by the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment (ASMD) reforms. These changes are designed to modernise the National Electricity Market (NEM), improve energy efficiency, and provide consumers with greater access to energy usage data.

What Is a Smart Meter?

Smart meters are digital devices that automatically record your electricity usage at frequent intervals and communicate this data directly to your energy provider. They replace older accumulation or interval meters and allow two-way communication between your property and the electricity grid.

Key Features:

• Access to detailed interval usage data
• No more manual meter reads
• Faster fault detection and remote troubleshooting
• Greater access to flexible energy plans and solar optimization

Who Is Affected?

The smart meter rollout applies to:

• Residential customers
• Small to medium businesses
• Properties located in NSW, ACT, QLD, and SA (excludes Victoria, where a separate rollout has already occurred)

Customers with older meters will be contacted as part of the scheduled upgrade process. If you already have a smart meter, no action is required.

Rollout Timeline Under the LMRP

The Legacy Meter Replacement Program (LMRP) sets out milestones for national smart meter deployment:

Installation: What To Expect

• Advance Notification: CovaU (or our metering provider) will contact you before the installation.
• Scheduling: An appointment will be proposed, typically within a few weeks
• Brief Power Interruption: Installation may take 30 minutes to 2 hours, during which power will be temporarily shut off.
• Post-Installation: Your new smart meter will begin recording data automatically—no action needed on your part.

Cost and Fees

There are no upfront costs if your meter is being replaced as part of the national ASMD rollout.

Fees may apply if you request a meter upgrade outside of the scheduled rollout or require additional electrical work (e.g. switchboard upgrades, asbestos removal).

See Meter Exchange – Fees and Charges for more information.

Preparing for Your Smart Meter

Check your current meter: If it’s a basic meter that’s read manually, you’ll likely be included in the rollout.

Plan for short downtime: Notify household members or staff ahead of the scheduled installation.

Explore new plan options: After your upgrade, you may become eligible for flexible or time-of-use tariffs that better suit your energy usage habits.

More Information:

AEMC: Accelerating Smart Meter Deployment

AEMO: LMRP and Metering Services Reform

The post AERs Smart Meter Roll Out: What you Need to Know appeared first on CovaU Energy.

Record Levels of Renewable Energy Generation

Australia’s renewable electricity generation has reached record levels, now accounting for over one-third of all electricity produced in the country. The increased investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects has driven this significant milestone. The Australian Energy Update in 2025 highlights that renewable energy sources are playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.

Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector

Australia’s cybersecurity efforts in the energy sector are more critical than ever. The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF) continues to play a pivotal role in assessing and enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of energy organisations. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) developed this framework in collaboration with the government and industry groups. This ensures that energy systems are protected against evolving cyber threats. Key initiatives include:

Offshore Gas Decommissioning Roadmap

The Federal Government has launched a roadmap to decommission offshore gas facilities. This initiative aims to address the environmental impacts of aging infrastructure and ensure safe and efficient decommissioning processes. The roadmap outlines the steps needed to manage the transition and repurpose or dismantle offshore gas platforms.

Net Zero Targets for Renewables

New Offshore Wind Regulations

New regulations for offshore wind energy have come into effect, paving the way for the development of offshore wind farms. These regulations are designed to streamline the approval process. It will also encourage investment in offshore wind projects, which are expected to significantly boost Australia’s renewable energy capacity.

The Australian energy market in 2025 is undergoing significant transformations, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability. At CovaU Energy, we are dedicated to providing you with the latest updates and insights to help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to navigate the evolving energy landscape together.

About CovaU Energy

CovaU Energy is a 100% Australian-owned company providing electricity and gas to homes and businesses across Australia. We offer competitive energy plans, top-rated 24/7 customer service, no lock-in contracts. We also have incredible rewards for our new and existing clients. For more information about our electricity and gas plans, call 1300 111 688 to talk to our energy specialists. You can also request a quote for the rates in your area. You may also compare plans and directly sign up here.

Sources: cyberdaily.au | UpGuard | AEMO | Energy | energy.gov.au

The post The Australian Energy Market in 2025: The Latest Updates in the Sector appeared first on CovaU Energy.

The post GreenPower in Australia: Supporting a Sustainable Future appeared first on CovaU Energy.