Business energy | Compare business electricity and gas with Zembl

How business energy works in Australia

Australian businesses are billed for electricity and gas under contracts that set out your rates, fees, and terms. Your bill usually has two main parts: a fixed daily supply charge, and variable usage charges based on how many kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity or megajoules (MJ) of gas you use. For some businesses, there are also demand charges that reflect the maximum power drawn at any one time.

Because business consumption patterns can be very different from households, retailers offer dedicated business tariffs. These can include single rate tariffs, time of use tariffs with peak, shoulder, and off peak periods, demand based pricing, and controlled load tariffs for separately metered equipment.

In the National Electricity Market, which covers New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, most small and medium enterprises can choose from multiple retailers. In Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and parts of regional Queensland and Tasmania, choice can be more limited and prices may be regulated.

Types of business energy plans

Single rate plans

Single rate tariffs charge the same c/kWh for usage regardless of the time of day. They are simple to understand and can suit businesses with relatively steady load profiles, such as professional services offices.

Time of use plans

Time of use plans apply different rates at different times. For example, peak rates in the afternoon and early evening, shoulder rates in the morning, and off peak rates overnight or on weekends. Businesses that can shift discretionary usage like equipment charging or production runs into off peak times may benefit from this structure.

Demand based plans

Some larger sites are charged a demand component based on their maximum kW or kVA in a billing period. Managing peak demand, for instance by staggering equipment start up or using battery storage, can help control these costs.

Gas plans for business

Business gas contracts usually include a fixed daily charge and a usage rate per MJ. For larger gas users, negotiated contract rates are common. Gas is often used for process heat, cooking, and hot water, so understanding how and when you use gas is important when comparing offers.

Key factors that impact your business energy costs

Usage pattern and load profile

Your load profile, which is how your energy use changes throughout the day and across seasons, is critical. A café with heavy morning and lunchtime demand will have a very different profile from a warehouse that mainly runs forklifts and lighting during standard business hours. Choosing a plan that matches your profile is a major lever for savings.

Site location and network charges

Network charges, which cover the cost of poles, wires, and pipes, vary by distribution area. Two businesses using the same amount of energy can pay different total bills because they sit on different networks. This is why pricing can change when you move premises, even within the same city.

Metering setup

Smart meters and interval meters allow retailers to bill you based on actual half hourly usage data, which opens access to time of use tariffs and more detailed analytics. Basic meters with quarterly reads are generally limited to simpler tariff structures.

Contract length and structure

Short term market offers can provide flexibility, while longer term contracts can give price certainty. Some plans automatically roll you on to default rates when the initial term ends, which are often significantly higher than negotiated rates.

How a business energy comparison works with Zembl

1. You share a recent bill

You send us a recent electricity or gas bill for each site you want reviewed. This gives our team the key details about your current tariff, usage, and fees.

2. We assess your current deal

Our team checks whether your existing plan is competitive by looking at your effective c/kWh or c/MJ, supply charges, discounts, and any demand charges. We also consider your usage pattern where data is available.

3. We compare offers from our retailer panel

Zembl works with a panel of leading Australian energy retailers. Using your bill details, we obtain pricing proposals and compare them like for like. We look beyond headline discounts to the total estimated bill over a contract period.

4. We present your options in plain language

We explain the potential savings, contract terms, and any trade offs, such as different tariff structures or contract lengths. You choose the option that best fits your business priorities, whether that is lowest cost, budget certainty, or flexibility.

5. We manage the switch for you

If you approve an offer, Zembl arranges the transfer with the new retailer and notifies your old provider. There is no interruption to supply and minimal paperwork, since our experts handle the process for you.

Common pain points for Australian businesses

Confusing tariffs and bill formats

Many Australian businesses struggle to interpret their bills, especially when multiple tariffs, network charges, and discounts are involved. Small errors, such as being on an unsuitable tariff or default rates, can compound into large annual overspends.

Lack of time and internal expertise

Owners and managers often do not have the time or data to run a detailed tender or check every new market offer. As a result, contracts can be left to roll over, or businesses stay on legacy rates that no longer reflect current market conditions.

Multi site complexity

For organisations with multiple locations, each site can end up on different retailers, tariffs, and contract end dates. This increases administrative burden and makes it harder to see the total energy position of the business. Consolidating retailers and aligning contract terms can streamline management.

Market volatility

Wholesale price movements, network tariff changes, and regulatory reforms can all affect business bills. Without specialist support, it can be difficult to know when to lock in rates, when to stay short, or when to consider alternative solutions like solar or demand management.

How Zembl supports different types of business customers

Small and medium businesses

For SMEs, the priority is often keeping bills predictable and manageable. Zembl focuses on finding competitive market offers that do not require complex procurement processes. We can also highlight simple efficiency opportunities that do not require upfront capital.

Commercial and industrial users

Larger energy users, such as manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and large hospitality venues, may benefit from formal procurement events and bespoke contract structures. Zembl can help you explore options like progressive purchasing, demand response, and tariff optimisation.

Multi site and franchise networks

Zembl can support franchisors and multi site brands by reviewing multiple premises together, identifying standardised plans where appropriate, and providing a central point of contact for energy questions.

Regulatory and market context in Australia

Business electricity customers in the National Electricity Market are covered by federal and state regulations that govern billing, marketing practices, and protections for small customers. The Australian Energy Regulator and state based regulators oversee compliance, including requirements to provide clear information about prices and contract terms.

For small customers, default market offers and reference price benchmarks aim to make it easier to compare deals. However, actual business plans can still vary widely, particularly once negotiated discounts and different tariff structures are factored in.

In states with regulated markets, such as Western Australia and parts of the Northern Territory, options can be more limited. In these areas, energy efficiency, solar, and load management often become the primary levers for controlling costs.

Practical ways to reduce your energy usage and spend

Optimise heating and cooling

Review set points on air conditioning and heating, service HVAC equipment regularly, and consider zoned control so you only condition occupied areas. Even small adjustments can lead to noticeable savings over a year.

Upgrade lighting and controls

Moving to LED lighting and installing motion sensors in low traffic areas can cut lighting costs substantially. Take advantage of any applicable state or federal incentive programs that support lighting upgrades.

Maintain and tune equipment

Regular servicing of motors, compressors, refrigeration, and other key plant can reduce waste and extend equipment life. Poorly maintained equipment often runs longer and harder than necessary.

Educate your team

Create a simple energy policy that encourages staff to switch off unused equipment, report faults promptly, and use natural light where possible. A culture of shared responsibility can deliver cumulative savings.

Consider solar and other onsite solutions

For suitable sites, rooftop solar and complementary technologies such as batteries can offset grid consumption and provide some protection against rising tariffs. Zembl can connect businesses with specialist partners to explore these options.

When to review your business energy plan

It is sensible to review your plan at least once a year, and especially in the following situations:

Your current contract is due to expire in the next 6 to 12 months
You have received a price increase notification from your retailer
Your operating hours, equipment, or number of sites has changed
You are expanding, relocating, or opening new premises

A timely review can help you avoid automatic rollovers on to higher default rates.

Why Australian businesses partner with Zembl

Zembl has been helping Australian businesses compare and switch energy plans since 2009. Our experts combine local market knowledge with strong relationships across a panel of leading retailers. We focus on making the process quick and straightforward so you can stay focused on running your business.

To get started, send us a recent bill or fill in the contact form on this page. One of our local Energy Experts will be in touch to talk through your options and, if we find a saving, help you make the switch.

Availability of retailers and plans can vary by state and is dependent on the property and connection type. At times commercial relationships may impact what retailers or plans are made available. Zembl does not represent every retailer in the market.