Comparing electricity plans in Australia can feel messy because two offers that look similar on a website can produce very different bills once supply charges, time bands, demand charges and contract conditions are applied. If you are comparing plans for a business, the stakes are higher again because a small change in tariff structure can materially change monthly costs.
This guide explains what to look for when you compare electricity plans, how to use your bill to benchmark offers, and when it is worth getting expert help. If you want a shortcut, Zembl can review your current bill and compare offers from our retailer panel, then manage the switch paperwork for you.
What “best electricity plan” actually means for your site
There is no single cheapest plan for everyone. The best plan is the one that matches how your site uses energy. Two businesses with the same annual kWh can pay very different amounts depending on:
- When you use electricity: peak vs off-peak usage under time-of-use tariffs.
- How spiky your load is: maximum demand can trigger demand charges.
- Your meter type: accumulation vs smart meter interval data.
- Network tariff class: different network tariffs apply in each distribution area.
- Contract settings: term length, pass-throughs, fees and price change clauses.
How to compare electricity plans using your bill
Your most recent bill is the fastest way to compare like for like. For businesses, we recommend collecting at least 2 to 4 bills, ideally covering different seasons.
Step 1: Identify your key bill components
- Supply charge: a daily fixed cost. A higher supply charge can erase savings from a lower usage rate.
- Usage charges: cents per kWh, sometimes split by time band (peak, shoulder, off-peak).
- Demand charges: often $/kW based on your highest demand in a set interval window.
- Other charges: metering charges, environmental charges, and in some cases pass-through items.
Step 2: Confirm your tariff type
Common electricity tariff structures include:
- Single rate: one usage rate regardless of time. Simple, but not always the cheapest if you can shift load.
- Time-of-use (TOU): different rates by time band, usually higher during peak periods.
- Demand tariff: includes a demand component, often better for sites with stable demand and poor for sites with short high peaks.
- Block tariffs: rate steps based on how much you use, less common for business but still seen in some offers.
Step 3: Compare on estimated annual cost, not headline rate
When you compare electricity plans, a plan with the lowest cents per kWh is not always the lowest total cost. The most accurate comparison is an estimated annual cost based on your actual usage profile, including:
- your interval data where available
- your supply charge
- time bands and demand settings
- any benefit period limits or conditional discounts
What to check before you switch electricity providers
Contract length, renewal settings and exit fees
Many business electricity plans are offered on 12, 24 or 36 month terms. Before switching, check:
- contract end date and any notice period
- early termination fees or liquidated damages
- how prices can change during the term, especially on variable or market-linked products
Demand charges and how they are calculated
Demand charges can be a hidden driver of cost. These often depend on your maximum kW demand in a defined window, sometimes only during peak periods, sometimes across all intervals. If your business has short bursts of high usage, such as machinery start-up, HVAC cycling, or multiple ovens turning on at once, demand charges can be material.
When Zembl compares electricity plans, we look at the structure of the demand component and whether an alternative tariff could better match your load profile.
Time-of-use windows in your state
Time bands vary by distributor and state. A TOU plan might look attractive, but if most of your consumption falls into the peak window for your network area, you can end up worse off. If you can shift flexible load, TOU can help, for example:
- running dishwashers, laundry, or batch processes in off-peak windows
- pre-cooling or pre-heating outside peak windows
- staggering equipment start times to avoid a demand spike
GreenPower and renewable options
Many businesses want lower emissions options. Retail plans can include GreenPower add-ons or renewable claims, and larger sites may explore corporate renewable procurement structures. If sustainability targets matter, make sure you are comparing apples with apples, as not all “green” offers are equivalent.
Fastest ways to compare electricity plans in Australia
Use the government comparison tool for a baseline
The Australian Government provides Energy Made Easy for households and small businesses in participating jurisdictions. It can be useful to understand the market and your baseline options, but it does not replace a tailored review of business tariff structures, demand settings and contract terms.
Use Zembl for a tailored comparison and switching support
If you want to avoid hours of research, Zembl can do the comparison for you. The process is simple:
- Send us a recent bill so we can confirm your rates, tariff details and usage patterns.
- We compare suitable offers across our retailer panel and identify options aligned to your usage and risk preferences.
- You choose whether to proceed. If you approve, we handle the switching paperwork and retailer coordination.
If you are also reviewing gas, you may prefer a combined comparison so you can align contract dates and reduce admin.
Common mistakes businesses make when comparing plans
- Comparing only the cents per kWh and ignoring supply and demand charges.
- Not matching the tariff to operating hours, which can inflate peak costs.
- Missing benefit period conditions, for example discounts that only apply for part of the term.
- Forgetting metering and other fixed charges.
- Switching without checking contract end dates, which can trigger unnecessary exit fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth comparing electricity plans regularly?
Yes. Pricing, network tariffs and retailer offers change over time. For businesses, it is worth reviewing before contract renewal, after major operational changes, or when you install equipment like solar, refrigeration, or new production lines.
Will switching interrupt my power supply?
No. In most cases, switching retailers does not cause an interruption because the electricity is still delivered through the same local network. The change is mainly billing and contract administration.
Can I negotiate business electricity rates in Australia?
Often, yes, especially for businesses with higher usage, multiple sites, or a clear load profile. Negotiation is usually about the total offer, not just the usage rate. Zembl negotiates with retailers on your behalf where possible.
Get a free electricity plan comparison from Zembl
If you want to compare electricity plans with less hassle, send Zembl a recent bill and we will provide a free review, highlight where you may be overpaying, and present options that suit your business. You stay in control of the final decision, and we handle the admin if you choose to switch.
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