KEY POINTS
- When switching energy providers, be aware that there may be hidden exit fees connected to electricity or gas plans.
- Households in regulated areas will not have the option of choosing their electricity or gas retailer.
- One of the simplest ways to save on your energy bills is to move to a plan with lower usage rates.
Switching energy providers can be a daunting process, especially when you consider how many energy plans they can have. This guide outlines how to change energy providers in Australia. If you’re moving house, trying to save money on energy bills or want to get a feel for what else is out there, here’s some tips on switching electricity providers.
Market deregulation has given energy customers the freedom to change energy providers if they’re unsatisfied with their current plan or retailer, and Canstar Blue will show you how to switch.
On this page:
- How to switch energy providers
- Can I change energy providers in my state or territory?
- Why should I switch energy providers?
- How much can you save by changing electricity providers?
- What to look for when switching energy providers
- Is it difficult to switch energy providers?
- Is switching energy providers worth it?
- Changing energy providers: frequently asked questions
How to switch energy providers
Please note that some energy retailers may handle the switching process differently and the following steps are a general guide only.
1. Review your current energy plan’s exit fees
There may be hidden exit fees connected to your electricity or gas plans. This information will be listed in the fine print of your contract or relevant product information documents.
Search for costs like termination fees, disconnection and new connection fees, move in/move out meter read fees and anything else that may apply to your circumstances.
2. Determine your energy needs
Consider your energy consumption habits. Do you run a pool pump or use air conditioning frequently? Are there certain times of day when you’re consuming more energy?
If you have a smart meter or electricity usage monitor installed, you’ll be able to monitor your real-time usage, revealing your energy habits and energy-intensive appliances.
By understanding your usage requirements, you can better identify which energy deals are best suited to your household.
3. Compare energy deals in your area
Find out which energy plans are the most competitive in your postcode. Consider the overall value, including energy supply and usage rates, tariff structure, discounts and other incentives like customer rewards programs.
If you’re in the market to switch electricity providers, Canstar Blue has listed some deals on our database to help get you started.
Here are some sponsored 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 energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/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.
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9% Less than reference price |
$1,651 Price/year (estimated) |
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15% Less than reference price |
$1,537 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored 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 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.
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15% Less than VDO |
$1,260 Price/year (estimated) |
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24% Less than reference price |
$1,107 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our 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 4600kWh/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.
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10% Less than reference price |
$1,888 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our 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.
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6% Less than reference price |
$2,036 Price/year (estimated) |
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4. Choose your plan and switch
Once you’ve picked your new plan, follow the link on our tool if available, or head to the energy provider’s site separately. Complete the sign-up process online or by phone.
5. Your previous energy provider may contact you
Once your previous energy provider receives notice that you’re switching energy providers, they may offer you a better deal to stay.
You’ll have a 10-day cooling off period with your new provider, so if you are offered a better deal, you should be able to cancel without penalty.
6. Receive a welcome pack from your new provider
You should receive a welcome pack either by post or online, confirming your payment information and account details. This should also include all the details and terms and conditions of your new plan.
7. A final meter reading will take place
Your previous energy provider will carry out a meter reading to arrange a final bill.
8. Your new energy provider will be in touch
Once your energy account has been changed to your new electricity provider, you’ll be notified and all future bills will be sent from them.
9. Gain access to any special features of your plan
Whether it’s frequent flyer points, everyday rewards or a customer rewards program, you’ll now be able to log into your account and activate any features included in your new plan.
10. Don’t just set and forget
Energy rates and plan costs, especially on variable rate plans, change frequently. Remember to regularly compare your options to make sure you’re not missing out on a more competitive deal.
Can I change energy providers in my state or territory?
While some Australian households can easily switch energy providers, others are not so fortunate. Households in regulated areas will not have the option of choosing their electricity or gas retailer.
The following table shows which states can switch energy providers:
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| State | Can I switch electricity providers? | Can I switch gas providers? |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes | Yes |
| Victoria | Yes | Yes |
| Queensland | Yes (SEQ only*) | Yes (SEQ only*) |
| South Australia | Yes | Yes |
| Western Australia | No* | Yes |
| Tasmania | Yes | Yes |
| Australian Capital Territory | Yes | Yes |
| Northern Territory | Yes** | Yes** |
*There are two electricity providers in WA but they operate in different areas and customers are not able to switch. The WA gas market is competitive. Customers may be able to switch in regional QLD depending on location.
**While the Northern Territory energy market is now open to competition, government-owned Jacana Energy is still the dominant supplier for electricity and gas, and customers need an interval meter to switch retailers.
Why should I change my energy provider?
1. You’re wanting a cheaper energy plan
One of the simplest ways to save on your energy bills is to move to a plan with lower usage rates.
This is especially true if you haven’t compared plans in more than 12 months, as you may potentially be on a more expensive default offer plan.
2. You’re moving house
Moving house is a great incentive to switch electricity providers. Whether you are staying in the same postcode or moving states, you’ll want to compare energy plans and pricing for your new address.
This is because prices, plans and available providers may differ when compared to your previous residence.
