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Compare gas plans faster than you can say ‘dinner’s ready!’
Life isn't cheap anymore and neither are gas prices. But switching providers to lock in savings is absolutely free.
Currently available in NSW, ACT, SA, VIC, parts of QLD, TAS & WA (only Gas). Not available in Ergon Area (QLD), NT and embedded networks or non-quotable meters.
Comparing plans can help you unlock big savings on your gas bill. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a better deal:
Compare usage rates ($/MJ)
This is how much you are charged per MJ of gas consumed. A lower usage rate means you pay less per MJ. Putting all other discounts aside, you want usage rates to be as low as possible to save money.
Compare supply charges
This is the amount you pay daily for being connected to the gas network, independent of usage rates. Your total supply charge is this amount multiplied by the number of days in the bill period. This is typically found on the second page of your bill in the "your gas usage" calculation or detail section.
Check your previous bill
Having a copy of your previous gas bill handy can give you a breakdown of your general usage and how much you're paying for it. Knowing this will help you compare plan details from other providers.
Check tariff rates
Natural gas is often charged on a block tariff, where usage rates fall after you hit certain thresholds of gas use per day. If you use quite a lot of natural gas daily, finding a plan where usage rates drop significantly with use could benefit you.
Additional fees
Look out for additional costs that can vary between providers. These include credit card fees, move-in costs, disconnection fees and paper bill fees. All fees will be listed in the "fees" section on the plan's information sheet.
Discounts
You'll find providers offering 1 to 2 types of discounts. Guaranteed discounts apply for a certain period of time (usually 12 months) after signing up with the retailer. Conditional discounts mean you will only receive the benefit so long as you meet the conditions, which might not be practical or possible all the time for you or your household. It's better to look for guaranteed discounts that you'll receive no matter what.
Compare regularly
Most benefits, fixed rates, and discounts mostly run out after 12, meaning your rates may rise or change significantly after the benefit period ends. Comparing your plan every year or so can help you keep costs down and take advantage of new offers.
Why compare energy plans with Finder?
We don't charge extra. Prices shown on Finder are the same as those you get directly from energy providers.
We update our plans from providers daily so you can make an informed decision.
We've helped over 1.39 million people compare energy plans in the last 3 years.
Should I bundle gas and electricity with the same provider?
It's rare you'll get a bundling discount for both gas and electricity from the same provider.
It's always better to compare the 2 separately to see if you can get cheaper deals for electricity and gas from different providers.
Sometimes you'll come across gas plans that can only be accessed if you sign up for an electricity plan with the same provider. Just make sure you're happy with the rates for both plans before committing.
How do I keep my gas usage low?
Besides comparing gas plans to save money, you can also make certain changes around your home to reduce. Here's a rundown of some tips to help you out:
Cooking
This advice applies to gas ovens and cooktop stoves.
Gas ovens heat up much faster than electric versions, so don't bother. Turn it on when you need it.
Older ovens or ones that aren't fitted properly may have loose seals. Check for escaping heat when cooking, and keep the door closed as much as possible.
Many recipes can be finished by turning off the stove a little early and using the leftover heat to complete them.
Older ovens or ones that aren't fitted properly may have loose seals. Check for escaping heat when cooking, and keep the door closed as much as possible.
Use tight-fitting lids to prevent heat from escaping from your pots and pans. More heat escaping means more wasted gas.
Heating
Gas heaters are more efficient than electric heaters, but there are still ways to reduce your use.
Figure out how much space you need to heat. Central heating is more efficient if you need to warm your whole house, but you can get a room heater if you're worried about one main area.
The most efficient setting is 18-20 degrees Celsius. Each additional degree above that can increase your heating bill by around 10%.
Not all gas heaters are the same. Buying a heater with a better efficiency rating can save you money in the long run, even if it costs more upfront.
Hot water
If you have a gas water heater, the key to reducing your use has more to do with your water use and systems than the heater itself.
If you can install insulated hot water pipes in your house, this will complement the insulation on the heater itself. This can prevent tons of heat loss.
Appliances have various water efficiency ratings. Higher hot water efficiency does double duty – it saves on your water bill as well as your gas bill from heating.
Running hot washes in your dishwasher or washing machine all the time will consume a lot of gas. Consider going for colder rinses where possible to save.
Showers are more efficient than baths, and shorter showers are even better. Check that your taps aren't dripping and consider installing a more water-efficient showerhead. These can make a surprisingly large difference!
Why compare energy with Finder?
We know our stuff. Our experts review hundreds of plans each month. It's hard work, but we love it.
You can rely on us. We update plan data on dozens of providers daily, and we're constantly fact-checking.
We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find cheaper energy. That's pretty powerful.
Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is considered a 'paradise' for low gas prices in the OECD, according to EnergyQuest. A lot of it is to do with WA's domestic gas reserve and capacity market for electricity which has kept the market stable and affordable for households.
According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, average gas bills in WA are also lower compared to other states.
LPG is a fuel source that works as an alternative to natural gas for heating, cooking and more. It's typically delivered to your house in metal canisters, rather than being pumped in through a supply line.
LPG prices vary depending on where you live and the state of the global market. You'll need to check with an LPG retailer to find out how much it will cost you. LPG isn't available as part of regular gas plans.
The shock in global energy markets has resulted in gas prices going up in Australia. Towards the tail end of 2022, the government had to implement a temporary price cap of $12/Gj on new domestic wholesale gas contracts by east coast producers for 12 months.
Heating. Some heaters and hot water systems rely upon natural gas for heating.
Cooking. If you have a gas stove, you'll be igniting natural gas for your stove-top cooking. Barbeques can be hooked up to the mains and consume gas that way.
Fireplaces. Some fireplaces are operated via natural gas, providing an alternate source of heating.
Dryers. You could have a natural-gas clothes dryer, which runs at a higher temperature and dries clothes faster than most electric ones.
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 251 Finder guides across topics including:
Find out if your gas rates are more or less than the average in your state.
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