Keep reading to read further details on each step of the way.
Finder survey: How many Australians know how to switch energy providers?
Response
Yes
80.79%
No
19.21%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1145 Australians, December 2023
1. Review your current energy plan and usage
Look at your energy bill to take stock of your current situation. Things to consider:
What are you currently paying?
Are you on a contract (in which case there may be exit fees)?
Are you receiving a fixed rate or variable rate (more on that below)?
What is your current usage?
If you have trouble reading your bill or you're not sure of something, you can call your provider and ask them to clarify it for you.
A summary of how much energy your household consumes will typically be broken down in your bill as cost per day and average daily usage with a comparison for the previous year (if applicable).
It may look something like this:
When was the last time you switched?
Only 13% of people have switched their gas and/or electricity provider in the last 6 months, according to our consumer sentiment tracker data, despite skyrocketing energy prices. Victorians were the most likely to switch electricity plans (16%).
Price. Make sure the prices on offer fit your budget compared to what you're currently paying.
Variable vs fixed rates plans. A variable rate plan has no guaranteed rate, meaning your bills could fluctuate when your energy provider changes how much it charges you for using power. Fixed rate plans are less common but will lock in your usage rates for 12 months (most common timeframe).
Market offer. A "market offer" is a rate that is generally cheaper than the benchmark set by the government. That threshold is called the Default Market Offer (DMO) or reference price. In Victoria, it's called the Victoria Default Offer. It was introduced in some states back in 2019 to help Aussies compare energy plans.
Discounts and other bonuses. Whether it's credit, deals for bundling or other perks, you might get a great energy plan with extras.
Customer service. Some providers might offer more than one payment option or ways to get in touch. There are those that offer a user-friendly mobile app where you can manage your energy account easily as well as seek customer support.
Hidden fees. Some energy providers charge meter read fees. They can also quote hefty disconnection fees at times. Make sure to call the provider before signing up to clarify any "extra costs" that may not be clear on the plan they've advertised.
Once you've decided on your new energy retailer and signed up online, let them handle the switch from your old provider in the background.
You'll continue to receive power as usual. Your old provider may carry out one last meter read (this is sometimes charged to you) and issue you a final bill for the remaining billing period.
Your new retailer will send you your new contract. Any bonuses such as reward points will be added to the relevant accounts.
Tip: Revisit your plan every 12 months, save up to $300
Make switching an annual conversation with your household to maximise on your savings.
Typically the 12-month mark is when you run out any benefit period attached to your energy plan such as guaranteed discounts or fixed rates. It's good to shop around for a better deal at this point or contact your current provider to change to a different plan with more savings.
Good to know. Switching energy plans could save you anywhere between $180 and $300.
Why should I switch energy providers right now?
Australia is currently facing an energy crisis. Due to events overseas, the cost of black coal (used to produce 70–80% of Australia's electricity) has increased dramatically. This has had a knock-on effect all the way down to your energy bill, with power prices doubling over the past year.
Exit fees. These are typically charged when you're exiting a fixed-term arrangement before the contracted term is up. Depending on your situation it might save you money to wait until your fixed term ends before you switch.
Disconnection and connection fees. These are only charged when you move to a new home. Any disconnection fee will be included on your last bill from your old provider. Any connection fee will be included on the first bill from your new provider.
Good to know: When you switch providers you'll be onboarded to a cooling-off period (10 business days). During this period you are entitled to cancel your plan.
Who can switch energy providers?
Energy is regulated differently across Australia with only residents in some regions able to choose their electricity and gas retailers. These include residents in:
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory (limited options)
South Australia
South-East Queensland
Tasmania (limited options)
Victoria
Options are limited for residents in Northern Territory and Tasmania due to smaller markets. In Western Australia, some residents within the Perth metropolitan area are able to choose their gas retailer.
Keep in mind. Due to regulations currently in place, residents in Regional Queensland (outside of the South East) and Western Australia can't switch their energy retailers.
Yes, some energy providers offer sign-up credit to new customers or bundling discounts if you combine your energy and Internet plans with them. Taking advantage of these can sometimes lead to big savings but be sure to consider all your options before making a decision.
Switching shouldn't take more than 2 business days. Before regulations changed it could take up to 90 days but now retailers can give you an estimated final meter reading if they can't do a physical check within the 48 hours.
Australian consumers are entitled to a 10-day "cooling-off period" after they switch electricity providers. This just means you have 10 days to cancel a new plan after signing up without incurring any penalties.
Your National Metering Identifier (NMI) is a 10- or 11-digit number identifying your electricity meter. It will be on your energy bill.
Keep in mind: The NMI is not the same as the serial number you may see printed on your electricity or gas meter.
On your bill it might look something like this:
You might need to quote your NMI number when:
Connecting electricity at your property, which helps ensure power is connected at the right property
Installing an electricity meter at a newly built property. An NMI will be issued to you so an electrician can connect the property
An electrician is performing work on your electricity meter. They may need to quote your NMI on paperwork
A disconnection fee is only charged to cover the cost of disconnecting a property from the energy grid. This typically happens when you move houses. The fee is charged by the energy distributor and (as the entity responsible for billing) your retailer passes it on to you. It can cost anywhere between $10 and $100-plus.
While you might expect all retailers on the same distribution network, e.g. Ausgrid in NSW, to charge the same price, at time of publishing we have seen disconnection fees vary across providers.
Origin Energy, for example, charges $12.79 for connection/disconnection while Dodo charges $55 per connection/disconnection. If you're a renter or planning to move houses soon this may be something to watch out for when comparing your options.
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Written by
Dylan Crismale
Dylan Crismale was a utilities writer at Finder. Prior to joining Finder he was at Twitter, 2SER, Vertigo Magazine and Central News. See full profile
Most Western Australia residents can't switch electricity providers but have a few options when it comes to gas. Find out if you can switch energy retailers.
You have the power to switch energy plans in Adelaide and the rest of South Australia. Luckily it only takes minutes to hunt down the cheapest options with us.
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