Don’t have the energy: 14 million Australians can’t or don’t read their energy bill
Key takeaways
- 66% of Aussies could be missing out on a better energy deal.
- Finder is offering up to a $200 digital gift card to those who switch.
- How to save on your energy bill.
Most Australians have no idea whether they are on the best energy deal available, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,010 respondents revealed 2 in 3 Australians (66%) either don't understand their current energy plan, have never looked at their bill, or aren't confident they're getting the best rate.
That's 14.1 million Australians who could be overpaying for one of their biggest household expenses.
Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to energy bills.
"Too many households pay their energy bill on autopilot, never stopping to ask if there's a cheaper plan available.
"In a market where prices can vary significantly between providers, that could mean hundreds of dollars left on the table each year.
"Energy plans are complex and some retailers are relying on that confusion to keep customers locked in."
Finder's research shows 14% of Australians have never looked at an energy bill, while a further 14% find energy plans 'too confusing' to compare effectively.
The same number (14%) say they don't fully understand their current energy plan and haven't got around to reviewing it.
The research found 28% of Australians say they understand their plan, but aren't sure it's the best deal available – making them the most likely to benefit from a quick comparison.
Previous Finder analysis shows Australians paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for their energy last year.
Gabaji said the timing had never been better to take a fresh look at energy costs.
"There was a lot of news about electricity prices dropping in July, but that was for the Default Market Offer – which is related to the maximum a provider can charge on a standing offer.
"The best thing you can do is compare energy plans to see how far below the Default Market Offer providers are pricing their market offers.
"In some cases, you may even be rewarded for switching – for example, Finder is currently offering up to a $200 digital gift card to Australians who switch to an eligible AGL electricity and/or gas plan. Plus up to $300 in online sign-up bill credits.
"The biggest mistake Australians make is assuming loyalty is rewarded. In energy, it almost never is."
Just 34% of Australians say they understand their plan and are confident they're on the best deal.
Do you feel you understand your current energy plan well enough to know if you're on the best deal?
| No, I find energy plans too confusing to compare effectively | 14% |
| No, I've never looked at an energy bill | 14% |
| I don't fully understand my plan but haven't got around to reviewing it | 14% |
| I understand my plan but I'm not sure it's the best deal available | 28% |
| Yes, I understand my plan and I'm confident I'm on the best deal | 34% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,010 respondents, May 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
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