Switching Electricity Providers in Australia

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to switch electricity suppliers in Australia:

1

Review your current plan

Look at your existing electricity plan, including the rates, fees, and any discounts or benefits you receive. Note your average usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) over a quarterly or monthly billing cycle to help you compare offers based on your household consumption needs. You can normally find this information on your last bill or by checking the original contract.

2

Compare new providers

Use an online comparison tool to compare electricity providers and their plans in your area. Look for competitive rates, discounts, and bill credits, while also checking the fine print for any fees. Check the contract length too (known as the benefit period), which indicates how long you’ll enjoy the rates and benefits you signed up for.

3

Choose a new plan

Based on your research, select a plan that suits your energy usage, taking into account the electricity rates, any incentives, and the benefit period. You might also consider the bill payment options and customer service reputation.

4

Sign up to the new provider

Switch to your new plan and provider either online or over the phone. After you provide your details, your new energy provider will manage the switch for you. This means they’ll notify your old energy provider and set up your account. Your old provider will send a final bill.

5

Confirm the switch

After the switch has taken place, you’ll likely receive a final bill from your old energy retailer and a welcome pack/email from your new provider. Log into your new account to ensure all of your details are correct, including your plan, billing cycle, and payment method. Depending on the provider you choose, you may be able to monitor your electricity usage and access other handy features.

6

Cancel any direct debits with your old provider

Cancel any bill arrangements with your old electricity provider, including direct debits and automated credit card payments. It’s important to ensure these are terminated to avoid unexpected charges after you’ve switched.

How long does it take to switch electricity providers?

It’ll usually take about five minutes to switch electricity providers online, however it may take a little longer by phone. You’ll need to provide the energy provider with some form of identification, usually a driver’s licence or passport, along with your personal details, including your name, address, email, and mobile.

The actual switching process from your old provider to your new provider can take place in as little as two business days. Your new energy provider will usually inform you once the switch is finalised, confirming the date your home will start receiving electricity from them.

Keep in mind that the exact time can vary depending on the provider and the complexity of your switch, but most changes are completed within 10 business days.

Helpful switching tips & common traps to avoid

Tips

Check your most recent bill to assess your household’s power consumption needs and patterns. This is very important if you’re on a time of use tariff, as you’ll be charged different rates depending on the time of day.

Find out which electricity tariff(s) you’re on, such as single rate or time of use. This information can typically be found on your bill. Your tariff(s) affect how much you pay for electricity at different times.

Take note of your electricity usage rate (the price you pay to use energy) and the daily supply rate (the daily amount you’re charged to be connected to the grid). Then compare these rates to new energy plans.

Check customer reviews of energy providers, including their social media pages. Pay attention to how the company engages with customers and handles complaints.

Traps

Don’t be tempted by a flashy discount. While it may seem appealing, make sure the plan is competitive with the Reference Price and offers genuine value for switching.

Be wary of plans offering benefits and perks that you’re unlikely to use, like a 12-month streaming subscription or discounts on groceries.

Don’t overlook payment flexibility options, like credit card, direct debit, or BPAY. Make sure there are no fees, or minimal fees, associated with your preferred payment method.

Review the fine print and be aware of any hidden fees that may not be immediately obvious in the contract. These can include exit fees, connection fees, or discounts that only apply once you’ve been with the company for a period of time.

Changing electricity providers isn’t the only way to ensure you’re not paying too much for power. The ACCC encourages you to contact your current energy retailer and ask “whether they can offer you a better plan”.

Understand your need for change

The decision to switch often stems from a desire to find better electricity rates, improved customer service, or access to renewable energy options (i.e. GreenPower). Always consider what’s most important to you.

Assess your current situation

Take some time to evaluate your current electricity plan. Consider factors such as your average monthly or quarterly usage, and the peak hours of when you consume power the most. Check your last energy bill for these details.

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Research a range of providers

Look for companies that offer competitive rates, transparent pricing structures, and excellent customer reviews. Additionally, consider whether you prioritise cheaper electricity rates or specific perks like rewards programs or sign-up credit.

