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Compare electricity and gas market offers

One way to reduce your electricity and gas costs is to shop around to see if you're getting the best deal from your current energy retailer for your particular needs. This is especially important if you’re on a standard retail contract or have been on the same contract for years. Follow the steps below and use our handy checklist to compare wisely.

  • Better understand your energy choices
  • Save on household energy costs
  • See how your household’s energy use compares to others

At a glance

  • Savings 2
  • Ease 2
  • Impact 1

Do your research

  1. Estimate your annual energy costs under each contract. You'll need access to your previous electricity and/or gas consumption information. If you don't have previous bills available—your current energy retailer can provide you with this information.
  2. Select a calculator or estimator to help you compare electricity and gas offers in your area. Keep in mind that the calculators are intended as a guide only. It's important to consider the recommendations against your particular household circumstances and any exceptions that might apply.
  3. Be aware that some commercial price comparison services receive a commission for transferring customers to an electricity or gas retailer with whom they have an agreement. Government price comparator websites are independent and do no receive commissions.
  4. Do your research. When comparing offers there's a range of considerations to keep in mind—our energy offers checklist will help you know what to look for as well as the right questions to ask potential retailers.

Energy offers checklist

When comparing electricity and gas market offers ensure you:

  • Compare costs accurately. Ask retailers what their price is in cents per kilowatt hour (c/KWh).
  • Ask what the daily supply charge is. When comparing offers, check whether the charge is for the same number of days as on your existing electricity bill.
  • Check whether there are any extra fees such as for late payments or early contract termination.
  • Change your mind? If you recently committed to a new offer but you've changed your mind, you might still be able to exit the contract during the cooling-off period. It's a good idea to check what cooling-off periods apply as you compare offers so you know how long you have.
  • Dual fuel offers that combine gas and electricity may not be better value than separate gas and electricity offers. Check both options as part of your research.
  • Ask if anything extra is included in a market offer such as bonuses or savings. Check what you need to do to qualify for a discount, and ask whether the discount applies to the whole bill or usage charges only. Conditional discounts may not be worthwhile if you can't meet the condition. For example a pay on time discount may not be beneficial if you often struggle to pay you bill on time.
  • Check billing and payment arrangements—including how and when you're billed and payment options. Check whether time-of-use pricing or off-peak hot water is on offer.
  • Check contract conditions. Ask what happens at the end of the contract period for market contracts. Find out how you renew and what happens if you wish to change retailers or return to a regulated contract.
  • If you're a low income earner, pensioner or have a specific medical condition, check to see if you're eligible for any rebates and concessions.
  • Know your rights. Browse the EnergyMadeEasy website consumer rights and support pages. The website has a range of easy-to-read information about the best way to resolve a complaint, how to deal with door-to-door salespeople, your rights as customer and what to do if you're having trouble paying an energy bill.
  • Seek independent advice. Retailers must provide an adequate response to any questions or issues you raise. If you feel you've been misled or issues remain unresolved—you can contact the energy and water ombudsman or appropriate tribunal in your state.

Compare offers in your area

Households in Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not yet have a choice of retailer. For details on current pricing and household energy tips you can go to your existing supplier.

You can visit EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au to compare offers in some states and territories, understand energy tariffs and find out the average electricity usage for a household of your size in your area.

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