Why Your Lightbulb Is Cutting Into Your Wallet
Every time you flip the switch, you’re basically making your bank account feel a little twinge. In Q2 2022 electricity prices shot up to a record‑setting $0.2990/kWh. The next tariff update arrives in July, and folks are bracing for even steeper numbers, thanks to the world’s current vibe.
Union Power: The Most Recognizable Face in Singapore’s Energy Scene
- Union Power is the electric sibling of the widely‑known gas cylinder brand, Union Gas.
- While Union Gas provides 12.7 kg cylinders at a friendly $36, the electricity side is a different story.
- Despite the popularity of its gas offerings, Union Power’s residential electricity plans are almost as expensive as the oil market hits a high.
Fading Light: Union Power’s Retreat from the Market
Back in October 2021, Union Power announced it would scale back its retail electricity business in Singapore due to wild fluctuations in the global energy market—sort of like a dramatic exit on a financial stage. The move followed other retailers (iSwitch, Ohm Energy, BEST Energy, and green‑energy firm ES Power) stepping away.
- It’s already handed 850 customer accounts back to SP Group, which means your household space stays unaffected for now.
- Union Power still operates and is currently not fully withdrawn from the Open Electricity Market, but the possibility of a future exit remains.
Bottom Line: Keep Your Eyes (and Wallet) Open
While Union Power remains on the scene, be prepared that the “electricity sunset” could happen in the future. For now, keep track of your bills and watch for the tariff hikes that are just around the corner.
1. What is Union Power?
Meet Union Power – Singapore’s Electric Champion
Union Power is a licensed energy retailer under the Energy Market Authority (EMA), selling power straight from the open electricity market in Singapore. It’s like having your own electric front‑row seat!
Wholeheartedly owned by Union Energy Corporation, part of the larger Union Energy Group, Union Power offers both conventional electricity and sunshine‑powered solar solutions. Investors add a dash of green to their portfolios without any green checks—just pure, clean energy!
Venturing Into Gas – The UNION:SP Investment
- Invest through Union Gas Holdings Limited (ticker UNION:SP) – see the company on SGX.
- Currently priced at just $0.70 per share, giving budgets a breath of fresh air to tap into the gas market.
2. Union Power review
Union Power Electricity Plans at a Glance
Here’s the lowdown on the electricity options Union Power has in its kitchen. Think of it as a menu that’s simple, straight‑forward, and hopefully a bit less confusing than your last electric bill.
Residential Plan
- Union Saver 6 – $0.4815/kWh – 6‑month contract
Business Plans
- Fixed Rate (Business) – Ask for pricing – 12‑month contract
- Discount Off Tariff (Business) – Ask for pricing – 12 or 24‑month contract
Bottom line: You’ve got one residential model (Union Saver 6) that’s only a half‑year deal, and two business packages that let you lock in a fixed price or take advantage of a discount for either a year or a couple of years. All that’s left is to decide which timetable matches your lights (or power‑hungry machines) best.
3. Union Power fees and charges
Union Power Fees & Charges
Here’s the low‑down on what you’ll actually pay when you sign up:
- Registration Fee: Waived—so you get the service for free right off the bat.
- Security Deposit: No deposit required. (Nice, right?)
- Late Payment Charge: 1 % of whatever you still owe. That’s pretty standard.
- GAI/Credit‑Card Auto‑Payment Failure Fee:
- GIRO: $1.07
- Credit/debit card: $5.35
- Physical paper billing: $1.07
Beware the Early Termination Beast
Union Power’s early‑termination charges are hugely hefty, so it’s not a company you want to jump into on a whim. They scale up with the size of your home—think of it as a tiered burger menu when you leave early:
- HDB 1‑room:
- Remaining > 3 months: $180
- Remaining < 3 months: $60
- HDB 2‑room:
- Remaining > 3 months: $210
- Remaining < 3 months: $70
- HDB 3‑room:
- Remaining > 3 months: $270
- Remaining < 3 months: $90
- HDB 4‑room:
- Remaining > 3 months: $300
- Remaining < 3 months: $100
- HDB 5‑room/EC:
- Remaining > 3 months: $360
- Remaining < 3 months: $120
- Condo:
- Remaining > 3 months: $600
- Remaining < 3 months: $200
- Landed property:
- Remaining > 3 months: $1,020
- Remaining < 3 months: $340
Take the Time to Do Your Homework
Before you lock in a contract, compare electricity rates across all the retailers in your area. Then make sure you’re absolutely sure you want to stick with Union Power for a full six months. Leaving early will cost a bundle, but if you stay the course, you’ll avoid those painful penalties.
