Written by If you’re paying too much for your electricity, gas or solar, surveying the market and making the switch to a newer provider could help you save important money. However, many may be reluctant to do so because they think the process of finding the right deal and switching will be too time-consuming. That’s where Savvy can help.
You can compare a range of offers from a panel of leading providers through us. As well as being able to consider deals, finding and securing the best plan for your needs among a variety of industry leaders is made simpler through an easy online quote process. Start comparing your options through Savvy today.
Why compare energy plans through Savvy?
You won't need to pay a cent to compare a variety of energy plans online through Savvy, as it's 100% free.
By filling out your form and providing a recent energy bill, you can have all the facts and figures worked out for you.
When you fill out your quote, you'll be able to consider offers from some of the leading energy providers in Australia.
How do energy plans work in Australia?
Energy pricing varies across Australia, with each state or territory setting its own rules for regulation and competition.
Depending on where you live, the market may be regulated or deregulated:
- Regulated: the state or territory government controls energy prices or limits competition to government-owned providers. This helps keep prices stable but reduces or removes consumer choice.
- Deregulated: the state or territory government allows private energy providers to set their own rates, creating more competition. This gives consumers more options but can lead to fluctuating prices.
So, where can you choose your energy provider? Here's a breakdown by state and territory:
| State/territory | Electricity | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | ✓ | ✓ |
| NSW | ✓ | ✓ |
| NT | ✗
Electricity is regulated by the NT Government. | ✗
Most homes in the NT are not connected to mains gas. |
| QLD | ✓ South East QLD: if you are in the deregulated zone, you can choose from a range of providers. ✗ Regional QLD: electricity is regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) and customers cannot choose their provider. | ✓ Residents in properties connected to the gas pipeline can choose their gas provider. |
| SA | ✓ | ✓ |
| TAS | ✓ Tasmania residents may have a choice of energy retailer depending on where in the state they live, though the market is limited. | ✓ Choice is limited to two providers, and gas connections are not available at all properties. |
| VIC | ✓ | ✓ |
| WA | ✗ Most households in WA are unable to choose their provider unless they are a ‘contestable customer’, meaning they either live outside the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) or use more than 50 MWh of electricity a year. | ✓ |
Energy plans in deregulated markets
Energy providers in deregulated markets typically have two types of plans:
Standing offer: this is a plan your retailer puts you on by default, which may not be best deal available.
vs
Market offer: this is a plan chosen by you or negotiated with your retailer, which usually offers lower prices and discounts.
In New South Wales, South Australia and deregulated areas in South East Queensland, standing offer prices are capped by the Default Market Offer (DMO). This is the maximum price that a retailer can charge a standing offer customer, and is also used as a reference price when comparing energy prices in these regions. The prices are reviewed and set annually by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), taking effect on 1 July each year.
In Victoria, the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) serves a similar role as a government-set benchmark.
What affects the cost of my energy bill?
Beyond state regulations and provider competition, your individual energy costs depend on several factors. These include:
Usage and supply charges
- Usage charge: this is the amount you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or megajoule (MJ) of natural gas. The more you use, the higher your bill.
- Supply charge: this is a fixed daily fee for maintaining your connection to the electricity or gas network. While the charge varies between retailers, it applies regardless of how much energy you use.
Type of tariff
Your tariff determines how you're charged for electricity use. There are several types of tariff you may encounter when shopping around for your electricity plan. These include:
- Single rate/flat rate tariff: the cost per kWh is the same regardless of when you’re using electricity.
- Time-of-use tariff: the cost per kWh varies depending on the time of day, with off-peak hours costing less than peak hours.
- Controlled load tariff: designed to monitor usage from high-usage appliances, such as a hot water system, in addition to one of the above tariffs.
- Demand tariff: An extra charge based on your highest energy usage during peak demand times (usually late afternoon and evening).
Note: Gas plans typically only use a single rate tariff, though some have seasonal pricing, meaning rates may increase in winter.
Where you live
Your location plays a major role in determining your energy costs, not just due to state-based regulations but also because of your home’s specific characteristics. Factors that can influence your energy usage include:
- Climate: homes in colder climates, such as Tasmania, often have higher heating costs in winter, while those in hotter regions like northern Queensland may see higher air conditioning use in summer.
- Property size: larger homes typically require more energy for heating, cooling and lighting than smaller properties.
- Insulation and energy efficiency: well-insulated homes with efficient appliances and solar panels can significantly reduce energy costs. Older or poorly insulated homes may require more heating and cooling to maintain comfort.
- Urban vs rural areas: in some regional and remote areas, energy supply costs can be higher due to the infrastructure required to deliver electricity or gas.
Discounts
Energy retailers may offer various discounts to help lower your overall bill. These can include:
- Sign-up bonuses: some providers offer one-time credits or discounts when you join a new plan.
- Bundling: combining electricity and gas with the same provider can sometimes unlock lower rates or additional discounts.
- Pay-on-time discounts: some plans reward customers with a discount if they pay their bill by the due date.
- Direct debit discounts: setting up automatic payments can result in a small discount on your energy bill.
- Paperless billing: some providers offer a discount for receiving bills via email, while others may charge a fee for paper bills.
Not all discounts apply automatically, so it’s worth checking with your provider to see what’s available.
Solar power and feed-in tariffs
If you have solar panels, any electricity you generate can be used in your home for free. When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is fed back into the grid. In return, your energy provider may offer a solar feed-in tariff – a credit applied to your electricity bill.
