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.
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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.
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That's 14.1 million Australians who could be overpaying for one of their biggest household expenses.
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Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to energy bills.
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"Too many households pay their energy bill on autopilot, never stopping to ask if there's a cheaper plan available.
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"In a market where prices can vary significantly between providers, that could mean hundreds of dollars left on the table each year.
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"Energy plans are complex and some retailers are relying on that confusion to keep customers locked in."
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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.
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The same number (14%) say they don't fully understand their current energy plan and haven't got around to reviewing it.
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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.
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Previous Finder analysis shows Australians paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for their energy last year.
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Gabaji said the timing had never been better to take a fresh look at energy costs.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"The biggest mistake Australians make is assuming loyalty is rewarded. In energy, it almost never is."
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Just 34% of Australians say they understand their plan and are confident they're on the best deal.
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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 |  |
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Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
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