Australian Businesses Are Facing Major Energy Cost Changes in 2026 - Many Don’t Realise Yet
As new pricing structures roll out this year, outdated contracts and rollover rates are quietly increasing costs for thousands of SMEs.
As Australia’s energy market continues to shift, 2026 is emerging as a pivotal year for business energy costs.
While many business owners expect some level of price movement, energy specialists say a large portion of rising bills aren’t coming from usage. They are coming from outdated energy plans that no longer reflect today’s market conditions.
Across the country, business energy contracts are rolling off discounted rates, default pricing structures are increasing, and newer competitive offers are being introduced without automatically applying to existing customers.
For many Australian SMEs, this means they may already be paying more than necessary, often without realising it.
Why Energy Costs Are Shifting for Businesses This Year
Energy pricing updates being introduced throughout 2026 are changing how much many Australian businesses pay for electricity and gas.
Some of the most common factors impacting business energy bills include:
- Older contracts rolling onto higher default rates once discounts expire
- Retailers adjusting pricing structures in response to wholesale market conditions
- New business-only offers being released that aren’t automatically applied to existing customers
- Businesses expanding operations or changing usage patterns without reviewing plan suitability
With so many moving parts, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for business owners to know whether their current energy plan is still competitive in today’s market.
How Australian Businesses Are Getting Clarity on Energy Costs in 2026
With so many pricing changes happening across the energy market this year, many business owners are turning to independent comparison services to better understand where they stand.
Zembl is an Australian energy comparison service that helps businesses review their current energy plans and see how they compare with options available in today’s market.
Rather than offering its own energy plans, Zembl works with a range of leading Australian energy retailers to compare business energy offers based on location, usage type and contract structure.
Their free Energy Check-Up is designed to quickly highlight whether a business may be paying more than necessary as 2026 pricing changes take effect.
A Quick Way to Check Your Energy Plan for 2026
With energy pricing shifting throughout 2026, it’s worth checking whether your plan is still competitive — especially if discounts have expired or your contract has rolled onto a higher default rate.
A quick review can clarify whether you may be overpaying and whether more competitive options could now be available.
It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and there’s no obligation.