4. Union Power electricity plans
Unpacking Union Power’s One‑Stop Residential Plan
Plan Snapshot
- Plan Name: Union Saver 6 (Residential)
- Rate: $0.4815 per kWh
- Contract Duration: 6 months
How Does It Compare?
Everyone draws power from the same Singapore Power Grid, so the price really matters. Union Power’s offer sits at a jaw‑dropping $0.4815/kWh—think of it as paying for a private chef instead of a buffet. Meanwhile, the market’s thriftier options are chilling around $0.2880/kWh, courtesy of Geneco and Senoko. In other words, you’re paying roughly 67% more for the same juice.
Feeling the Heat?
Don’t let the numbers fly over your head—your wallet’s going to feel the sting if you choose Union Power over the wallet‑friendly Geneco or Senoko. If saving money is on your mind, you’ll want to weigh those cheaper rates seriously.
Want More Tips?
Also read: Ways to Save on Electricity Now that Energy Prices Are Rising
5. Union Power solar panels
Sun‑Lit Savings with Union Solar
Hey there, future eco‑hero! Want to catch some rays and keep your wallet happy? Union Power’s solar branch, Union Solar, is ready to turn your roof into a power‑plant.
What’s the deal?
- Free Installation. They’ll slap panels onto your roof without charging you for the setup.
- Maintenance Made Easy. Once the panels are up, it’s their responsibility—no extra bills for repairs.
- Direct Power. You’ll ingest clean energy right where those shiny panels sit.
- Long‑Term Savings. Even though you need to sign up, you’ll snag a low‑rate plan that keeps your electricity costs down.
Who can jump on the bandwagon?
Right now, they only roll out business plans. If you live in a landed property, don’t panic—your rooftop can still shine!
- Your local installers are worth checking out.
- Keep an eye out for Union Solar’s expansion; they might welcome residential customers soon.
- In the meantime, you can still farm a little sunshine with DIY kits or third‑party providers.
Bottom line
Union Solar offers free, hassle‑free solar panels for businesses, but folks in homes are still on the sidelines for now. Still, sign up for a plan, and you’ll enjoy the perks: the sun’s power on site, maintenance handled, and a sweet, low‑tariff rate that keeps your bills in check. Bright idea—literally!
6. Union Power green electricity
Union Power: The Real Deal for Your Home’s Power
While Union Power ships its shiny solar panels and slick business plans across the city, their residential folks are still stuck at the same old Singapore Power Grid. That means your home is getting its juice from the familiar, gas‑burning energy that many of us already know too well.
What’s the Trouble?
- Almost every household in Singapore taps into the Singapore Power Grid.
- Most of that power comes from natural gas—yes, it’s cleaner than coal, but it’s not exactly a green thumb.
- For those who dread climate change vibes, the lack of a residential solar plan can feel like missing a band‑on‑stage.
Right‑Now Alternatives for Green Energy
If you’re looking to cut down on your carbon footprint and keep your energy bill a little greener, consider these awesome green retailers:
- Senoko – 100% solar plans that light up your living room.
- Sembcorp Power – Off‑grid, carbon‑neutral options to help you stay Earth‑friendly.
- Sunseap – Renewable electricity that keeps the planet smiling.
- Keppel Electric – A cleaner choice when you’re weary of traditional fuels.
- PacificLight – Solar‑centric and eco‑conscious, perfect for the conscious home owner.
