CIMET makes it easier than ever for your customers to compare a wide range of financial and utility products, including electricity, gas, internet, credit cards, personal loans, and solar solutions!

1. Select Your Energy Type: Choose whether you need electricity, gas, or a solar-inclusive plan for your home or business. 
2. Provide Basic Information: Enter details such as your location, usage type (residential or business), and solar preferences to see the most relevant plans. 
3. Moving to a New Property? Let us know, and we’ll ensure your power is connected when you move in. 
4. Have a Recent Energy Bill? If you're not moving, select whether you have a current energy bill. We recommend comparing with a bill handy, as it allows for a more accurate and personalized result. 
5. Review and Compare Plans: After submitting your details, click "See how much you can save" to view a list of competitive electricity and gas plans from our panel of trusted energy providers. 
6. Choose and Sign Up Instantly: Select the plan that meets your needs and complete your sign-up online—quick, simple, and hassle-free!

You will often see either usage charges or supply charges on your energy bill. Usage charges refer to the amount you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity or per megajoule (MJ) for gas, based on how much energy you consume. Supply charges, on the other hand, are fixed daily fees charged by the retailer to keep your service connected, regardless of your actual energy usage. These charges apply as long as your electricity or gas supply remains active at your home or business.

For instance, if you go on holiday for a few weeks, your energy usage may decrease, resulting in lower usage charges. However, your supply charge will remain the same since your property stays connected to the energy network.

When you switch energy providers, you will not lose power during the changeover process. The transition is seamless because, in most cases, the same energy distributor continues to supply electricity or gas to your area. The only difference is that your new retailer will take over the management of your account, including billing and customer service. There is no disruption to your energy supply, ensuring a hassle-free switch.

There are several reasons why your energy bill may be higher than usual: 

Visitors or Extra Housemates – Having guests or additional housemates means more people using electricity for cooking, heating, cooling, and daily activities, leading to increased energy consumption. 

Seasonal Changes – 

• In summer, air conditioners and fans are used more frequently to combat the heat. 
• In winter, heaters, lights, clothes dryers, and electric blankets are used more often, increasing energy consumption. 
• These seasonal shifts naturally affect your energy bill. 

Idle Appliances (Standby Power Consumption) – Many appliances still use electricity even when turned off but left plugged in. According to EnergyAustralia, standby power can add up to 10% of your electricity bill. Turning off appliances at the wall can help reduce unnecessary energy costs. Source - EnergyAustralia

Ways to Reduce Costs – Simple changes can help you save on your energy bill, such as: 

• Setting air conditioning to around 25°C with a low-to-medium fan speed. 
• Using a hot water bottle instead of an electric blanket in winter. 
• Switching off unused appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power consumption. 

By making small adjustments, you can significantly lower your overall energy expenses throughout the year. 

Retailers require identification details for several reasons when setting up your energy account: 

• Verification of Account Holder – Retailers need to confirm that you are authorized to hold an energy account in Australia. 
• ID Requirements – Most retailers request 1-2 forms of identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card) to complete the account setup. 
• Same Process Across Retailers – The information you provide on our platform is the same as what retailers would collect directly if you signed up with them. 
• Credit Checks by Some Retailers – Certain large energy retailers in Australia may use your identification details to perform a credit check before approving your account. 

Providing accurate ID ensures a smooth and secure setup of your energy service. 

Start by identifying what matters most to you—whether it's speed, data allowance, or contract flexibility. Compare plans from different providers to find one that suits your needs. Look for promotional discounts or bundled offers to maximize savings. If you prefer flexibility, consider a no-contract plan. By understanding your usage and exploring available options, you can choose a internet plan that offers good value for your budget.

• NBN is a network of high-speed fibre optic cables owned by the government. Most Australians will have access to a home NBN Plan. It's made up of a wide mix of different technologies, and your actual NBN connection type will vary depending on where you live. This is why your address matters so much when it comes to buying an NBN plan.
• ADSL uses copper telephone lines to send data signals. ADSL isn't capable of transferring data as quickly as the NBN, and it will largely disappear from Australian homes in the near future as the NBN replaces it.

If you need a modem with your internet plan, look for providers that offer one as part of the package. However, if you already have a compatible modem or prefer to purchase one separately, you might save money by choosing a BYO (Bring Your Own) modem option.

