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Compare Energy Plans 

Compare energy plans from some of Australia’s leading providers all in one place here through Savvy. 

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Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
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, updated on August 11th, 2023       

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We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of energy plans to help you compare them.

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We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of energy plans to help you compare them.

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Are you tired of paying too much on your energy bills every month and looking to make the switch? Savvy can help simplify the process of comparing energy plans. Through us, you can consider a range of offers side-by-side from a panel of leading energy providers all in one place. 

Our easy-to-use online quote process allows you to find and compare live energy plan offers for electricity, gas and solar. Don't waste any more time or money on costly energy bills; get a quote through Savvy and start comparing your options today. 

What’s the process to compare energy plans through Savvy?

Whether it’s electricity, gas or solar energy plans you’re after, comparing is easy through Savvy. Just follow these simple steps: 

  1. Share a few details about the type of plan you’re after, your typical energy usage and what your feed-in tariff is if you currently have a solar system. 
  2. Compare energy plans based on your profile and preferences so you can see what’s available in your area and how much you could potentially save on what you’re paying now. 
  3. If you find a plan you like, you can make the switch online to start paying for a better electricity or gas plan. 

That’s how simple it is! There won't be any telemarketers trying to phone you at all hours; you can compare, switch and save online all in one place. Once you’ve made the switch, your new energy provider will contact you to confirm details and finalise your connection. 

What should I consider when comparing electricity plans?

Comparing electricity plans is a different process depending on where you live in Australia. If you live in south-east Queensland, NSW, ACT, SA or Tasmania, it’s easy to compare plans through Savvy.  In the NT, the state government sets the energy price, while WA has its own rules, as it isn’t a member of the National Electricity Market.

When comparing electricity plans, these are some of the variables to consider: 

Cost of the plan

This should be detailed in the basic plan information document which is provided by your retailer or in other supplied written information they give you.  

Tariffs

There are different ways of charging for electricity, which are reflected in the different types of tariff which are available: 

  • Single rate tariffs – you pay the same rate for your electricity no matter what time of day or night you use it. These are also commonly known as flat rate, standard or anytime tariffs. You don’t need a smart electricity meter to be charged a single rate tariff. 
  • Time of use tariffs – this means the amount you pay for your electricity changes depending on what time of the day it is. The times are divided into peak rate (the most expensive), off-peak rate (the least expensive) and a shoulder rate (less than peak hour rates but more expensive than off-peak rates). 
  • Controlled load tariff – this means a retailer charges a rate just for one particular appliance or method of use, such as for underfloor heating or a hot water system. They’re usually only used for appliances that run overnight or at off-peak times, and may appear on your bill as a ‘dedicated circuit’ or may be called a Tariff 31 or 33 in Queensland.  
  • Demand tariff – this can be an additional charge for the amount of electricity you use in a set period (measured in kilowatts or kW). If you have many appliances on at one time, your demand on the system will be higher. You have to have a smart meter to be eligible for plans that use a demand charge.  

Fees charged

There can be many different fees charged by retailers, which include: 

  • New connection fees 
  • Disconnection fees 
  • Direct debit and credit card fees 
  • Late payment fees 
  • Paper bill fees (if you opt to receive your bills in the mail rather than online) 

Comparing the fees that are charged will help you clearly see who is charging the most fees for their service.   

Benefit periods

Some electricity plans come with bonuses which are designed to attract new customers. However, just like a honeymoon period for a home loan, these benefits come to an end at some time. It’s worth considering how long the benefit period term is and what happens when it’s over. 

Type of contract

There are two basic types of contract: 

  • Market contract – this may offer you a more competitive electricity price for a set period, but it’ll increase once the discount period has ended 
  • Standard contract – this is also known as a default market offer or, in Victoria, a Victorian Default Offer. This is the contract you’ll end up on when market discounts end or if you haven’t changed your plan for more than 12 months. They can have higher supply charges than market contracts.  

What should I consider when comparing gas plans?