Bottom Line
Union Power’s residential offerings currently just keep us on the same old grid—no solar perks for the family. But if you’re itching for something greener, the above companies have 100% solar or carbon‑neutral options that could be just the spark you’re looking for.
7. Union Power discount off tariff plans
Where Are Those Sweet Discounts Gone?
If you’re hoping to snag a sweet deal on your electricity bill, Union Power’s got a little different story for you. Right now, there’s no discount offer on their tariff plans. That’s a bummer for anyone who thought they’d have a chance to save a few bucks.
Flashback to the “Electricity Market Craze”
Remember when the Open Electricity Market was a brand‑new playground? It was 2019, and all the vendors were hustling hard, poaching customers from Singapore Power with the promise of discounts from 20 % to 25 %. Everyone was shouting, “Switch now and save big!”
So What Are the Options Today?
With Union Power’s current offerings off the table, the only discount you can lock in is with the Senoko LifeSaver plan. It’s a 12‑month contract that chops 3 % off the SP tariff—currently set at $0.2990 per kilowatt‑hour.
Quick Takeaway
- No discounts on Union Power tariff plans at present.
- Back in the day, shoppers could get up to a 25 % discount.
- Now, the only potential savings come from the 12‑month Senoko LifeSaver deal, trimming off just 3 %.
So if you’re digging for a discount, keep your eyes on that Senoko offering—otherwise, it’s game over with Union Power.
8. Union Power promotion
Union Power’s Promo Parade Has Ended
It was once a grand parade of discounts—up to b$40 rebates for Citi card holders, b$45 with HSBC, and decent b$10‑b$20 savings on the electricity bill. But like all good parties, the tickets expired and the cash‑mere magic was gone.
Expired Promotions at a Glance
- CITIUP15 / CITIUP30 – Max b$40 rebate with a Citi card (Dec 31 2021)
- HSBC20 / HSBC35 – Up to b$45 rebate with HSBC (Dec 31 2021)
- REJOICE20 – Flat b$20 off the electric bill (Dec 31 2021)
- ENJOY10 – b$10 rebate (Dec 31 2021)
- ENJOY20 – b$20 rebate (Oct 31 2021)
So, what’s the current status? Straight out, no fresh promotions are simmering on the Union Power end. It’s a bit like finding a pizza shop that once offered hot‑slice discounts and now only serves plain slices.
Time to Check the Alternatives
If you’re craving a discount, head over to PacificLight—the neighborhood energy shop that’s still rolling out sweet deals, flaunting discounts that could reach b$80. It’s a solid backup when Union Power’s coupon cupboard is closed.
Bonus: A Little Bit of Survival Advice
- The author tried living off electricity for a full 24‑hour stretch. Result? A handy guide on staying chill (and grounded) during a blackout.
Bottom line: Union Power’s no longer the discount king, but PacificLight may still crown your bill budget! Keep your eyes peeled for fresh offers and stay powered up without the price hike.
9. Union Power referral code
Union Power’s Referral Scheme: Where Did It Go?
It turns out that most electric‑service companies keep their referral programs running forever (just like those pesky subscription services that never let you cancel). But Union Power made a rookie mistake: the program shut down on Nov 14, 2021.
What the Deal Was
When the referral clock was open, you’d receive a handy code the moment you signed up. Invite a buddy to join, and you both snatched 3,000 reward points—that’s a tidy $30 of credit.
Why It Matters Now
With tariffs zooming upward, we’re no longer swayed by the promise of extra points. We need to see why Union Power would bother giving customers a chance to snag a little extra when the price tags are already sky‑high.
What to Do Next
- Keep an eye on their website for any sign of the referral program rebooting.
- If they don’t, shop around for a company whose rates actually make sense.
- Share this post with a friend—maybe they’ll help you flag any new offer.
For now, Union Power’s wink-back to the past is a bit of a let‑down. Let’s hope they roll the referral wheel back into circulation soon—otherwise, we can’t justify joining their high‑priced lineup.
