Commercial electrical companies: How to choose the right business electricity supplier

Many people search for “commercial electrical companies” when what they really need is a business electricity supplier (an energy retailer) that can provide competitive rates, suitable tariffs and a contract structure that matches how their site uses power.

In Australia, you can usually choose between multiple electricity retailers (depending on your state, network area and meter type). The hard part is comparing offers properly because the lowest advertised cents per kWh is rarely the full story.

Zembl helps Australian businesses compare electricity plans and contract pricing with support from local Energy Experts and Energy Brokers, including multi-site and complex metering. If you want to sanity-check your current rates, we can review a recent bill and show you competitive options available through our retailer panel.

What is a commercial electrical company in Australia?

The phrase “commercial electrical company” can refer to two different things:

Commercial electrical contractors: electricians who install, maintain and repair electrical systems in commercial buildings.
Commercial electricity providers (retailers): companies that sell electricity to businesses and issue your energy bill.

This page focuses on commercial electricity providers and how to compare business electricity offers. If you are looking for an electrician or electrical contractor, you should check licensing and insurance requirements for your state, as that is a separate service category.

Residential vs commercial power: What is the difference?

Business sites often have more complex electrical setups than homes. Common differences include:

Higher usage and peak demand: commercial loads can spike when equipment starts up (HVAC, refrigeration, machinery).
Three-phase supply: many business premises use three-phase power to support larger loads and reduce voltage imbalance.
Different tariff structures: businesses may be on time of use or demand-based network tariffs.
Contracting: business energy is commonly sold via market contracts with negotiated rates and terms, rather than standard residential style plans.

These differences are why business electricity comparisons should be based on your actual bill data, not generic headline prices.

How business electricity pricing works in Australia

Your business electricity charges are usually made up of several components. Understanding them helps you compare offers on a like-for-like basis:

Wholesale energy: the underlying market cost of electricity.
Network charges: regulated charges for using the poles and wires in your area. These vary by distribution network and tariff type.
Metering charges: fees associated with your meter type and data services.
Environmental scheme costs: costs linked to renewable energy schemes and state-based programs.
Retail costs and margin: what the retailer charges to serve and bill you.

For many businesses, network charges and tariff selection can be a major driver of total cost. This is why a plan review should consider tariff suitability, not just retailer rates.

What is the average commercial electricity bill in Australia?

Commercial electricity bills vary widely by industry, site size, trading hours, equipment, location and tariff. Instead of relying on a single “average”, it is more useful to benchmark by annual consumption bands:

Small business: up to 30,000 kWh per year
Small to medium: 30,000 to 150,000 kWh per year
Medium: 150,000 kWh to 1 million kWh per year
Large: 1 million to 7.5 million kWh per year
Extra large: more than 7.5 million kWh per year

If your bills feel high, the best next step is to review whether your site is on an appropriate tariff and whether your retail rates are still competitive for your usage profile.

What to look for when comparing commercial electricity providers

1. Tariff type: Single rate, time of use or demand

Many businesses can be placed on different tariff types depending on their meter and network rules. The most common are:

Single rate: the same usage rate all day
Time of use: different peak, shoulder and off-peak rates
Demand-based tariffs: includes a charge tied to your highest interval demand

Two businesses with the same annual kWh can pay very different amounts if one has high peak demand or operates mainly during peak pricing windows.

2. Supply charge vs usage rates

Cheaper usage rates do not always mean a cheaper bill. Daily supply charges can materially impact the total cost, especially for small sites or multi-site portfolios with lots of meters.

3. Contract length, risk and flexibility

Consider what matters most for your organisation:

Budget certainty vs exposure to market movement
12, 24 or 36 month terms (or other options for larger customers)
Exit fees and what happens if you relocate
What rates apply at the end of the term, including rollover conditions

4. Multi-site and multi-meter setup

Managing multiple NMIs across states can create hidden cost and admin overhead. A structured comparison can help you align renewal dates, standardise billing and prioritise the biggest saving opportunities first.

5. Sustainability options

Many retailers offer GreenPower, renewable matching or carbon-related options. The right approach depends on your ESG goals, reporting requirements and budget.

Common mistakes businesses make when choosing a provider

Comparing only cents per kWh instead of modelling the full bill outcome.
Ignoring demand charges (for larger sites) and then being surprised by peak demand costs.
Letting contracts roll over to higher rates after the initial term ends.
Not reviewing network tariffs annually, even when usage patterns have changed.

How Zembl helps you compare commercial electricity companies

Zembl simplifies business energy comparison and procurement. Depending on your size and complexity, we can help you:

Review a recent bill to identify tariff, rate and fee issues.
Compare offers from a panel of Australian energy retailers.
Run a structured procurement or tender for larger, multi-site or higher-usage organisations.
Coordinate the switch with minimal admin and no interruption to supply.

To learn more, explore these related resources:

Next steps: Get an obligation-free comparison

If you want to check whether you are paying more than you need to, the fastest way is to share a recent bill. Zembl can confirm your tariff type, review current market pricing and explain the options in plain English, then manage the paperwork if you choose to switch.

Speak with a Zembl Energy Expert to get started.