The value of a feed-in tariff depends on:
- Your location: each state and territory has different regulations affecting rates.
- Your energy retailer: different providers offer varying feed-in rates, ranging from less than 1 cent per kWh to around 12c/kWh in 2025. You can see the feed-in tariff rate when comparing energy plans, and it will also be shown on your electricity bill.
- Your electricity plan: feed-in tariffs are not standalone plans but part of your overall electricity plan. While your excess solar energy is fed back into the grid, there will be times when you need to draw power from it. A higher feed-in tariff doesn’t always mean a better deal as some plans may have higher electricity usage rates, so it’s important to compare both.
Understanding your energy bill
Before comparing energy plans, it’s important to understand how your bill is structured and what the key details mean.
Under the Better Bills Guideline, introduced in 2023, energy providers must present bills in clear, plain language. They are also required to display essential information more prominently, including a “better offer” statement on the first page if a cheaper plan is available.
Your bill will show:
- How your charges are calculated: a breakdown of supply charges, usage charges and any applicable tariffs.
- How much energy you’ve used: typically displayed as total usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and your average daily consumption.
Other key details include:
- The address supplied
- Meter number and meter readings
- Billing period and total amount due
- Supply charges and tariffs
- Supplier and retailer contact details
If your bill has increased, reviewing the details can help identify the reason, such as:
- Higher energy usage: seasonal changes or new appliances may have increased consumption.
- Tariff changes: your energy provider may have adjusted rates.
- New or additional fees: such as network or service charges.
- Underpayment from a previous bill: an outstanding balance could be carried over.
- Billing errors: incorrect meter readings or miscalculations.
By understanding your bill, you can better assess whether your current plan is still the best option or if it’s time to switch providers.
We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of energy plans to help you compare them.
How to find a cheap energy plan
Finding a cheap energy plan is hard to do without using a comparison service. Given energy plans bill you for a daily supply charge and a usage charge that differ depending on the energy grid your house belongs to, it isn’t straightforward. While you can easily multiply your supply charge by the number of days, calculating the usage charge can be more complicated. Unless you know the exact energy usage for every appliance in your house, it’s tricky to know where to start.
Comparison services simplify this by estimating your energy usage based on household size. They combine this with supply charges to provide an estimated quarterly or annual cost, allowing you to compare energy plans side by side and find the most affordable option.
Tips for finding a cheap energy plan
types of energy plans
How to switch energy providers
It’s easy to switch providers in just a few simple steps:
- Start your quote by entering basic information about where you live and what you are looking for
- Enter your details to access a range of quotes suited to your circumstances, all in one place
- Compare plans and providers showing estimated costs and savings compared to current reference price, as well as any discounts and bonuses
- Create your profile, filling out your details and where you live
- Once you’ve decided on a plan, your new provider will complete the switch for you in as little as two days
What if I’m moving to a new property?
If you’re moving to a new property, a couple of extra steps will be involved. Before you move, you’ll need ensure a meter is installed at your new address and set up an energy account. Some providers charge a connection fee to activate electricity or gas at the property. You’ll also need to contact your current provider to close your existing account, which may involve a disconnection fee.
Energy rebates and concessions in Australia
There are different energy concessions and rebate programs available across Australia to eligible residents. These are typically available to concession card holders such as pensioners and are designed to help ease cost of living pressures, covering things like upgrades, installation and additional financial support. The type of support available and eligibility varies from state to state, so you should check your state or territory government website if you’re unsure about what rebates or concessions are available and whether you qualify.
Energy Bill Relief Fund
In the 2025–26 Budget, the Australian Government announced a six-month extension to its Energy Bill Relief Fund, which provided all Australian households with up to $300 to help reduce the cost of energy bills in 2024–25. With the extension, households and eligible small businesses will receive further energy bill rebates up to $150 from 1 July 2025 in two quarterly instalments.
How to switch energy providers through Savvy
More of your energy questions answered
This is a matter of personal preference. Many energy customers in Australia get their energy bills quarterly, paying a larger amount but only four times a year, but choosing monthly billing allows you to pay smaller amounts more frequently, potentially helping you to stay on top of your energy consumption and reducing the risk of bill shock.
Bundling your electricity and gas into a single plan can be convenient, allowing you to cover both in a single payment and may qualify you for a discount with your provider. However, you may find it is still cheaper to have separate providers for gas and electricity, so it is worth comparing your options first to ensure you have the best energy deal.
If you’re moving house, you may have to pay fees for disconnection and reconnection, as well as termination fees if your contract can’t be transferred to a new property. You’ll also need to give your provider notice (at least three days but sometimes more) before moving to help ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Moving is often a great time to think about your energy needs and compare or renegotiate plans, which you can do through Savvy.
You may be able to, but many apartment blocks and other residential complexes like retirement villages and caravan parks are often part of an embedded electricity network. This is a privately owned network supplying electricity to all premises within the area, with a sole provider of electricity for all properties. In this situation, while you have the right to switch provider, it may be harder to find an energy retailer and could come with additional fees.
Business energy plans are different from those for a regular household, as the overall energy usage, infrastructure in place and timing of their consumption mean that they’re typically much greater consumers of energy. As such, specialist plans are available which cater more to the usage needs of businesses.
Australia’s ‘Big 3’ energy providers are Origin Energy, AGL and EnergyAustralia. As of March 2024, they supplied at least 60% of electricity customers and up to 90% of gas customers in Australia.
Helpful guides on energy plans
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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.
