What is the average electricity and gas bill in NSW?

According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, the average NSW household pays around $429 a quarter for electricity and $241 for gas. Keep in mind these are averages across all household sizes. Your bills will depend on how many people you live with, whether you heat with gas or electricity, and your tariff. You can see how your bills stack up in our guide to average energy bills in Australia.

What's the difference between a market offer and a standing offer?

A market offer is a plan with rates that the provider sets to compete for your business, and it's almost always cheaper. A standing offer is the default plan you land on if you've never switched or your old plan expired, priced at or near the reference price. Our guide to energy contracts and benefit periods explains how these work. If you can't remember ever choosing your plan, you're probably on a standing offer.

Will my power be cut off when I switch providers?

No. Switching is an account change, not a physical one. The same poles, wires and meter keep supplying your home, so there's no disconnection, no interruption and no one needs to visit your property.

Do I need to tell my current provider I'm leaving?

No. Your new provider handles the whole switch, including notifying your old one. You'll just get a final bill. Before you switch, check your current plan for exit fees. Most NSW plans don't have them, but the almost obsolete fixed-rate deals do. Our guide to cancelling your energy contract covers what to look for. You also get a 10-business-day cooling-off period after signing up in case you change your mind.

Can I switch energy providers if I rent?

Yes, as long as the energy account is in your name. You don't need your landlord's permission. The exception is if your building is an embedded network, where switching is harder (more on that below). Moving into a new rental? Our moving house utilities checklist covers getting connected.

What is an embedded network?

An embedded network is where a building owner, like an apartment block, retirement village or caravan park, buys energy in bulk and on-sells it to residents. If you're in one, you usually can't switch providers, but you're still entitled to NSW rebates, often at the higher embedded network rates listed in our rebates table above. Not sure? Ask your building manager or check your bill for an on-seller's name instead of a regular retailer.

Is electricity cheaper at night or on weekends in NSW?

Only on Time of Use plans, where nights and parts of the weekend can fall into off-peak or shoulder pricing, depending on your provider. On a single rate plan, the price is the same around the clock, all week. Not sure which suits you? See our guide comparing Time of Use vs single rate tariffs.