The average small business electricity and gas bills in 2025

Energy remains one of the largest controllable expenses for Australian small businesses. In 2025, pricing structures, daily supply charges and blended rates continue to shape what businesses actually pay, not just per kWh, but annually.

If you are reviewing overheads this year, understanding the average small business energy bill in 2025 gives important context. It shows where costs sit across states and highlights why contract structure matters more than headline peak rates.

Below is a breakdown of average electricity and gas bills across NSW, QLD, SA and VIC based on 2025 data.

Average electricity bills for small businesses in 2025*

Electricity pricing is influenced by peak, shoulder and off-peak rates, daily supply charges and total usage. However, the blended rate gives the clearest picture of what businesses are actually paying once all usage periods are factored in.

_{*Based on Australian small business customers that switched electricity plan through Zembl from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025 including GST. Figures are indicative only and vary by usage, tariff, location and retailer.}

What the 2025 electricity data shows

South Australia records the highest average blended electricity rate at 41 c/kWh, resulting in an average annual bill of $9,364.87. This places SA significantly above the eastern states and highlights how higher usage rates quickly compound across a full year of trading.

New South Wales sits below SA on blended rate but has the highest daily supply charge at 2.65 $/day. That fixed cost alone adds more than $960 per year before a single kWh is used. For businesses with moderate consumption, supply charges can represent a meaningful share of total spend.

Queensland remains mid-range, with an average annual electricity bill of $7,501.01 and a blended rate of 30 c/kWh. While lower than NSW and SA, businesses operating heavily during peak periods may still feel pressure from time-of-use pricing structures.

Victoria records the lowest blended rate at 26 c/kWh and the lowest average annual electricity bill at $6,769.42. For cost-sensitive small businesses, this creates a comparatively more competitive environment, particularly where usage can be shifted toward off-peak periods.

The gap between SA and VIC is more than $2,500 per year on average. For many small businesses, that difference can equate to additional staffing hours, equipment upgrades or reinvestment into growth. State location alone is creating a material cost divide in 2025.

Average gas bills for small businesses in 2025*

Gas remains critical for hospitality venues and trade-based businesses. Like electricity, total cost depends on blended usage rates and daily supply charges.

_{*Based on Australian small business customers that switched gas plan through Zembl from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025 including GST. Figures are indicative only and vary by usage, tariff, location and retailer.}

What the 2025 gas data shows

Queensland records the highest average annual gas bill at $11,085.74, alongside the highest blended gas rate of 5 c/MJ. For hospitality venues and commercial kitchens who are reliant on gas, this creates significant operating cost pressure.

New South Wales also remains elevated, with an average annual gas bill of $9,440.78. While the blended rate is lower than QLD and SA, total spend remains substantial due to overall usage patterns.

Victoria records the lowest blended gas rate at 3 c/MJ and one of the lower annual averages at $8,032.60. This suggests a comparatively more favourable pricing structure for gas-reliant businesses operating in the state.

South Australia shows the highest daily supply charge at 1.41 $/day. High fixed charges disproportionately impact businesses with lower or seasonal gas usage, as the daily cost continues regardless of consumption.

Overall, 2025 gas pricing shows that blended rates and supply charges both materially influence total annual bills. Businesses should assess not only usage but also how fixed daily costs are structured within their contract.

What small businesses should review in 2026

• Blended rate, not just peak rate. Review the average rate you are actually paying across all usage periods, not just the headline peak figure.

• Daily supply charges. Fixed daily costs can add hundreds of dollars per year regardless of how much energy you use.

• Time-of-use exposure. Understand when your business consumes the most electricity and how peak pricing is affecting your total bill.

• Contract expiry dates. Letting a contract roll over can push you onto higher default rates without notice.

• Gas and electricity positioning together. Reviewing both fuels at the same time can strengthen your negotiation position and uncover better overall value.

Even small structural changes, such as adjusting contract terms or switching to a more suitable tariff, can reduce annual energy spend by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How Zembl helps small businesses

Zembl makes energy comparison simple for small businesses.

In one quick call, a Zembl Energy Expert compares your current pricing with competitive options from a trusted panel of leading retailers. If there is a better fit, you can switch on the spot.

No lock-in contracts. No unnecessary complexity. Just clear advice and practical savings.

If your bills are sitting at or above the 2025 state averages, now is the time to review your plan.