There’s a perception in life that loyalty will be rewarded, but that’s often not the case when it comes to energy providers. If your bills keep getting higher, and you suspect you might be getting ripped off, then keep reading. We’ve compiled the most helpful tips for comparing and switching energy providers in gas and electricity plans in Australia so that you can find the best deal available.
Switching to a better plan? You may already have an energy plan but want more power or to shop for a better deal.
Energy Matters‘ “Free Energy Bill Comparator” is a cutting-edge energy bill tool that compares your area’s most competitive retail offers. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide on the switching plan and find the best deal for your needs.
If your goal is to get more electricity and minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!
Who can switch their energy provider?
The good news is that most Australian residents have the power to choose their electricity and gas providers! This applies to all states except Regional Queensland residents outside the South-East and Western Australia, where the energy market remains regulated. You can take advantage of a competitive energy market and potentially find a better deal for your home if you live in:*
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- New South Wales (NSW)
- South Australia (SA)
- South-East Queensland (SE QLD)
- Victoria (VIC)
Some Western Australia (WA) residents can choose their gas provider if they live in the Perth metropolitan region. Tasmanian and Northern Territory (NT) residents have a restricted number of suppliers from which to choose.
*Please remember that this information applies solely to National Electricity Market (NEM) states and territories (i.e., NSW, QLD, ACT, SA, VIC, and TAS).
Why should you switch energy providers?
There are many compelling reasons to consider switching electricity suppliers in Australia. Here’s a closer look at some of the key benefits:
Seeking more affordable rates
By switching energy providers, you can potentially find a plan with more competitive pricing that better suits your energy usage patterns. Comparison websites and tools can help you find plans with lower electricity rates, potentially leading to significant savings on your annual energy bills.
Partnering with a values-aligned service provider
Looking to make eco-friendly choices? Some energy providers offer plans that utilise renewable energy sources or carbon-neutral offsets. Switching to a provider with values that align with yours allows you to make a positive environmental impact while powering your home.
Choosing plans with contract flexibility
Gone are the days of being locked into inflexible contracts. Many providers now offer plans with greater flexibility, allowing you to switch again if you find a better deal elsewhere. This empowers you to stay in control of your energy costs.
Benefiting from solar electricity incentives
If you have a solar power system installed at your home, switching to a provider with attractive feed-in tariffs can maximise the financial benefits of your solar investment. Look for providers who offer competitive rates for the excess electricity your solar panels generate.
Experiencing superior customer service
Not all energy providers are created equal. Switching allows you to choose a company that prioritises excellent customer service. Look for providers known for responsive communication, efficient online account management tools, and readily available support channels.
Simplifying with unified utility services
Some providers offer bundled plans that include electricity and gas. Consolidating your utilities with a single provider can streamline your billing process and even result in bundled discounts.
How long will it take to switch electricity suppliers?
Switching electricity providers in Australia is a streamlined process designed to be quick and convenient. Once you’ve identified a better deal through comparison websites or directly with a new retailer, the switch typically takes two business days. This is a significant improvement from the past when switching could take up to three months.
However, it’s important to note that switching gas providers can still take longer, up to 90 days, due to meter reading schedules. If you have both gas and electricity with the same provider, they’ll usually be transferred on the same date, but this can vary depending on your request or the new provider’s procedures.
5 tips for getting a better deal
Here are some tips for getting a better deal:
Avoiding Bill-Shock and the ‘Lazy Tax’
We’ve all had that awful, sinking feeling where we receive a bill only to find it’s far higher than we expected. This “bill-shock”, while common, is usually the result of service providers capitalising on inattention and inertia to increase prices for existing customers – particularly for those on a direct debit arrangement.
Oftentimes you’ll sign up on a great energy deal only to find a year or so down the track that the deal is no longer competitive or that the discount has been removed entirely. You’ve been hit with the “lazy tax”.
The “lazy tax” (or the “loyalty penalty”) is simply the price you pay for not regularly shopping around and swapping power companies for a better energy deal. The reality is, that once you’re locked in a plan, you shouldn’t expect your provider to reach out with special offers and discounts. The same principle applies to insurance brokers, telecommunications providers and almost all set-and-forget subscription services.
