Compare energy plans NSW: electricity and gas, save and switch

Energy prices and plan structures can change quickly in New South Wales. If you have been searching for ways to reduce your power bill at home, or to bring down overheads for a small business, a structured comparison is one of the most reliable places to start. The key is knowing what to compare, not just which retailer has the loudest discount.

This guide explains how NSW electricity and gas plans are priced, what to look for on your bill, common tariff types, and how to switch safely. If you would rather skip the spreadsheets, Zembl can compare options across our retailer panel and manage the switch paperwork for you.

How the NSW energy market works

In NSW (and the rest of the National Electricity Market), most customers have two main sets of costs baked into their bill:

Network and metering charges: set by your local distributor and other regulated parties. You cannot choose the distributor, it is based on your address.
Retail charges: set by the retailer you choose. This is the part you can usually influence by comparing plans.

Retailers package pricing in different ways, so two plans with a similar headline usage rate can still have very different annual costs once supply charges, time-of-use periods, controlled load, and fees are included.

What you should compare in NSW energy plans

1) Daily supply charge vs usage rates

Most NSW electricity offers include:

Supply charge: a fixed daily amount to stay connected.
Usage: the cents per kWh you pay for the energy you consume.

If your usage is low (for example, small households or sites that close for part of the year), the supply charge can make up a surprisingly large share of your total bill. If your usage is high (for example, a café, cold storage, or longer trading hours), usage rates and peak periods can matter more.

2) Tariff type: single rate, time of use, demand, controlled load

NSW customers may be on different tariff structures depending on metering and network rules:

Single rate (flat): same usage price regardless of time.
Time of use: different peak, shoulder and off-peak rates. This can suit businesses that can shift load to cheaper windows.
Demand tariffs: commonly applied to some business meters. Charges can be influenced by your highest demand interval during a billing period.
Controlled load: separate metered circuits for specific appliances (often older electric hot water systems). If you have controlled load, you should compare it specifically rather than assuming one headline kWh rate covers everything.

If you are unsure which tariff you are on, check the tariff section of your bill or ask your retailer. Zembl can also interpret your bill and explain which charges are driving cost.

3) Benefit periods and conditional discounts

Retail plans may include sign-up credits, pay-on-time discounts, or percentage discounts that only apply for a set time. Always check:

How long the benefit lasts
What happens after the benefit period ends
Any conditions (direct debit, e-billing, pay-on-time)

4) Contract length, fees and exit terms

Some offers are no lock-in, others are fixed term. Before switching, confirm:

Early exit fees (if any)
Move-out and final bill fees
Whether prices are fixed or can vary during the contract

5) Billing and customer support

For many small businesses, getting the bill right matters as much as the rate. Consider whether you need:

More frequent billing or specific billing cycles
Consolidated billing for multiple sites
Dedicated support channels

How much is power per kWh in NSW?

NSW electricity rates vary by distributor area (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy), your meter and tariff type, and the specific retail offer. That is why a generic cents per kWh figure can be misleading.

A more accurate approach is to compare plans using your actual bill data, including your supply charge, any time-of-use periods, and your consumption pattern. This is how you get an estimated annual cost that reflects your reality rather than averages.

Does NSW have the cheapest energy in Australia?

Not usually. NSW prices can be higher than some other NEM regions, depending on the year and wholesale conditions. Even within NSW, costs vary by network area and tariff. The practical takeaway is simple: if you have not reviewed your plan recently, there is a chance you are paying more than you need to.

How to compare energy plans in NSW step by step

Grab a recent bill: ideally the most recent one, and a second bill from a different season if your usage changes in summer or winter.
Confirm your meter and tariff: flat vs time of use, controlled load, demand, and whether you have solar export.
Compare on estimated annual cost: not just the headline usage rate. Supply charges and time bands can change the result.
Check the fine print: benefit periods, fees, price change clauses, and billing options.
Time the switch: switching retailers generally does not involve a physical interruption, but it is still worth aligning with your billing cycle and checking any outstanding fees.

Government tools you can use in NSW

For households and many small businesses in NSW, you can use the Australian Government comparison service Energy Made Easy to view generally available offers. It can be a useful baseline, then you can sanity-check results against your bill and your tariff details.

Common mistakes when comparing plans

Only comparing discounts rather than the estimated annual cost.
Ignoring the supply charge, especially for low-usage sites.
Not accounting for time-of-use behaviour, particularly for businesses with peak-heavy operations.
Missing controlled load or demand charges that sit outside the main usage rate.
Comparing based on postcode averages rather than your actual bill.

How Zembl helps you compare and switch in NSW

If you want a faster path than manual comparisons, Zembl can help you run a practical comparison using your bill data and preferences.

Free, no-obligation comparison across our retailer panel.
Bill-led analysis: we factor in supply charge, usage structure, and tariff type.
Support for homes and businesses, including multi-site needs.
We handle the paperwork once you decide to proceed.

To get started, share a recent bill and your contact details and one of our local energy experts will talk you through options and likely savings.

Related NSW energy guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch energy retailers in NSW without losing power?

Yes. Switching retailers is an administrative change. Your distributor and physical connection stay the same, so there is typically no interruption to supply.

How often should I compare energy plans in NSW?

For most households and small businesses, reviewing at least once a year is a good rule, and also whenever your contract ends, you move premises, or your usage changes (new equipment, longer trading hours, solar installation).

Is it worth comparing gas plans too?

If you use gas (for example, heating, cooking, hot water), it is usually worth comparing. In some cases, bundling electricity and gas with one retailer can simplify billing, but it is not always the cheapest, so compare on total cost.

What information do I need for a proper comparison?

A recent bill is the fastest way. It shows your tariff type, meter details, rates, and consumption. If you are a business with multiple meters or sites, include a list of NMIs and the trading hours for each site for a more accurate review.

Next step: get a free NSW energy comparison

If you would like Zembl to compare options for your home or business in NSW, send through a recent bill and we will do the analysis and present suitable offers. If you choose to switch, we will handle the admin.