Price
Retailers will have varying prices and structures that will affect how much you pay each bill.
Benefits
Retailers may offer different types of discounts and benefits to standout from the competition.
GreenPower
Some retailers are accredited through the GreenPower program to provide renewable energy.
Contract details
Retailers have different contracts as well as terms and conditions that need to be considered.
How to find the best plan for you?
Energy Made Easy is a free Australian Government energy price comparison service for households and small businesses in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, that can be used to find and compare home and small business electricity and gas plans.
Discounts and incentives you can ask about
Retailers offer different types of discounts to standout from the competition and help you save money on your bill. When comparing energy plans or talking to your current retailer here are some discounts to ask about:Direct debit discount
When you let the retailer take the money for your bill straight from your credit card or bank account
Paperless billing discount
When you get your bill via email not in the mail
Bundling discount
When you get both your gas and electricity from the same retailer
Pay on time discount
When you pay the full amount on time
Check if the discount is off the total bill amount, or just one part of the bill. Also, make sure you check the prices as there may be another plan with no discounts but a lower overall tariff rate.
Benefit periods
You might have a plan that has a certain 'benefit' attached to it for a period of time (this is usually called 'benefit period'). Usually this is a price discount, but it can also be items like movie tickets or loyalty points. After the period ends, you will either pay full price again or no longer enjoy your benefits.
For example, you might sign up to a plan with a 12-month benefit period with a 10% discount. After 12 months, you stay on the same plan but no longer receive the discount. Retailers must tell you that your benefit period is ending at least 20 business days prior, and no earlier than 40 days.
Wholesale costs
Energy retailers buy their electricity from the same wholesale electricity market. The cost of this electricity for your retailer is factored into your price.
Transmission and Distribution costs
The network provider in your area (like Ausgrid) will charge your retailer for the costs of transporting electricity, and your retailer factors these costs into your retail prices.
Environmental costs
Retailers have government set obligations to pursue climate change and renewable energy objectives. Retailers may include the cost of these schemes in your bill.
Retail costs and margin
Retailers will factor in their own operating costs, such as metering, billing and customer service. They will also set prices in relation to their profit margin goals.
