How to Compare and Switch Energy Plans in Australia

If you're renting a flat or house in Australia, you're probably paying for electricity and gas. Many students don't realise they can shop around and switch to a cheaper plan-and the savings can be real. This guide shows you how to compare energy plans step by step, understand what you're paying, and switch without stress.

General information only, not financial or tax advice. Afrovo is not a licensed financial adviser. For plan details and comparisons, check the official sources linked below.

Why Compare Energy Plans?

When you move into a rental, you might assume your landlord or the property manager has sorted the energy. Often they haven't-you're just on the "default" plan from the local supplier, which is usually the most expensive. Switching to a better deal can cut your bill by 10-30% or more, depending on where you live and your usage.

The catch? You have to take the first step. No one will call you to offer a cheaper plan. But the process is straightforward, and you can do it in an afternoon.

Step 1: Find Your Current Plan and Usage

Start by locating your latest energy bill-the one you receive from your electricity or gas company. It will show:

• •Your account number and meter number
• •Your current supplier (e.g. Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia)
• •Your current plan name
• •Your usage (kilowatt-hours for electricity, megajoules for gas)
• •Your current rates (price per unit) and any fixed daily charges

If you share a house, check with your housemates-one bill might cover everyone, so you all need to agree before switching.

Write down or photograph your meter number and postcode. You'll need these to get quotes.

Step 2: Use Energy Made Easy to Compare Plans

The Australian government runs a free, independent website called Energy Made Easy. It's the safest place to compare plans because it's not owned by any energy company.

Here's how to use it:

1. 1.Go to https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au
2. 2.Enter your postcode
3. 3.Choose whether you want electricity, gas, or both
4. 4.Enter your annual usage (from your bill, or estimate if you don't know)
5. 5.The site will show plans from all suppliers in your area, ranked by price

It takes 5 minutes. The site shows you the total annual cost for each plan, so you can compare apples to apples.

Step 3: Understand What the Comparison Shows

Energy Made Easy lists plans with the cheapest first. But look beyond the headline number.

Discount rates: Many suppliers offer a discount if you pay on time or bundle electricity and gas. These are shown as percentages (e.g. 15% off). The final cost already includes the discount in the total.

Fixed charges: This is the daily fee just for being connected, whether you use energy or not. It ranges from AUD $0.50 to $2 per day. If you use very little energy, a plan with no fixed charge but slightly higher per-unit rates might be better.

Rates: Check the per-unit rates (cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity, or per megajoule for gas). Some plans have fixed rates for the whole year; others vary by season.

Contract length: Most plans are 12 months. Some have early exit fees if you leave before the year ends. Read the fine print before you click.

Step 4: Check for Hidden Traps and Scams

Energy Made Easy is safe. But when you're shopping around, watch out for scams.

Red flags:

• •Anyone calling you offering an "exclusive deal" if you sign up immediately
• •Requests to give your bank details or full ID before you've decided
• •Offers that sound too good to be true ("80% off" is almost never real)
• •Door-to-door sales people who pressure you to sign on the spot

If something feels off, hang up or close the door. You can always call the supplier directly using the number on their official website.

Suspected a scam? Report it to Scamwatch.

Step 5: Switch to Your New Plan

Once you've found a cheaper plan on Energy Made Easy, click the link to the supplier's website or call them directly. You'll be asked to:

1. 1.Confirm your address and meter number
2. 2.Choose your plan and sign up (usually online, takes 10 minutes)
3. 3.Provide your bank details for payment (only after you've committed)
4. 4.Confirm the date you want to switch

The new supplier will contact your old supplier and handle the switch automatically. You don't need to do anything else. Your old supplier might send you a final bill a few weeks later. Keep it in case there's a dispute.

Step 6: After You Switch

Mark the date in your phone when the switch happens (usually 5-10 business days after you sign up). Keep your new plan documents safe-you'll need them if anything goes wrong.

After a few weeks, you should see bills from your new supplier. Check the first one carefully:

• •Is the per-unit rate what you agreed to?
• •Are the fixed charges correct?
• •Is the discount applied?

If something's wrong, contact the supplier immediately. Most have a dispute process that's free and simple.

Step 7: Keep Checking and Switching

Energy plans change every few months. Set a phone reminder to check Energy Made Easy once a year-usually in spring or autumn, when promotions are common. You can switch as often as you like (though it's usually worth doing once a year, not monthly, because you want to stay long enough to benefit).

Many students find it helpful to switch after their first year. Your usage pattern might have changed, and new deals might have come in.

Tenants, Housemates and Disputes

If you're renting, check your lease: does it say the landlord pays for energy, or you do? If you do, you can switch. If the landlord does, you need their permission-and they might not want to, because it's their money they're saving.

If you share a house and one bill covers everyone, all housemates need to agree before you switch. Get it in writing (a text or email) so there's no argument later.

If a housemate switches without agreement and you're all named on the bill, you might be liable for their share. Avoid this by deciding together before anyone signs up.

FAQ

Q: Can I switch if I'm renting?

A: Yes, you can switch anytime unless your lease says the landlord pays for energy. If you do pay, the switch is up to you. Always tell your landlord in writing, though-they might have a say depending on your lease terms.

Q: Is there a fee to switch?

A: No. Switching is free in Australia. Any supplier who charges a switching fee is either a scam or charging you indirectly through higher rates. Use Energy Made Easy to avoid these.

Q: How long does switching take?

A: From sign-up to the new plan going live is usually 5-10 business days. You might get a final bill from your old supplier a few weeks later.

Q: What if I leave my rental before the year ends?

A: Contact your supplier and ask them to end your plan early. Some plans have exit fees, but Energy Made Easy shows these upfront. You're entitled to a final bill on the date you leave, and any credit will be refunded.

Q: Do I need to tell my landlord I've switched?

A: Yes. A quick email saying "I've switched to a new energy supplier, effective [date]" is professional and avoids confusion if the landlord gets contacted by the old supplier.

Q: Can I switch back to my old plan?

A: Yes. You can switch to any plan at any time. But it's usually not worth switching back and forth-just find a good plan and stick with it for a year.

Save Money and Stay Informed

Comparing and switching energy plans is one of the quickest ways to cut your student budget without sacrificing comfort. Use Energy Made Easy-it's free, safe, and owned by the government, not a business trying to sell you something.

Check once a year. Set a phone reminder. And don't be scared to switch-it's designed to be easy, and the savings are real.

For more ways to stretch your student budget in Australia, visit our student finance hub. For detailed plan comparisons in your area, head back to Energy Made Easy.