Compare energy

What should I consider when comparing energy plans?

Price and features

When comparing energy plans, you will be given an annual estimate from multiple providers based on your current usage. This is an easy way to narrow down your options. Opt for a provider that gives you the best bang for buck by throwing in extra perks such as an energy tracking app or reward points.

Usage rates and supply charges

Usage rates are how much you pay for each unit of energy you consume, while supply charges are what you pay daily for being connected to the energy network.

Contract terms and benefit periods

The contract term tells you how long you're locked into a contract for, though most providers these days offer month-to-month contracts. A benefit period tells you how long discounts or other perks last for before they expire.

Extra fees

It might be tempting to go with the cheapest provider but have a look at any additional fees it charges. The most common extra costs you could encounter include connection and disconnection fees, early exit fees, credit card fees or late payment charges.

Solar feed-in tariffs

Solar feed-in tariffs determine how much you'll earn for each unit of surplus energy that you feed back into the grid from your solar array, measured in cents per kWh.

Carbon-neutral plans and GreenPower

Consider 100% carbon-neutral plans if they fit your budget or pay for a GreenPower add-on so your provider can send renewable energy back to the grid on your behalf.

Learn more about how energy works in Australia

Frequently asked questions

• How does energy work in Australia?

  East coast and southern states in Australia fall under the National Electricity Market (NEM) which matches supply and demand for energy in real time.

  Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not part of the NEM. They have their own electricity systems and separate regulatory arrangements.

• How do I switch energy companies?

  Switching energy providers is easier than you think. All you really have to do is sign up to a new retailer and it'll do the work of moving over, you'll just need to close out your final bill. You can use our handy guide to help you switch, by following the step-by-step instructions.

• What does reference price or Default Market Offer mean?

  In 2019, the government established a benchmark electricity price to help energy users in NSW, VIC, ACT, SA and QLD compare energy plans.

  This is known as the reference price or Default Market Offer. In Victoria, it's referred to as the Victorian Default Offer.

  Read more about the reference price so you can understand how exactly it'll help you compare energy plans and get the best deal.

• Which companies offer energy in Australia?

  The 3 biggest energy providers in Australia are Origin Energy, AGL and EnergyAustralia based on market share.

  You can check out our list of energy companies in Australia for more options.

• Which state or territory has the cheapest energy in Australia?

  The average cost of electricity varies across the different states. According to our research, as of October 2023 ACT is the cheapest at 23.74 cents per kWh and South Australia the most expensive at 45.26 cents per kWh.

• Is electricity more expensive than gas?

  There's no clear-cut answer to this as both electricity and gas prices have been on the rise and how you use the 2 fuels in your home can vary greatly.

  You can use our handy guide on electricity versus gas to better understand the differences.

• Does having solar energy lower your energy bills?

  Installing solar in your home will definitely reduce your energy bills, especially given energy prices have gone up rapidly in the past 2 years.

  You can use a solar payback calculator to work out exactly how much you can save depending on where you live, the size of your home and your energy usage. You may even be eligible for a solar rebate if you move to renewables.

• How do I read my energy bill?

  From October 2023, it's now easier to read your energy bill thanks to the new Better Bill Guidelines. You can check out our guide to reading energy bills to get on top of them in the meantime.