Picture illustrating rising electricity prices. Source: iStock

The new deals take away any fluctuations in usage and price rises by allowing customers to pay the same fixed amount on their utility bills each fortnight or month regardless of their consumption.

The offer which begins on Monday is being rolled out by energy giant Origin and if customers’ do go over their agreed usage for a 12 month period they will not pay extra.

If they frequently fall under, the retailer — who has 4.3 million customers nationally — said they will reduce the costs for customers.

Lock-in energy deals are being rolled out in Australia this month.Source:Supplied

The retailer’s head of retail marketing, sales and services, Rebekah O’Flaherty, said the new “predictable plan” would be a game changer for the energy industry.

“This is the first energy plan of its kind in Australia to address the concerns of customers who find it difficult to budget without knowing what their energy bill is going to be,’’ she said.

“The number one driver of calls into our call centre is about bills.”

Energy comparison website iSelect spokeswoman Laura Crowden said too often consumers have a “set and forget” mindset with energy costs and it could hit them hard.

“Increased energy competition in most states means more providers than ever are competing for your business and you should use this to your advantage,’’ she said.

“Many are offering introductory rebates, discounts and special offers to attract new customers and prices can vary quite a bit between retailers.”

ISelect spokeswoman Laura Crowden suggests customers always compare offerings by energy retailers.Source:Supplied

Research commissioned by Origin found only 13 per cent of Australians find their energy bills predictable.

She said while price is important it is also worth considering plans that offer greater flexibility.

Origin said the agreed plan costs are based on algorithms using an Origin customer’s previous three month utility usage.

One Big Switch spokesman Joel Gibson said it was good to see retailers introducing innovative ways to help customers take control of their power bills.

One Big Switch spokesman Joel Gibson said it was great to see new energy plans in Australia.Source:News Corp Australia

“Anything to make your power bill more predictable and manageable is a good idea,’’ he said.

“Of course you need to read the fine print with any of these offers because there’s often a catch in their somewhere.”

EMAIL:sophie.elsworth@news.com.au