It’s a message you hear all the time, but it’s completely true, and could help you save hundreds of dollars. Contact your energy provider and ask for a better deal! And there’s never been a better time to do it.
But before we give you some tips on what to say and what to ask for, there are first a couple of basic points to make about getting a good deal on your energy supply:
- There are two types of energy contracts – standard contracts and market contracts. If you have never switched providers, or haven’t done so in several months, you could be on a standard contract. This is a default energy contract and will almost certainly mean you are paying too much.
- Be mindful of conditional discounts – even if you have switched energy providers in recent years and are on a market contract, if you’re receiving a conditional discount on your plan, it may disappear after a year or two. Plus, it could even be hiding inflated base rates.
So, what are you going to do about it?
7 tips to help you get a better energy deal
Getting a better deal on your energy supply will not be as difficult as you might think it is. Provided you have confidence in yourself and what you’re saying, and prepare properly in advance, you could cut your power bills significantly in a matter of minutes – and that’s not just an empty promise! It’s one big game, and here’s how to play it.
To skip ahead and compare from a selection of electricity deals in our database, follow the links below:
- Cheap Electricity Deals in VIC
- Cheap Electricity Deals in NSW
- Cheap Electricity Deals in QLD
- Cheap Electricity Deals in SA
1. Do your homework
The first step to getting a better energy deal is to do your homework. Yes, that’s another message you hear all the time, but again, it’s completely true. Simply calling your energy company and asking for a better deal is unlikely to work as well as it could if you don’t go armed with information about the better deals you could get elsewhere. Make sure your energy provider believes you’re going to leave if they don’t do something drastic. You’ll be amazed what they can do.
So, if you want cheaper rates, then go and find them! Websites like Canstar Blue can help you compare electricity plans and costs in your state, and if you can determine roughly how much you could save by switching, it’s going to help you negotiate a better deal with your existing provider. You can compare prices in your state via the links below:
- Compare Electricity Prices in Victoria
- Compare Electricity Prices in New South Wales
- Compare Electricity Prices in Queensland
- Compare Electricity Prices in South Australia
If you’re not able to quote a realistic figure of what you could save by switching, at the very least see what conditional discounts are being offered by other providers and go armed with these details. This brings us on nicely to the next point.
2. Set your energy provider a challenge
With the information you have gathered, set your energy provider the challenge of matching the highest conditional discount you have found elsewhere. If they can’t do this, tell them you’re going to switch. Your energy provider is not going to drop the rates it charges you for power with the contract you have, but it can increase the discount it offers you on those charges – this is how you will save money.
You need to be clear in your mind about what you want to get out of the conversation, and be willing to push for it. If you’ve seen a 20% discount from another energy provider in your area, tell them that’s what you want. The biggest energy discounts do not always mean the biggest savings, but being able to quote a tempting offer puts you in a good position. Realistically, your existing provider will have a limit as to what they can offer you – make sure they reach that limit.
3. Ask for your provider’s CHEAPEST or BEST offer
Chances are your provider will simply try to appease you with a modest discount on top of your existing energy rates. As we mentioned a moment ago, they won’t reduce the rates on your existing plan, but they could offer you a new one! Some energy companies have been known to keep ‘secret’ plans in reserve as a last ditch attempt to keep you as a customer – and you guessed it, this is where the cheapest deals will be found. Not only could your new plan have much cheaper rates, but you could also get a healthy discount on those rates.
So, make sure you push your provider to offer you its absolute cheapest deal. Determining the cheapest plan for your specific needs could get a little complicated if you have a flexible pricing tariff, but if you have a single rate tariff like many Australian households, your provider should know what it is!
Cheap Electricity Deals in VIC
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. Costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower energy network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Cheap Electricity Deals in NSW
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Cheap Electricity Deals in QLD
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Cheap Electricity Deals in SA
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
4. Ask for your new discount to be backdated
If you’ve been successful in negotiating improved terms, ask your energy company to backdate the new discount it is now offering you. Don’t push your luck and demand for your bills from two years ago to be backdated with the discount, but it is perfectly reasonable to ask for the discount to be applied to at least your most recent bill.
5. Ask for the discount to be ongoing
Energy discounts are usually just introductory offers to get you to sign up with a new plan. When the benefit period expires, you will start paying the full, non-discounted rates. Tell your provider you understand exactly how this works, and ask them to give you an ongoing discount that will not expire after a year or two.
6. Ask about different tariffs
You may also want to ask your provider about the different tariffs available in your area. As we mentioned before, finding the cheapest plan for your needs can get complicated, and it could be that a flexible pricing tariff would work for you. The energy companies tend not to promote their flexible pricing tariffs too often, so make sure you ask about the rates on offer, especially if you work days and use most of your energy at night. You will only be able to access flexible pricing tariffs if your home has a smart meter installed.
7. Finally, be polite
Sure, you’re not happy with the price you’re paying for energy, but don’t take it out on the customer service representative you speak with. Being rude gets you nowhere. You’re far more likely to get a great deal if you’re polite, but also insistent.
You may not think it given the way prices continue to rise, but the energy market is more competitive than ever, and energy providers are desperate to keep you as a customer. It’s in their interests to keep you on board, even if it means you’re paying less than you were before. Keep this in mind when you go to negotiate a better deal and you just might get what you want.
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