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Switch Electricity Providers

Thinking of switching electricity providers? Compare a range of plans all in one place here through Savvy today. 

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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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Switching electricity providers could be a smart move if you're paying too much for your energy bills. Despite the potential savings, many people are hesitant to switch their electricity provider due to the perceived hassle of finding the right plan. That's where Savvy comes in.  

We offer a 100% free comparison service which helps you compare different electricity plans online almost instantly. You can consider offers from some of Australia’s top providers side-by-side and find the best possible plan for your needs in just a few minutes. Our comparison tool simplifies the task of finding and switching electricity providers, so find out how much you could save today. 

How do I switch electricity providers?

Comparing and switching providers to potentially find a cheaper electricity deal is easy through Savvy. Our easy-to-use comparison service can help you switch your electricity plans for either domestic or business use online right here.   

However, before you start this process, it’s worthwhile knowing a little about your current electricity plan and usage: 

  • Check for exit fees: take a look at your current electricity deal and check whether you’re still in a contract period, and if so, whether there are any exit fees. 
  • Determine your consumption: review your most recent electricity bill and determine your energy consumption. You should think about your major consumers of electricity such as a pool, under floor heating or an air conditioning system and consider what time of day you usually have these on. 

Once you’ve gained an understanding of when and how you use electricity, as well as what your current plan looks like, it’s time to get started with Savvy’s free comparison service. Just follow this simple process: 

How to switch energy providers:

  1. Give us some details about the type of energy plan you’re after and what feed-in tariffs you currently have (if you have solar panels installed). It’ll help if you have your current electricity bill handy when you provide this information, as you’ll also need to provide details about your current usage and the type of electricity meter you have. 
  2. We’ll quickly provide you with a range of electricity offers to compare online, based on where you live and what you’re looking for. You’ll be able to see what’s available in your local area and how much you could potentially save. 
  3. If you’ve found the energy plan which best fits your needs, you can go ahead and select it, with the rest of the setup work taken care of for you. Switching with us is easy, and it’s all in one place, right here.  
  4. Provide the details required by your new electricity supplier. If you do find great savings and decide to make the switch, your new energy provider will contact you to confirm your new plan and get your contract in place.  
  5. Your former energy supplier will arrange for a final meter reading to take place and will issue a final bill. The switch should only take two to three days and you won’t be left without power while the switch takes place. 

Once you’ve made the switch and found a better deal, don’t just forget all about your power bills. It’s important to regularly review and compare energy providers to make sure there isn’t a better deal just around the corner you’re missing out on! Savvy’s comparison service is 100% free, and there isn’t any limit to how many times you can return and make further comparisons, so you can get started with us today! 

Which states allow you to switch electricity providers?

Aussies living in the following areas have a choice of electricity suppliers to choose from, as they are all in the National Electricity Market:  

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales 
  • South Australia 
  • South-East Queensland 
  • Victoria 
  • Tasmania (electricity only)

However, those living in Tasmania and the Northern Territory have less choice and more limited options due to a reduced number of providers operating in those areas.  

Western Australians and those living in regional Queensland outside of the south-east may have no choice about their provider. This is because both energy price and competition are regulated in WA, while in regional Queensland, Ergon Energy provides energy to 99% of customers, as it receives a subsidy from the state government to supply this area. 

Why should I switch electricity providers?

There are many reasons why people switch their electricity provider. These may include:  

  • Find a better price: comparing energy retailers to find more competitive pricing for your electricity is one of the most common reasons to switch, especially if your existing provider isn't offering you a competitive deal.  
  • Get more benefits: another provider might offer price discounts and other incentives to help you keep your energy costs down. These can include pay-on-time discounts, direct debit discounts and bundled energy discounts, where you have your gas and electricity with the same provider. These additional discounts and reductions may make it worthwhile to switch providers, assuming there aren’t any early exit fees from your current provider.  
  • Consolidate bills: if you struggle to keep track of your bills, having a single supplier can help you keep on top of your gas and electricity bills. Bundling your utilities can lead to discounts from the provider (as mentioned) and the simplicity of only dealing with a single supplier can be an attractive one. 
  • Moving house: you may need to switch providers because you’re moving house or office. In your new area, you may have access to different energy providers that you didn’t have in your previous residence. If you were on a fixed-term contract with your old provider, moving house may be an opportunity to switch providers without having to pay early termination fees. Check with your old provider to confirm if you’re eligible for an early exit without penalty. 
  • Reduce your carbon footprint: if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to find a new provider which offers renewable energy options. These can include carbon neutral plans and green power options. By purchasing green power, consumers encourage their provider to purchase electricity from accredited renewable energy generators, which generate electricity from sources like wind, solar, water and bioenergy. 
  • Find a more flexible contract: you may want a plan which doesn’t penalise you for terminating early or making changes, or one which allows you to lock in your rates for a longer set period so you have greater price certainty. 
  • Install solar panels: If you're installing a solar energy system, you can compare different feed-in tariffs before changing electricity providers to take advantage of solar electricity plan

By switching providers, you can often save money and improve your experience. It's important to do your research and compare electricity plans to find the right fit for your needs. Keep in mind that different providers may have different terms and conditions, fees, and services, so it's essential to read the fine print and understand what you're signing up for. 

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Why compare energy plans with Savvy?

Frequently asked questions about switching electricity providers

How often should I compare electricity plans?

It's worth reviewing your electricity plan at least annually so you can be aware of what offers are available to you. However, it's important to check the terms and conditions of your existing contract to ensure there are no exit fees or penalties for switching which may negate the benefits of doing so. 

Will I need to install new equipment if I switch electricity providers?

No – you won’t need to install any new equipment if you switch energy providers. The existing equipment such as your meter box will continue to be used and the new provider will simply take over your electricity supply. 

How long does it take to switch energy providers?

It may only take a few minutes to compare plans and find the best possible offer for your needs through Savvy. Once you’ve made the switch, it usually takes around three to five business days for everything to be processed. However, this can vary depending on your provider and the region you’re in. 

What happens if I'm on a fixed-term contract and want to switch energy providers?

If you're on a fixed-term contract, you may be charged an exit fee if you switch before it ends. It's important to check the terms and conditions of your contract before switching and calculate if the savings from switching outweigh the exit fee. 

Will I experience any interruptions to my electricity supply if I switch?

No – there won’t be any interruption to your energy supply when you switch providers. The new provider will arrange with your existing provider for a smooth transition without your connection dropping out. 

Can I switch electricity providers if I have solar panels?

Yes – you can still switch energy providers if you have solar panels. However, you’ll need to inform your new provider that you have solar panels and they’ll arrange for a new feed-in tariff. 

What is the National Electricity Market?

The National Electricity Market (NEM) is a power system which spans around 5,000km in Australia and is considered the largest interconnected network in the world. It’s also the wholesale electricity market operating in Australia's eastern and south-eastern states. It was established in 1998 to create a single competitive and efficient market for electricity generation, distribution and retailing. 

The NEM covers the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. It operates on a gross pool system, where electricity is generated and sold to the market at a spot price, which changes every five minutes based on supply and demand. It plays a critical role in ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply for businesses and households across Australia.  

Will I have to pay any additional fees to switch energy providers?

You shouldn’t have to pay any additional fees to switch energy providers. However, you may be charged an exit fee if you switch before your contract ends, so it's important to check your existing contract before making the switch. 

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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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