Electricity comparison for Australian businesses | Compare rates and contracts

Comparing electricity offers can feel like a full-time job, especially when you are running a business. Between tariff structures, contract conditions, and fees that can hide in the fine print, it is easy to end up on a plan that looks cheap on paper but costs more in practice.

Zembl helps Australian businesses compare electricity plans properly, then negotiates and manages the switch for you. This guide explains what to compare, what drives business power prices, and how to get a better deal with less admin.

Why electricity comparison matters for businesses

For many Australian businesses, electricity is one of the largest controllable overheads. A small difference in cents per kWh, a demand charge change, or an unsuitable tariff can add up quickly across multiple meters, long trading hours, or energy-intensive equipment.

Comparing plans is not only about finding the lowest headline rate. It is about matching the right tariff and contract structure to your actual load profile, budget needs, and risk tolerance.

How to compare electricity providers online

Most businesses use one of these approaches:

• Manual comparison: You request quotes, compare fact sheets, and try to model costs yourself. This can work, but it is time-consuming and hard to do like-for-like.
• Government comparison tools: Helpful for many households and some very small sites, but business plans and tariff structures can be more complex, and not all offers are presented the same way.
• Bill-based comparison with an expert: A broker or comparison service can use your actual bill data to compare offers, model costs, and negotiate terms.

If you want a bill-based review, Zembl can help via our energy comparison service.

What to check when doing an electricity comparison

Use the checklist below to avoid comparing on price alone.

1) Usage rate and daily supply charge

Most electricity bills include:

• Usage charges: the cost per kWh consumed. This can be flat or vary by time band.
• Supply charge: a fixed daily fee for staying connected to the grid.

A plan with a lower usage rate but higher supply charge may not be cheaper overall, especially for sites with low or seasonal consumption.

2) Tariff type: flat, time-of-use, or demand

Your tariff structure can have a bigger impact than the retailer name. Common business electricity tariff types include:

• Single rate (flat): one usage rate across the day. Often suits consistent usage patterns.
• Time-of-use (TOU): different rates for peak, shoulder and off-peak periods. This can suit businesses that can shift load away from peak times.
• Demand tariff: includes a charge based on your highest demand (kW) during a set interval. This can significantly affect costs for sites with short spikes, such as refrigeration start-up loads, HVAC, welders, or production ramp-ups.

If your business has a demand component, it is worth assessing whether demand management or a tariff change could reduce costs. Zembl can review this as part of a business electricity price comparison.

3) Contract term and price structure

Business electricity contracts commonly range from 12 to 36 months. When comparing, check:

• Fixed vs variable: fixed can provide budget certainty, variable can change during the term.
• Pass-through items: some components may be adjusted during the contract depending on the agreement.
• Renewal conditions: some contracts roll to higher standing rates at the end of term if not renegotiated.

4) Fees and charges that affect the real cost

Look beyond the headline cents per kWh and check for:

• Exit fees or early termination charges
• Late payment fees
• Payment method fees (card fees, merchant fees)
• Metering or service fees
• Demand charges, if applicable

These items can make a plan that looks cheaper become more expensive over the year.

5) Benefit periods and conditional discounts

Discounts and incentives can be valuable, but only if you understand the conditions. Ask:

• Is the discount conditional, for example pay-on-time?
• Does the discount apply to usage only, or usage and supply?
• How long does the benefit period last?

Model the cost after the discount ends so you are not caught out later.

6) GreenPower and renewable options

If your business has sustainability targets, you can compare plans that include renewable energy options. This might include GreenPower percentages or other renewable sourcing approaches depending on the retailer and your requirements.

It is also worth exploring whether onsite solar, a solar PPA, or other efficiency options are a fit. Zembl can help you consider your electricity plan alongside broader energy objectives.

What drives electricity prices in Australia

Electricity pricing is influenced by a mix of wholesale market conditions, regulated network charges, and retailer costs. The split varies by state and distribution area, but common drivers include:

• Network charges: costs set by poles and wires businesses and regulated by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for most of the National Electricity Market.
• Wholesale energy costs: can be affected by demand, generation supply, and weather-driven events.
• Retailer costs: billing, metering, hedging, and customer service.
• Environmental and scheme costs: depending on jurisdiction and scheme settings.

That is why the best approach is usually to compare using your bill data and site details, rather than relying on averages.

How to compare business electricity quotes the Zembl way

Our process is designed to be simple for busy teams:

1. Share a recent bill: this gives us your tariff, meter details, and usage patterns.
2. We model and compare: we compare offers and contract options based on your actual costs, not generic assumptions.
3. We present the best options: including trade-offs like term length, price certainty, and service.
4. We handle the switch: paperwork and coordination with the retailer, so you can stay focused on the business.

If you are comparing electricity across multiple sites, we can also help standardise contract dates and improve visibility across accounts.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cheapest electricity plan always the best for business?

Not always. A plan can have a low usage rate but higher supply charges, unsuitable time bands, or demand charges that increase your total costs. The best plan is the one with the lowest expected annual cost for your usage profile, with acceptable terms and risk.

Can I switch electricity retailers without downtime?

In most cases, switching retailers does not interrupt supply because the physical network does not change. The change is administrative, with the new retailer billing you moving forward.

What information do I need to compare electricity plans accurately?

A recent bill is usually enough to start. It includes your NMI, tariff details, supply charge, usage data, and often demand information where relevant.

How often should a business review its electricity plan?

Many businesses review when contracts are nearing end of term, when operations change, or when they add equipment, extend trading hours, or install solar. Regular reviews can help ensure your tariff and contract still match your load profile.

Get a business electricity comparison done properly

If you want to stop guessing and start comparing on real numbers, Zembl can help. We will review your bill, compare suitable offers, and manage the switch end-to-end.

To get started, explore our compare electricity business service, or see how we approach electricity compare requests.