Electricity compare: how to compare electricity plans in Australia

If you have been searching for “electricity compare” or “energy compare”, you are usually trying to answer one question: am I paying more than I need to for power?

In Australia, comparing electricity deals is not just about finding the lowest cents per kWh. The best value plan depends on where you are, how your home or business uses energy, and what sits behind the headline rate, including daily supply charges, controlled load tariffs, time-of-use periods, demand charges (common for businesses), and conditional discounts.

This guide explains how to compare electricity plans with confidence, what to look for on your bill, and when it makes sense to get help from an independent specialist like Zembl.

How electricity plan comparison works in Australia

Electricity prices vary across Australia because they are made up of multiple components:

Wholesale energy cost: the market cost of electricity, which moves over time.
Network charges: set by distribution businesses, varies by region and tariff type.
Retail costs and margin: what retailers charge to run customer service, billing, and manage risk.
Environmental scheme costs: costs associated with renewable and emissions schemes, which can be bundled into rates.

Your options and pricing are also influenced by your state or territory, your network area, your meter type (basic or smart meter), and whether you are a residential customer, small business, or a large commercial user.

What you need before you compare electricity plans

To compare accurately, start with your most recent bill. If you have it, also grab one from a different season, because summer and winter usage can look very different.

Look for these details:

Postcode and address: determines your distribution network region.
Tariff type: flat rate, time-of-use, controlled load, or demand-based (often commercial).
Usage: total kWh, plus peak and off-peak breakdown if applicable.
Supply charge: daily fixed charge.
Any demand charges: typically a $/kW charge based on your highest demand during a set window.
Contract info: benefit period, end date, and exit fees (if any).

For businesses, interval data (half-hourly or 5-minute) can be extremely valuable because it shows when you use energy, not just how much you use.

What to compare beyond the headline rate

1) Daily supply charge

A plan with a low usage rate can still be expensive if the daily supply charge is high. This matters more for low-usage homes or sites that are closed for parts of the year.

2) Time-of-use periods (peak, shoulder, off-peak)

If you are on time-of-use pricing, check the definitions of peak and off-peak. They vary by state and retailer, and the “peak” window is often where most of the cost sits. A plan can look cheap overall but have a particularly high peak rate.

3) Controlled load (hot water) tariffs

Many homes, especially with electric hot water systems, have controlled load. Make sure you compare controlled load rates separately, rather than assuming they are included in the main usage rate.

4) Demand charges (common for commercial sites)

Demand charges can materially change your total bill. Two offers with similar cents per kWh can produce very different outcomes once demand charges are applied.

If your bill includes demand, compare:

Demand window: the times of day demand is measured.
Measurement method: highest kW in the month, average of top intervals, or another method.
Demand rate: $/kW.

5) Benefit period and conditional discounts

Some discounts only apply for a set period, or only if you pay on time, pay by direct debit, or bundle gas and electricity. When comparing, focus on the cost over the full benefit period and what your bill is likely to be after it ends.

6) Fees and contract terms

Check for:

Exit fees and notice requirements
Credit card payment fees
Late payment fees
How price changes are communicated during the contract

Using government tools to compare electricity deals

The Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy tool is a free comparison service for households and small businesses in participating states and territories. It can be a useful starting point because it is independent and provides a consistent way to compare offers.

However, you still need to interpret what you see. In particular, ensure you are comparing like-for-like tariff types, and review the plan details to confirm fees, benefit periods, and conditions.

Common electricity comparison mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Comparing only cents per kWh: always include the supply charge and any demand or controlled load components.
Using the wrong usage profile: comparing without a bill can lead to estimates that do not reflect your actual usage.
Ignoring timing: if you are on time-of-use, a cheaper off-peak rate does not help if most usage is during peak.
Overlooking contract rollover risk: some customers roll onto higher default pricing if they do not act before the benefit period ends.
Not checking solar feed-in terms: if you have solar, feed-in tariffs and export limits can change the value of a plan.

Can you negotiate electricity prices in Australia?

For businesses, negotiation can be possible, especially if you have:

multiple sites
higher usage or a consistent load profile
clear contract timing and a willingness to consider different contract lengths

Negotiation is less about a single “discount” and more about the overall structure, including demand and network-related components where relevant. It can be time-consuming if you do it alone, because it involves collecting data, going to market, comparing offers, and reviewing non-price terms.

How Zembl helps with electricity comparison

Zembl helps Australian households and businesses compare electricity plans and move to better-value options, without the admin burden. Depending on your size and needs, support can include bill reviews, tariff checks, offer comparisons, and coordinating the switch.

If you are a business customer with more complex tariffs or multiple sites, our team can also help manage the procurement process, including timing, tendering, and reviewing contract terms.

How the Zembl process works

Step 1: We review your bill and tariff details

We start by understanding your current plan, tariff type, and any key drivers of cost, such as time-of-use exposure or demand charges. For businesses, this can include reviewing interval data where available.

Step 2: We compare offers and explain the trade-offs

We compare available options across our retailer panel and focus on total cost, not just headline rates. We then present clear recommendations that match your priorities, such as price certainty, flexibility, or green energy preferences.

Step 3: We coordinate the switch

If you choose to proceed, we help manage the paperwork and switching process, and can support you through the first billing cycle to ensure everything lines up.

Frequently asked questions about electricity comparison

How often should I compare electricity plans?

Many households and small businesses review annually, or whenever their retailer notifies them of a price change. If your benefit period is ending, it is worth comparing before you roll onto higher rates.

Will switching electricity providers interrupt my supply?

In most cases, no. Your electricity is delivered by the same distribution network, and switching retailers is primarily an administrative change.

Is the cheapest plan always the best plan?

Not always. The best plan is the one that produces the lowest total cost for your usage pattern, with terms you are comfortable with.

Can I compare gas as well?

Yes. If you have both electricity and gas, comparing them together can help you understand bundling offers and total energy spend. Businesses can also benefit from aligning contract dates to reduce admin.

Next step: get help comparing electricity plans

If you want a clearer answer than a generic “electricity compare” search result, Zembl can help you review your current plan and compare options that actually fit your usage.

Talk to Zembl to get started.