3. You’re installing solar panels
If you’re adding solar panels to your home or moving somewhere with existing solar panels, you’ll want to find an electricity plan with a good solar feed-in tariff to help you get the most from your system.
4. You’re interested in green, renewable or carbon neutral energy options
Most energy retailers offer plans with included or add-on GreenPower options, such as renewable energy or carbon neutral-certified products.
5. You’d like to bundle energy with other products
Many Australian households use the same energy provider for electricity and gas, but several retailers also offer telco options, including home internet and mobile phone services.
Customers can potentially earn bundling discounts for consolidating their utilities products, so this could be something to consider if you want a simplified bill.
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How much can you save by changing electricity providers?
Please note that energy rates may change and actual prices may vary depending on your energy usage and location.
The following comparison tool shows you, as a percentage, what you would save on each plan as compared to the DMO or VDO offer.
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 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. 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 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 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. 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 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 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. 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 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 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. 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.
What to look for when switching energy providers
Before changing to a new energy retailer, you should do some research and work out which features are most important to you.
Here are six things you should consider:
- Usage charges: The usage rate you are charged for the consumption of electricity or gas at your home. Usage rates are charged in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity, or cents per megajoule (MJ) for gas, and can vary significantly between retailers.
- Supply charges: The supply rate you are charged for the delivery of electricity or gas to your home. Supply charges will vary depending on the energy retailer and where you live.
- Connection fees: Hidden fees for connection, disconnection and exiting a contract with an energy provider. These fees tend to be in the fine print of your energy plan, but can add up if you’re not careful.
- Customer incentives: Conditional discounts, bill credits, sign-up offers and rewards programs are all ways that energy providers compete for your business. Just make sure these offers aren’t concealing higher usage and supply rates.
- Rebates and concessions: If you are a concession card holder, you may be eligible for certain energy rebates and/or concessions. Speak with the energy provider you are considering switching to, and they should be able to help you.
- Customer service: 24/7 online access to your account or call centre or if it’s an Australian-owned company, you need to consider what is important to you when comparing energy providers.
You may want to investigate other features, including the billing cycle (i.e. billed monthly or quarterly), payment options (credit card, direct debit, etc.) and if your electricity or gas rates are fixed for a 12 or 24-month period.
Is it difficult to switch energy providers?
If you’ve decided to leave your current electricity or gas provider, switching is quite a simple process. To change energy providers, you can contact the energy company you’re switching to and they will organise it on your behalf. Just be aware that some energy companies may wish to conduct a credit check before signing you up.
Your options as a consumer are numerous, with more than 30 electricity and gas companies currently retailing across Australia. Because of this saturation, energy providers are more likely to offer a deal. If switching energy providers isn’t on your to-do list, it may be worth calling your energy provider and asking for a better deal.
Is switching energy providers worth it?
Whether you’ve already made up your mind to switch or you’re on the fence, changing providers isn’t the only option on the table.
If you’re reluctant to leave your current energy provider, you may be in a position to negotiate a better energy deal with your energy retailer.
It could be financially beneficial to tell your provider of your intention to switch ahead of time, to see what you may be offered as an incentive to stay on.
To simplify the search, use Canstar Blue’s electricity comparison tool to review a range of quotes based on your postcode and circumstances.
Changing energy providers: frequently asked questions
Switching to a new electricity provider will take up to two business days. The handover process between retailers has been sped up under rules that aim to benefit consumers. Prior to 1 October 2021, switching could take up to 90 days as customers needed to wait for their meter to be read.
Previously, bill-payers had to wait for their energy distributor to carry out a final meter reading, but are now able to switch much faster thanks to the use of an estimated bill. For gas customers, your energy distributor will still carry out a final meter reading which is then sent onto your new gas retailer – this way your final bill should be accurate and up-to-date.
If you have a smart meter, the process is digitised and will be much faster. Your energy retailer can read your meter and disconnect and reconnect remotely.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the details with your new energy retailer when switching. Once your account information has been switched over to your new energy retailer, your next bill should be from the new company you’ve signed up with.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay a final bill from your existing provider and settle any outstanding amounts.
Customers can change energy providers at any time of their contract term, but they may accrue exit fees for doing so.
If you’re serious about switching, make sure you pay attention to the fine print or you could be hit with hidden fees that could have you second guessing your decision to switch.
These hidden fees could also undo any potential savings of switching in the first place.
If you break a contract with your current energy provider, the main potential cost could be exit fees.
You may also be subject to other one-off fees, such as disconnection and connection costs or move-in/move-out meter reads. Otherwise, comparing and switching electricity or gas plans is free.
Normally there isn’t much to do after you’ve switched to a new energy provider and most of the paperwork is handled on your behalf, provided you’ve given them permission to do so.
If for any reason you feel that something isn’t quite right, contact your new provider and they should be able to provide you with an update.
If you change your mind after signing up to a new energy provider, you will have a 10-day cooling off period where you can cancel your plan.
All you need to do is contact your energy retailer within this time frame and inform them that you would like to cancel the agreement. If you change your mind after the cooling-off period, you may be charged an exit fee.
Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: Shutterstock AI/Shutterstock
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