Your current payment method

If you pay your power bills by direct debit, you’ll need to ensure you cancel your existing payment cycle. If you pay your bills another way, you’ll also need to check if your new provider charges fees for credit cards or for late payments.

Identify potential hurdles

While switching electricity providers is generally straightforward, there are a few potential hurdles to be aware of. Some companies may require a credit check before signing you up, so be prepared to provide relevant information if requested. Additionally, keep in mind any exit fees or contract obligations (e.g. ongoing bill credits) with your current provider.

Plan flexibility

Does the new provider offer monthly or quarterly billing, and do you need to sign up online? Some energy retailers may also only communicate with you by email or through an app, which may not be ideal if you prefer to talk over the phone.

If you haven’t switched energy suppliers in years, chances are you’ll be on a default offer, meaning you’ll be paying default prices according to where you live. Our analysis shows that switching from a default offer to a cheaper energy plan can save you between $420 and $584 a year.

Again, the actual savings will depend on which state you live in and the electricity distribution network you’re connected to.

For example, if you live in Melbourne on the Citipower network and are paying the default price of $1,456 per year (for a residential customer on a single rate tariff), you could save up to $420 a year. Meanwhile the same type of customer in the ACT could save as much as $584 a year.

Here are some of the cheapest plans currently available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. See how these deals stack up to the default offer in each state below.

State and distribution network	ACT (Evoenergy)
Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	$2,432
Energy retailer and plan	Origin - Go Variable (Domestic Rate 1 Tariff)
Annual estimated price	$1,848
Annual estimated savings	$584
State and distribution network	QLD (Energex)
Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	$2,066
Energy retailer and plan	Ampol Energy - Powering On
Annual estimated price	$1,550
Annual estimated savings	$516
State and distribution network	SA (SA Power Networks)
Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	$2,230
Energy retailer and plan	Pacific Blue - Blue First
Annual estimated price	$1,737
Annual estimated savings	$493
State and distribution network	NSW (Ausgrid)
Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	$1,810
Energy retailer and plan	GloBird Energy - GLOSAVE
Annual estimated price	$1,375
Annual estimated savings	$435
State and distribution network	VIC (Citipower)
Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	$1,456
Energy retailer and plan	Tango Energy - eSelect
Annual estimated price	$1,036
Annual estimated savings	$420

State and distribution network	Annual default offer (Reference Price/VDO)	Energy retailer and plan	Annual estimated price	Annual estimated savings
ACT (Evoenergy)	$2,432	Origin - Go Variable (Domestic Rate 1 Tariff)	$1,848	$584
QLD (Energex)	$2,066	Ampol Energy - Powering On	$1,550	$516
SA (SA Power Networks)	$2,230	Pacific Blue - Blue First	$1,737	$493
NSW (Ausgrid)	$1,810	GloBird Energy - GLOSAVE	$1,375	$435
VIC (Citipower)	$1,456	Tango Energy - eSelect	$1,036	$420

This comparison assumes a general electricity usage of about 3,900kWh/year in NSW, 4,000kWh/year in VIC, 4,600kWh/year in QLD, 4,000kWh/year in SA, and 6,100kWh/year in the ACT for households on a single rate tariff. This table is sorted by the greatest annual estimated savings. We are not making a recommendation about any particular product. Check the energy plan fact sheets for further details. All plan information has been taken directly from each energy retailer’s website and is accurate as of 22 October 2024. Please check current plan details directly with the energy retailer before making a purchase decision. This table shows the cheapest electricity plans Money.com.au’s experts could find based on the criteria above, but it is not an exhaustive list of energy providers and plans available in this area, nor does it list all the features, fees and charges of each plan.

If it’s been years since you switched electricity plans or providers, you’re likely missing out on better deals. Energy plans often come with a ‘benefit period’ that usually lasts one to two years. Once that period ends, you might lose valuable discounts or, even worse, get switched to a plan with higher electricity rates.

