Best deal for energy provider: How to compare electricity and gas in Australia

Energy prices in Australia can change quickly, and the cheapest-looking offer is not always the best value once you factor in supply charges, usage rates, tariffs, and conditional discounts. If you are searching for the best deal for an energy provider, the goal is simple: get a plan that fits how you use energy, in your state, with terms you understand.

This guide explains how to compare electricity and gas plans in Australia, what to check on your bill, and when it is worth using an independent comparison service like Zembl to do the heavy lifting.

What “best deal” means for electricity and gas

For most Australian households and small businesses, the best deal is the plan with the lowest expected annual cost for your usage profile, with fair conditions. For larger organisations, the best deal can also include risk settings, reporting, and contract flexibility.

When comparing providers, focus on total cost rather than a single headline rate. A plan with a slightly higher usage rate can still be cheaper overall if it has a lower daily supply charge or a tariff structure that suits your operating hours.

How to compare energy providers in Australia step by step

1) Collect the right bill information

Start with a recent bill for each site and fuel. Ideally use the latest full billing period and, if you have it, 12 months of history to account for seasonality.

Electricity: look for your NMI, tariff type, usage (kWh), supply charge, and any demand charges.
Gas: look for your MIRN or DPI, usage (MJ), supply charge, and contract details.
Contract dates: note the end date and whether you will roll onto a higher standing offer if you do nothing.

2) Identify your tariff and usage pattern

Energy is priced based on how and when you use it, not only how much you use.

Single-rate: one usage price regardless of time.
Time of use: peak, shoulder, and off-peak rates that can materially change your costs.
Demand tariffs: common for many business meters, where your highest half-hour demand can drive a large portion of the bill.

If you are a business and your bill includes demand charges, it is worth reviewing whether your network tariff is appropriate. Network charges are regulated and often make up a significant share of total cost, changing retailer alone may not fix a poor tariff fit.

3) Compare plans using a consistent method

To compare providers fairly, make sure the offers you are reviewing are on the same basis:

Same contract term (for example 12, 24, or 36 months)
Same start date or a clear assumption about when the new rates apply
Clear list of all fees and pass-through items
Any conditional discounts explained in plain terms

4) Use the official government comparison sites (where available)

Government tools can be a helpful baseline for residential and small business customers:

Energy Made Easy (Australian Government) covers participating retailers in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and the ACT.
Victorian Energy Compare is the Victorian Government comparison site.

These tools are useful for checking the market, but they do not always highlight every commercial nuance, especially for multi-site portfolios, demand tariffs, or sites with complex metering.

5) Check the fine print that causes bill shock

Before switching, check for common issues that can turn a “cheap” plan into an expensive one:

Benefit period and price changes: does the discount end after a set time?
Pay on time discounts: what happens if you miss the due date?
Exit fees: can you leave if you move premises or your operations change?
Bill smoothing and fees: are there extra charges for paper bills or payment methods?
Solar feed-in tariffs: for households, a higher feed-in tariff can matter if you export a lot of energy.

What drives energy prices in Australia

Understanding the building blocks of your bill makes comparisons easier and helps explain why prices can differ across states and sites.

Wholesale costs: influenced by supply and demand in the National Electricity Market, or in WA by the SWIS.
Network charges: the cost of poles, wires, and metering. These are set or overseen by regulators and vary by network area and tariff.
Environmental scheme costs: certificate schemes and renewable targets that retailers pass through.
Retail costs and margin: customer service, billing, risk, and the retailer’s margin.

Best deal tips for households

Compare your plan at least once per year, or earlier if your discount is ending.
Pay attention to the daily supply charge, especially if you have low usage.
If you have solar, compare based on your net usage and export profile.
Ask about concessions and rebates available in your state or territory.

Best deal tips for small and medium businesses

Small businesses often have limited time to compare offers and may have tariffs that are not obvious from a quick scan of the bill.

Review both electricity and gas together if you use both fuels, a combined view can reveal the real savings.
Start reviewing options at least 3 to 6 months before your contract end date.
Ask whether your meter is on a demand tariff and whether a tariff review could reduce total cost.
For multi-site operations, aligning contract end dates can simplify procurement and budgeting.

How Zembl helps you find a better deal

Zembl helps Australian homes and businesses compare energy plans without spending hours on retailer sites. We review your bills, benchmark offers from a panel of retailers, and explain the trade-offs clearly so you can decide with confidence.

Depending on your needs, we can support you with:

Electricity and gas comparisons based on your actual usage
Support for small business and residential switching, including paperwork
Commercial procurement support for larger and multi-site customers
Tariff checks and guidance on network-related cost drivers

Related Zembl guides

Frequently asked questions

How often should I compare energy providers?

Most customers benefit from a comparison at least once a year, and always several months before any fixed-term contract ends. If your usage changes significantly, such as new equipment, a change in operating hours, or moving premises, it is worth comparing again.

Will my power or gas be interrupted if I switch retailers?

In most cases, no. Switching retailers changes who bills you, not the physical supply, which is delivered through the same local network infrastructure.

Is the cheapest rate always the best deal?

No. A plan can advertise a low usage rate but have a high daily supply charge, short benefit period, or conditions that make the discount hard to receive. Comparing estimated annual cost for your usage is the most reliable approach.

Can a business negotiate energy rates?

Many businesses can, especially if they have multiple sites, higher usage, or flexible contract timing. The best results typically come from comparing multiple retailer offers side by side and considering tariff suitability, not just negotiating a single headline rate.

Next steps

If you want to check whether you are on a competitive plan, you can share a recent bill with Zembl for an obligation-free comparison. We will review your current rates, explain your options, and handle the switch if you decide to proceed.