Searching for the cheapest supplier “in my area” is completely normal, but in Australia there is rarely one single cheapest retailer for everyone in the same suburb. The real answer depends on your postcode, distribution network, meter type, tariff, how much energy you use, and when you use it.
This guide explains how to find the cheapest gas and electricity supplier in your area using your actual bill data, so you can compare offers fairly and avoid common traps like misleading discount claims or focusing on the wrong rate.
Why there is no universal “cheapest supplier” in one area
Even if two businesses are next door to each other, their cheapest plan can be different because:
- Network charges vary by distributor, and are a big part of every bill.
- Tariff structures differ, for example single rate, time of use, demand tariffs, controlled load.
- Usage profiles differ, including trading hours, seasonal load, peak demand spikes.
- Retailer offers change over time, and are sometimes targeted by region or segment.
That’s why the best comparison method is to calculate the total annual cost for your site, rather than trying to pick a retailer from a list.
How energy pricing works in Australia (what you are actually paying for)
Understanding the building blocks makes it easier to spot where savings can come from.
Electricity bill components
- Usage charges in cents per kWh, sometimes split into peak, shoulder and off-peak.
- Daily supply charge in cents per day, paid even if you use no energy.
- Demand charges for some businesses, based on your highest kW or kVA during a period.
- Network charges for poles, wires and metering, set or overseen by regulators.
- Environmental scheme costs included in pricing, depending on the offer.
- Retailer costs and margin for billing and service.
Gas bill components
- Usage charges in cents per MJ.
- Daily supply charge in cents per day.
- Distribution and transmission charges for pipelines and local networks.
- Retail fees and margin.
Step by step: How to find the cheapest gas and electricity supplier in your area
1) Get the right information from your bills
Use at least one recent bill for each fuel, and ideally 3 to 12 months if your usage is seasonal.
- Electricity: your NMI, tariff type, total kWh, supply charge, usage rates, demand details (if any).
- Gas: your MIRN (or equivalent), total MJ, supply charge, usage rates.
- Contract details: end date, whether you are on a standing offer or market offer, and any exit fees.
2) Compare offers on total annual cost, not headline rates
“Cheapest rate” advertising often focuses on a single number. In reality, a plan with a slightly higher usage rate can still be cheaper overall if the supply charge or demand charges are lower for your profile.
For a fair comparison, model each offer using your actual usage and tariff structure, and compare the estimated annual total.
3) Check the tariff structure fits how you operate
The cheapest plan for a daytime office may be different to the cheapest plan for a venue that trades at night.
- Single rate can suit consistent usage patterns.
- Time of use can reward off-peak operation, but can be costly if most usage sits in peak windows.
- Demand tariffs can be expensive if you have short, high spikes, such as HVAC start-up or equipment cycling.
4) Review contract terms and “gotchas”
- Benefit periods: discounts can expire before the contract ends.
- Conditional discounts: pay-on-time or direct debit conditions can remove the advertised saving.
- Price change clauses: some offers allow prices to change during the term.
- Rollovers: contracts can move onto higher rates after expiry.
5) Use the right comparison tool for your state
For households and many small businesses, government comparison tools are a useful starting point:
- Energy Made Easy (NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, ACT)
- Victorian Energy Compare (VIC)
For many businesses, a broker-style comparison can be faster because it accounts for tariffs, demand structures, multi-site complexity, and contract timing.
Is it cheaper to bundle gas and electricity with one retailer?
Sometimes, but not always. Bundling can simplify admin and may come with a dual-fuel discount. But you can also lose access to a sharper electricity-only or gas-only offer.
The only reliable way to know is to compare:
- the best bundled offer total annual cost, versus
- the best separate electricity and gas offers total annual cost.
What matters most by customer type
Home and small business customers
- Keep the comparison simple, focus on total annual cost.
- Watch supply charges and discount conditions.
- Confirm you are not on an uncompetitive standing offer.
Commercial and multi-site customers
- Demand charges and tariff selection can drive large savings.
- Aligning contract end dates across sites can reduce renewal risk.
- Procurement timing matters, start early rather than renewing under pressure.
Australian regulatory context to know (so you can compare with confidence)
Energy markets in Australia are regulated, but retail pricing still varies significantly between offers.
- The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) oversees consumer protections and sets default electricity safety-net prices in parts of the National Electricity Market.
- In Victoria, the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) provides a benchmark for standing offers.
- Networks are regulated and their charges are generally not negotiable with retailers, but your tariff selection can change your network cost outcomes.
How Zembl helps you find the cheapest supplier for your exact area
Zembl compares your current pricing against offers available for your location and meter set-up, based on your real bill data. If we find a better deal and you choose to proceed, we handle the switching admin for you.
- Bill-based comparison, not guesswork
- Help for electricity-only, gas-only, or dual fuel
- Support for multi-site and more complex metering
- No interruption to supply when switching retailers
Related guides
- Compare energy plans
- Compare electricity plans
- Gas electric quotes
- Gas and electric compare
- Business energy
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch gas or electricity retailers without losing supply?
Yes. Switching retailers is an administrative change. Your physical supply remains connected, the retailer manages billing and customer service.
How often should I compare my electricity and gas plans?
A good rule of thumb is to review at least every 12 months, and also 2 to 3 months before a contract end date. Review sooner if your bills rise unexpectedly or your operating hours change.
What is the fastest way to work out if I am overpaying?
Use your latest bill and compare total annual cost against current offers for your postcode and tariff. If you want to save time, Zembl can do this comparison for you and explain the result clearly.
Why do my neighbours get a different “best deal”?
Even nearby sites can have different meters, tariffs, operating hours, and usage patterns. Those differences change the total annual cost under each offer.
Next step: Get a free comparison
If you want to find the cheapest gas and electricity supplier in your area without spending hours on plan fine print, share a recent bill with Zembl for an obligation-free comparison.
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