Switching energy if you’re moving house

If you're moving into a new house and want to switch electricity providers, the process is generally the same as when you're comparing options for your current home.

But there may be some additional fees you need to be mindful of.

If you’re moving into a newly-built property without electricity supply, you will likely need to pay a connection fee. This one-off fee varies between retailers and where you live, but as a guide you can expect to pay around $10 to $100. A connection fee covers your request to connect your property to the electricity grid, which requires a physical or manual inspection.

For new electricity connections, where a new meter installation is required, you’ll need to give your power supplier 10 to 20 business day’s notice, according to Origin Energy.

As well as ensuring your new home will have power in time for your move-in date, you should also make sure to disconnect power from your old property. If you’re staying with the same energy provider, you’ll need to inform them of when you’ll be vacating the house and moving into the new property.

If you’re using the move as a reminder to change electricity suppliers, you’ll need to terminate the contract with your existing power company. You can usually do this online or over the phone (or when you switch to a new provider).

Energy switching FAQs

Is there a cooling-off period for switching energy providers?

Yes, there is a cooling-off period of 10 business days. Should you change your mind about switching during this period, you are free to back out of the contract without paying any exit fees.

When changing electricity suppliers, will power to my home be switched off?

No, you shouldn't experience any disruption to your power supply when switching electricity providers. Typically, the process involves reading your electricity meter and updating the retailer's systems, as stated by Powershop.

Can an energy retailer refuse to supply electricity to me?

In Australia, electricity is deemed an ‘essential service’, meaning customers will have a designated retailer that offers to supply power to their home or business. However, for customers who choose to sign up with energy retailers that are not designated providers, these retailers may assess the customer’s credit history before agreeing to onboard them.

This applies whether the customer is connecting to the electricity grid for the first time or switching from one retailer to another. The credit check helps the retailer determine the customer’s ability to meet payment obligations, particularly in the case of direct billing arrangements or flexible payment terms.

Will an energy provider check my credit history?

For new accounts, some power companies may conduct a credit check. So, if you’re switching to a new energy provider, the company may review your credit history. If you have a high-risk credit score, the energy provider you’re switching to will notify you if they are able to supply you with electricity.

Do I need to tell my new energy supplier that I have solar panels?

During the switching process, your new energy supplier will likely ask if your property has solar panels installed. This is because they may offer exclusive deals better suited to solar customers that are otherwise not advertised.

Is it hard to switch energy providers?

It should only take you about five minutes to switch electricity providers online. The process is straightforward and your new provider will usually handle the transition from your old provider on your behalf. Once the switch is complete, you’ll normally be notified by email.

How do I choose an electricity provider in Australia?

The easiest way to choose a suitable electricity provider is by comparing your options. Review a wide range of energy plans from multiple providers available in your area. Check how the annual costs compare to the Reference Price or Victorian Default Offer, and don’t forget to glance over the contract terms and conditions, including fees and charges.

Which is the best energy company to switch to?

The ‘best energy company’ is purely subjective. Generally when searching for the best provider you’ll be looking for the cheapest electricity prices. While price is arguably the biggest factor, don’t overlook other factors like customer service, payment options, billing cycles and online tools that can help manage and drive your savings further.

Should I switch to AGL, Origin or EnergyAustralia?

AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia are known as the ‘big three energy providers’ in Australia. Oftentimes they offer competitive electricity rates along with a handful of other valuable services on some of their products (i.e. a 12-month subscription to Netflix or the ability to collect Everyday Rewards points).

Many Australians use the big three energy providers, but it's worth considering smaller retailers if they offer competitive prices along with other factors important to you (i.e. green energy options or a free downloadable app).

Will I still be able to receive any eligible concessions if I switch energy providers?

Yes, you can still receive concessions you’re eligible for, even if you switch energy providers. Most concessions are linked to your household’s circumstances rather than a specific provider, so as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, they should continue.

The provider you’re switching to will usually ask if you receive any concessions or rebates, but it’s a good idea to inform them to ensure these benefits are applied correctly.