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Can I switch energy providers?
If you’d like to switch energy providers, you can do so easily online or over the phone in most states. NSW, VIC, south east QLD, SA, TAS, and the ACT are all unregulated energy markets, which means many providers are available and customers are free to switch between them.
However, before you switch you’ll need to make sure you’re not currently locked into a contract with your current energy provider – if so, you may be subject to cancellation or exit fees. Otherwise, you’re free to compare energy plans and sign up to a new offer – your old energy provider will complete the transfer to your new plan.
What is the best energy plan for you?
The best electricity or gas plan for you will depend on various factors, including how and when you use energy in your home, your location, and if you’re looking for other incentives such as rewards programs or discounts.
To find the best energy plan, you’ll need to consider your energy usage habits. Are there times of the day when you use more energy? Do you have a pool, use air conditioning, or have any other appliances or household features that drain energy? Do you have solar panels installed? Once you have an idea of what you need in an electricity or gas offer, you can compare energy plans to find the deal that best suits your home.
How to save on your energy bill
There’s several easy ways to reduce your energy bills. Making your home more energy efficient through insulation, draught-proofing, using solar and installing more efficient appliances can have a positive impact on your bills, as can simple steps like switching off appliances at the wall or using less hot water. However, one of the quickest ways to save is by comparing energy plans and finding an offer with lower usage and/or supply rates.
Why are energy prices increasing in Australia?
The price you pay for electricity at home is determined by a range of factors. In recent years, Australian power prices have risen due to the increased cost of coal and gas internationally. Domestic factors that impact pricing also include network costs, adverse weather, and a lack of investment in reliable and renewable sources of energy.
Wholesale prices – which are costs retailers pay to buy and supply energy to homes and businesses – are quite volatile, and don’t always correlate with what energy providers actually charge their customers. Unfortunately, while wholesale energy costs have fallen, this has yet to be fully passed on to customers. Average default electricity prices have decreased since July 2024, but we’re still a long way from recovering from the dramatic price spikes that began in 2022.
What’s new in energy in June 2025?
About our Energy Experts
Tara Donnelly, Utilities Editor
Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos. Tara has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, which means she’s written about countless product launches and industry changes, including the onset of 5G, Australia’s ongoing NBN rollout, the recent years of energy price volatility and the rise of renewable energy sources.
Tara also has long experience in writing within the comparison industry, giving her great insights into the information consumers want when determining which plan or device will best meet their needs, while time spent in the financial sector before turning her talent to content lets her crunch the numbers on price with ease. Tara leads the coverage of Canstar Blue’s ratings and awards for the internet and phone sectors and is an expert at advising consumers on how to use comparison tools to find the best power, internet or phone deal.
Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC, The New Daily and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Samantha Mauro-Todd, Consumer Research and Insights Manager
Samantha Mauro-Todd is Canstar’s Consumer Research and Insights Manager, responsible for overseeing the consumer research program behind more than 300 customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand.
Now stepping further into the research insights space, she is the bridge between Canstar’s research and media teams, helping to deliver meaningful, accessible data insights to consumers.
With a Bachelor of Business (major in Marketing) from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from QUT, and ten years of experience in market research, she brings expertise in sampling design, survey design, implementation, and data analysis—underpinned by a strong understanding of marketing principles and best practices.
Sam enjoys being part of a team that provides consumers with insights across a vast range of product and service categories, helping them make better purchasing decisions.