There are usually two charge rates to compare on gas plans

Supply charge

This is a fixed amount you pay for your connection to the mains gas network. It’s usually measured in cents per day, although you may be given a total sum for the bill period (often 90 days or approximately three months). Your supply charge won’t change regardless of how much or little gas you use.  

Usage rate charge

Natural gas is charged per megajoule (MJ) and is typically between 1.5 and 4.8 cents per MJ. Tariffs for gas are often sold in price blocks, so you pay a different (higher) rate for the first 100 MJ you use, and less for subsequent amounts. 

On top of these rates, you should also compare the following aspects of gas plans: 

Discounts

You can also consider the energy discounts you may be offered by a particular provider. These can include: 

  • Pay on time discounts – which reduces your bill if you pay on or before the due date 
  • Direct debit discounts – which offers a percentage reduction if you pay by direct debit 
  • Double-up discounts – which may be offered if you have both your electricity, gas and/or solar with the same company 

Fees

Also, compare the fees your gas company may charge you. These may include: 

  • connection fees 
  • disconnection fees or exit fees 
  • contract termination fees (also known as ‘switching’ fees) 
  • late payment fees 

What should I consider when comparing solar plans?

When comparing solar plans, the most important element to consider is the feed-in tariff (FiT) you’ll receive. This is the amount of money you earn from the electricity your solar panels generate (assuming you’re connected to the national energy grid). The tariff is also known as a ‘buy back rate’ or ‘solar tariff’ and is expressed in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). It varies according to: 

  • your solar system type 
  • whether you’re eligible for any government solar rebates 
  • the rate set by your state government 
  • whether your individual provider gives you an additional feed-in rate above that offered by your state government 

There are various types of feed-in tariffs available depending on which state you live in. For example, in Victoria there are variable feed-in tariffs which pay more for electricity generated during peak hours than they do for power generated during off-peak times.  

You can compare solar plans and FiTs here through Savvy by uploading your e-bill or entering your address to check which other energy companies in your area might be able to offer a better deal on your solar generation.  

Types of energy plan

Why compare energy plans with Savvy?

Frequently asked questions about comparing energy plans

What is the electricity reference price?

The electricity reference price is an average price based on usage in your area which is set by the Australian Government through the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Electricity providers can use this price as a benchmark and tell you how close they are to the reference price in percentage terms. Therefore, you may see ads for energy providers which quote prices in percentage terms in relation to the reference price. For example, one company may offer ‘4% less’ and another ‘6% less’.  

What is a carbon offset?

A carbon offset is a way to compensate for carbon emissions by funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy or reforestation projects. By purchasing carbon offsets, individuals and companies can balance out their own carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. 

How can I save on my energy bills?

There are several ways to save on your energy bill, such as: 

  • Switching to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs 
  • Turning off appliances and electronics when not in use 
  • Using a thermostat to regulate heating and cooling 
  • Insulating your home to reduce heating and cooling needs 
  • Comparing energy plans and providers through Savvy to ensure you are getting the best deal for your energy needs 
What is a Basic Plan Information Document (BPID)?

This is a document that your energy provider must give to you when you sign up for a plan with them. This is legislated by the Australian Energy Regulator. The BPID must summarise information about your energy plan including details about unit pricing, discounts and sign-up incentives, the length of the contract, fees charged and where to get hold of the full terms and conditions of the contract that may apply.  

Is there a national minimum FiT I will receive for my solar-generated energy?

No – FiTs aren’t regulated nationally and vary according to which state you live in. They're also subject to change quite regularly as state governments change the minimum tariff in response to changes in the national energy price.  

What is a smart electricity meter?

In the old days, electricity meters simply recorded electricity usage on a cumulative basis. However, smart meters are increasingly being introduced across Australia. These meters record how much electricity you’re using at regular times throughout the day and transmit this data directly to your energy provider. This allows time-of-use tariffs to be used, charging more for electricity which is used during peak demand and less during periods of lower demand on the national grid. 

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

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