We get it – it’s a hassle to constantly shop around for energy providers. Life gets in the way, and energy companies know this. The question is, can you afford to ignore the issue?
Pay attention to renewal notices
The best time to shop around is when your contract is up for renewal. Whether with your existing provider or a switch energy provider’s new one, you’ll often have access to deals far superior to the one you’re currently getting.
Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate
Maybe you like your current provider. The reason why people stay with their provider doesn’t always come down to them offering the best deal. Perhaps they like the fact it’s an Australian-owned company or maybe the customer service is excellent. It still doesn’t mean you should pay more than the next customer. In this case, the best thing you can do is compare your current rate with other providers, and, armed with these prices, go back to your existing provider and negotiate a better deal. If they don’t budge, then you can always…
Threaten to leave …
All energy providers have a retention department. This department is in charge of persuading people to stay with the company, and its primary goal is to reduce cancellations. At this point of the conversation, you will have the most leverage. Your most powerful bargaining chip is quoting prices or discounts from competitors, i.e.: “Energy provider X is offering me the same service but for X amount less. If you can’t match that then you’re incentivising me to leave.” As we said, powerful stuff.
If your service provider won’t come to the party or you’re feeling jaded at this point, then maybe you should…
…actually leave
Remember, new customers usually get the best deals. While companies want to keep their existing customers, they also want to poach customers from other providers, and so provide attractive incentives to make the switch. Sometimes you’ll even find that your previous provider backflips and offers you an even better deal to return.
If you do decide to leave, first find out if there are any cancellation fees before signing up for a new plan.
Finally…
We can do the shopping around for you! Why not leave the stress behind and let us do the footwork for you – complete our quick energy comparator quiz and we’ll show you what you can be saving and help you make the switch in a few quick steps. Arm yourself with a recent energy bill and use our FREE energy comparator today!
A greener alternative
Here at Energy Matters, we believe in a zero-carbon future. As an advocate for sustainable, affordable and greener energy solutions, we always recommend that Australians switch electricity from the grid to a solar PV system.
With an average saving of 31% on your energy bills, solar PV systems pay for themselves in just a few short years. You can receive up to 3 free, obligation-free quotes from trusted local solar installers – it’ll only take you a few minutes! You can also call us on 1800 EMATTERS or email our friendly team for expert advice.
Why choose Energy Matters?
- We’ve been in the solar industry since 2005 and have helped over 40,000 Australian households journey to energy independence.
- We’ve pre-qualified and vetted our solar installers, who are accredited for their track record of delivering Australia’s best business and household solar systems.
- We’ll match you with installers who are local to you so you can get a quote that’s tailored to your needs.
Benefits of going solar with Energy Matters
We’ll connect you with 3 different solar installers so you can compare prices and services.
We only work with solar installers who have been pre-qualified and vetted for their track record of delivering quality solar systems.
We’ll support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final installation. Our team will assist you with the information you need to go solar!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you feel your electricity supplier needs to follow the regulations set out by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), you can take steps. You can lodge a complaint with your supplier directly, outlining the issue and seeking a resolution. If you’re unsatisfied with their response, you can escalate the complaint to your state’s Energy and Water Ombudsman.
The Australian energy market is dynamic, with providers offering new deals and plans constantly. To ensure you’re getting the best value, it’s wise to regularly review your electricity plan and consider switching suppliers if a better option arises. There isn’t a single “best” time to switch, but some good opportunities include:
End of contract term: Many plans have contract terms. When yours is nearing its end, it’s a prime time to compare offers from other suppliers.
Significant changes in your electricity usage: If your household’s electricity consumption has increased or decreased considerably, you might find a new plan that better suits your current needs.
Attractive offers from new suppliers: Electricity providers frequently launch enticing deals to attract new customers. Keep an eye out for offers that align with your usage patterns and budget.
Generally, you have a “cooling-off” period after switching electricity suppliers in Australia. This grace period allows you to cancel your new plan without penalty, typically within 10 business days of signing up. The specific timeframe may vary depending on the supplier, so it’s crucial to check the terms and conditions of your new plan before the cooling-off period ends.
