Compare Business Energy Prices | How Australian Businesses Can Save

A practical guide for Australian SMEs and larger commercial operators on how to review contracts, compare offers and secure better business energy deals without the hassle.

Why comparing business energy offers matters

Energy is one of the biggest controllable overheads for many Australian businesses. Yet a lot of operators stay on default or out of contract rates for years, simply because comparing offers feels confusing or time consuming.

Regularly reviewing the deals available in the market can help you:

Move away from expensive default offers
Lock in more competitive unit rates and supply charges
Choose tariff structures that better match your usage pattern
Access discounts and value adds that fit your cash flow
Reduce the risk of bill shock when wholesale prices move

Across small and medium businesses, even modest percentage savings can add up to thousands of dollars per year that can be reinvested back into staff, stock or equipment.

Understand how business energy pricing works in Australia

Before you start reviewing plans, it helps to understand what actually makes up your bill.

Deregulated and regulated markets

In most of New South Wales, Victoria, south east Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia, small business customers are in a deregulated market. You are free to choose between a range of retailers and plan types.

In Western Australia, the Northern Territory, parts of regional Queensland and some sites in Tasmania, pricing remains regulated and choice is more limited. Even in these locations, it is still worth checking that you are on the most suitable tariff for your site and meter set up.

The main cost components on your bill

Most business bills are made up of two core charges:

A fixed daily supply charge, usually shown in cents per day
Variable usage charges, shown as cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh) for electricity or cents per megajoule (c/MJ) for gas

On top of this there may be other line items such as metering charges, environmental scheme costs and network fees. For larger users, demand charges based on the highest level of power drawn over a billing period can also be significant.

Common tariff structures for business

Retailers typically offer several tariff options. The most common are:

Single rate tariffs, where you pay the same usage rate at all times
Time of use tariffs, where different peak, off peak and sometimes shoulder rates apply depending on when you use power
Controlled load tariffs, which apply to specific separately metered equipment that can run at off peak times

Choosing the right tariff is just as important as the headline rate. For example, a café that runs ovens and coffee machines during the morning rush might prioritise cheaper peak rates, while a wholesaler that operates forklifts overnight might benefit more from low off peak prices.

Get your information ready before you compare

You will get better results from any comparison when you have accurate information about how your business actually uses energy.

Useful details to have on hand include:

Your National Metering Identifier (NMI) for electricity or MIRN for gas
The tariff code listed on your current bill
At least 12 months of billing history, so you can see seasonal trends
Whether your premises has a basic, interval or smart meter
Any specific operational constraints, such as trading hours or refrigeration that must run 24/7

If you work with a specialist brokerage or comparison service, this data allows them to model offers against your real consumption rather than relying on generic assumptions.

Key factors to review when you compare offers

Price is important, but it is not the only factor worth considering. When you review proposals from different retailers, look at the full picture, including:

Unit rates and supply charges

Assess both the fixed daily charge and the variable usage rates. A lower usage rate paired with a very high supply charge may not work out in your favour if your consumption is relatively low. Conversely, high usage sites can justify a higher supply charge if the per kilowatt hour rate is materially cheaper.

Contract length and flexibility

Business contracts commonly run from 12 to 36 months. Longer terms can provide budget certainty, but may involve higher exit fees or less flexibility if your circumstances change. Shorter terms or evergreen arrangements may offer more agility, but expose you to a higher risk of price movements.

Discounts and incentives

Offers might include conditional discounts for paying on time or by direct debit, as well as guaranteed discounts that apply regardless of your payment method. When you compare, always look at the estimated annual cost rather than just the headline discount percentage.

Tariff type and demand charges

Check whether the offer is based on a single rate or time of use structure, and whether demand charges apply. High demand charges can outweigh attractive usage rates if your site has short but intense periods of consumption.

Green energy and sustainability options

Many retailers now provide accredited renewable energy options or carbon offset products. If environmental performance is important for your brand or tender requirements, consider how each plan supports your sustainability goals.

Use trusted tools and expert help

There are several ways Australian businesses can review the market.

Public comparison sites can be a useful starting point, particularly for smaller sites with relatively simple usage patterns. Government resources are also available to help small businesses understand what is on offer in their region.

