Comparing energy offers

Retailers offer different deals. You could be paying more than you need to.

Start by contacting your retailer and asking what other offers they can give you.

You can also compare plans online.

Switching or comparison websites

Energy Made Easy is a free, independent comparison site run by the Australian Energy Regulator. It shows offers from all electricity and gas retailers.

Other comparison websites are run by businesses. Many do not charge you, but they may get a commission from some retailers. They may not show every plan.

If you use a broker or comparison site, read the terms and conditions first. Energy offers change often. A broker may not be able to promise the deal is the “cheapest” or “best” offer available.

Contract checklist

Before you sign up, check:

Tariff	How does the price compare to what you pay now? What type of meter do you have? Do the rates suit when you use energy? What time of day usage apply?
Price changes	What parts of the price can change? Will the retailer pass on network price rises?
Contract length	How long does the contract last? What happens when it ends?
Moving house	Can you take the contract with you? Are there fees to close the account at your old address?
Bills	How often will you get a bill?
Payment	How can you pay (direct debit, post office, other options)? Are there fees for some payment methods (like credit card)?
Fees and charges	Are there set-up fees, monthly fees, late fees, or special meter reading fees?
Early exit fees	If you leave early, is there a fee? Is it clearly listed before you agree?
Rebates	If you get a rebate, how will it be paid (quarterly, yearly, every 6 months)? Has your rebate information been added to the account?
Pensioner rebate	If you get a pensioner rebate, ask the retailer how it will be paid (quarterly, yearly, or every 6 months). Check the payment timing works for your budget. Make sure your pension details have been added to your account.

Glossary

Distributor: The company that owns the network (poles and wires, or gas pipes). They supply energy to your area and provide meter reads for billing.

Green energy: Energy that comes from natural sources that do not run out, like the sun, wind and water. It can also come from waste.

Retailer: The company that bills you for electricity and/or gas.

Marketer: Salesperson who contacts you for an energy retailer. They must follow the NSW Marketing Code of Conduct.

Market contract: An agreement you sign for a market offer.

Standing offer: A retailer’s standard contract. It can cost more than discounted market offers.

Standard retailer: The retailer that must supply you by law if you do not choose a retailer or contract. They supply you under a standard contract.

Regulated offer: Gas or electricity contract from a “regulated retailer” under a Standard Customer Contract. The terms were set by IPART. These offers ended in NSW in 2014. Customers still on a regulated offer on 30 June 2014 were moved to a transitional arrangement.

Regulated retailer: The energy retailer that historically supplied electricity and/or gas to a property. They supplied energy if the occupant did not choose a market contract.

Download our Changing retailers factsheet (PDF 500KB)

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW

Comparing energy offers

Contract checklist

Glossary