Before using a BYO modem, ensure it is compatible with your internet service, as ADSL and NBN have different technical requirements. Checking compatibility beforehand will help avoid connectivity issues and additional costs.

Mbps (megabits per second) refers to the speed of your internet connection—the higher the Mbps, the faster your internet. It measures bandwidth, which is the rate at which data is downloaded or uploaded.

Everything you do online—whether streaming videos, browsing websites, or loading social media—requires downloading data. A higher Mbps ensures smoother streaming, faster downloads, and minimal buffering, which is especially important for activities like watching Netflix, scrolling through Instagram, or online gaming, where a slow connection can affect performance.

When choosing an internet plan, it’s important to consider your household size, how many devices are connected, and what you typically use the internet for.

According to Econnex, ideal internet speed in Australia varies based on usage:

• NBN25: Ideal for smaller households with basic browsing, email, and standard-definition (SD) streaming.
• NBN50: Ideal for standard households using multiple devices for HD streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
• NBN100: Best for larger families or households with heavy internet usage—like 4K streaming, large file downloads, or working from home.

It’s also important to look at typical evening speeds, as congestion between 7 pm and 11 pm can affect performance. Choosing a plan with a provider that offers consistent speeds during peak hours can help ensure a smoother experience.

Source: Econnex (What’s a Good Internet Speed in Australia?)

A solar inverter is the heart of your solar system—it converts solar energy from DC to usable AC power. When choosing an inverter, consider: 

• Efficiency ratings 
• Warranty and service network 
• Inverter type (string, micro, hybrid) 
• Compatibility with future battery storage 

Learn more in our guide on the Top 10 Solar Inverters in Australia. 

Solar panels are typically classified as Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3. This tier system reflects the manufacturer’s financial stability, manufacturing standards, and reliability—not necessarily the performance of the panel itself. 

• Tier 1 panels often come from large, reputable manufacturers and are widely used in residential installations. 
• Always consider panel efficiency, warranty, and certifications before purchase. 

Explore more on Solar Panel Grades and What They Mean. 

Yes, but not too often. Rain usually keeps panels relatively clean. However, accumulated dust, bird droppings, or pollen can reduce efficiency over time. 

• It's recommended to clean panels annually or more frequently if you're in a dusty or coastal area. 
• Use gentle methods—no high-pressure hoses or harsh detergents. 

Note: Always follow manufacturer or installer guidelines when cleaning panels. For safety, consider using a professional for roof access. 

Check out our practical guide to Solar Panel Cleaning. 

Yes, there are options available. Some cards are designed specifically for people building or rebuilding their credit history. 

• These may include low-limit cards, secured cards, or student cards. 
• Approval criteria may be more flexible but expect higher interest rates and fewer rewards. 

Dive deeper into Getting Cards Without a Credit Score or with Low Credit Score. 

• Cashback cards return a percentage of your spending as real money, usually credited to your account. 
• Rewards point cards accumulate points for spending, which can be redeemed for flights, merchandise, or gift cards. 

Each type suits different spending habits. See our breakdown of Cashback vs. Points Credit Cards to find what aligns with your lifestyle. 

• Check your credit report for errors before applying. 
• Limit applications—too many in a short time can hurt your score. 
• Some lenders may consider additional criteria such as steady employment or consistent income. Always review the eligibility terms before applying.n). 

For detailed tips, read How to Get Credit Cards with Low Credit Scores in Australia. 

While there’s no universal minimum, lenders often look for scores of 500 or higher. Some lenders cater to those with lower scores but may offer higher interest rates or smaller loan amounts. 

Understand the criteria in our article on Minimum Credit Score for Personal Loans. 

Repayment terms vary widely: 

• Typically range from 1 to 7 years 
• Fixed or variable interest options 
• Some lenders allow extra repayments or early payout with no fees 

Get a full overview in our guide to Personal Loan Repayment Terms in Australia. 

• Personal loans are typically used for larger, one-off expenses like home renovations or debt consolidation. They have structured repayments and set terms. 
• Credit cards offer ongoing access to a revolving credit line but usually come with higher interest on unpaid balances. 

Not sure which suits you better? Read Personal Loan vs Credit Card: Which is Better?