Specialist energy advisors can add extra value where usage is higher, or where you operate multiple sites. They can run a tailored tender process, interpret complex tariff structures and negotiate directly with retailers to seek sharper rates.

Services such as Zembl’s business bill comparison give you access to an expert who will review a recent bill, explain where your money is currently going and then present offers from a panel of leading retailers. This can save you hours of research and reduce the risk of missing important contract details.

For more detail on how this process works, explore Zembl’s dedicated business energy page.

Watch out for common comparison pitfalls

When you line up business energy offers, small differences in contract terms can have a big impact on your total cost. A few traps to watch for include:

Only comparing on the size of the advertised discount
Ignoring the daily supply charge
Assuming peak and off peak times are the same across all retailers
Overlooking fees for late payment, paper billing or credit card use
Letting a contract roll onto expensive default rates at expiry

If you are unsure how any of these terms work, ask the retailer to clarify in writing or seek guidance from an independent expert before you sign.

Timing your review in the Australian market

Energy prices move in response to wholesale costs, network investments, weather patterns and policy settings. While no one can perfectly predict future prices, there are a few practical timing tips:

Set a reminder to start reviewing options at least three to six months before your current contract expires
Avoid waiting until after your contract has already rolled onto default or standing rates
If your usage is significant, consider asking for market commentary from an advisor who monitors forward prices

Larger commercial and industrial customers may also have the option to forward purchase energy through wholesale linked products. Zembl’s commercial energy team can help you understand whether this is suitable for your sites.

Align your energy plan with how your business operates

The most suitable offer for one business may be very different from the best option for a neighbour in the same street. When comparing plans, consider how each option supports your operations.

Questions to ask yourself include:

Do your trading hours line up with peak or off peak periods
Are there loads you can shift to lower cost times, such as cleaning, baking or machinery warm up
Is your business planning to expand, relocate or change its operating model within the next contract period
Do you expect to add new equipment that will materially change your consumption profile

If you plan ahead for these changes, you will be better placed to choose a plan structure that stays suitable over the life of your contract.

Looking beyond price to reduce overall energy spend

Comparing offers is only one lever you can pull to reduce energy costs. Efficiency measures and demand management can have just as much impact over time.

Cost reduction strategies to consider include:

Upgrading to LED lighting and high efficiency air conditioning
Installing timers and occupancy sensors so lights and equipment are not left running unnecessarily
Reviewing thermostat settings to avoid overcooling or overheating your premises
Scheduling high load processes outside peak times where practical
Considering solar or other behind the meter solutions where site conditions allow

Zembl can connect eligible businesses with specialist partners who provide solar assessments, energy audits and other efficiency services.

If you want to understand more about how tariffs and discounts work, the article on business electricity plans provides a detailed overview.

How Zembl helps simplify comparison and switching

Australian businesses use Zembl to take the legwork out of the comparison process.

The typical journey involves:

Sharing a recent electricity or gas bill and some basic business details
Allowing a Zembl Energy Expert to review your current pricing, usage and plan structure
Receiving a clear explanation of how your current deal works
Reviewing alternative offers from a panel of leading retailers
Choosing an option that fits your goals, with Zembl managing the paperwork and coordination with your new and existing retailer

For many businesses the full comparison call takes less than ten minutes, with no interruption to supply during the switch.

When to seek a more advanced procurement strategy

If your business spends more than around $30,000 per year on energy, has multiple sites or uses interval metering, you may benefit from a more strategic approach than a simple plan comparison.

In this situation, a structured energy tender or wholesale linked contract may deliver better long term outcomes. This can involve:

Running a competitive process across multiple retailers
Locking in portions of your load at different times to spread price risk
Combining sites to leverage greater volume
Integrating renewable or battery solutions into your overall strategy

Zembl’s commercial energy specialists can support businesses through this process and then provide ongoing energy intelligence and efficiency recommendations across the life of the contract.

Practical next steps for Australian businesses

To make your next comparison exercise as effective as possible:

Gather copies of your last few energy bills
Note your contract end date and any early termination fees
Think about upcoming changes in your business operations
Decide whether you prefer price certainty or the potential to benefit from market movements

Once you have this information, you can speak with your current retailer, contact a specialist advisor or request a free business bill review from Zembl. The outcome should be a plan that supports your budget, your growth ambitions and your sustainability goals, without adding unnecessary admin to your to do list.