How to Compare Energy Plans in Australia (2025): Your Ultimate Guide to Saving on Electricity & Gas

Setting the Scene

It’s a typical Australian evening: you flick on the lights, turn up the heater and glance at your next energy bill with a sinking feeling. Energy prices are rising, and you know you’re probably not on the best deal, but where do you start? Manually comparing dozens of providers can feel like wading through a maze of tariffs, hidden fees and contract fine-print. Fortunately, free energy plan comparison tools do the heavy lifting, giving you clear, tailored results in minutes.

Why It Pays to Compare Energy Plans in 2025

• Slash your bills: Even a 10% reduction on your annual spend can free up hundreds of dollars.

• Avoid hidden fees: Exit fees, direct-debit surcharges and lock-in periods can all add up.

• Unlock exclusive offers: Sign-up credits and time-limited discounts often aren’t advertised widely.

• Tailored recommendations: Filters for solar, medical-support households and moving homes ensure you only see relevant plans.

Byline: In this guide, we’ll walk you through using EnergyPlans.com.au’s free Energy Companion tool, step by step, so you can compare energy plans like a pro.

1. Gather Your Energy Usage Data

Accurate comparisons start with real usage figures:

• Electricity consumption: kWh per annum (check your last 12 months of bills).

• Gas usage: MJ or kWh per annum, if you use gas for heating or cooking.

• Solar feed-in credits: If you have rooftop panels, note your average monthly export.

Pro tip: Many retailers publish average household usage figures online, use these as a fallback if you don’t have past bills to hand.

2. Fire Up the Free Energy Companion Tool

Head to EnergyPlans.com.au and click “Compare Now” in the header or hero section.

3. Enter Your Location for Localised Results

Type in your postcode or suburb (e.g. 2000, Sydney) and hit “Compare Now” again.

4. Complete the Basic Information Form

Answer a few quick questions to refine your results:

5. Sort, Filter and Compare Your Plan Options

You’ll see a comprehensive list of eligible plans:

• Estimated monthly & annual costs: Calculated using your usage data.

• Savings vs. reference price: Percentage savings relative to your network’s default rate.

• Sign-up credits & discounts: E.g. $200 credit on first electricity bill or 23% off gas charges.

• Supply charges & per-kWh / per-MJ rates: Essential for understanding daily vs. usage costs.

Use the Sort By dropdown to order by cheapest annual cost, best discount or most features. Apply All Filters to narrow by payment method (Direct Debit), contract term, or peak/off-peak tariffs.

6. Advanced Pro Tips for Optimal Savings

1. Compare single-rate vs. time-of-use plans: If you’re home during off-peak, structured tariffs may save you more.

2. Watch out for exit fees: A cheaper plan today could cost you $50-$150 to switch again.

3. Leverage sign-up bonuses: Calculate whether the one-off credit outweighs a slightly higher tariff rate.

4. Review solar feed-in rates: Some providers pay up to 10c/kWh for exported solar energy.

5. Set calendar reminders: Re-compare annually or when your contract auto-renews.

Hidden advantage: Many comparison tools update in real time—so you won’t miss flash deals or price drops.

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-reliance on headline rates: Always check the Supply Charge (c/day) alongside usage rates.

• Ignoring contract fine-print: Some “no lock-in” plans have higher variable rates.

• Skipping customer reviews: Reliability and customer service vary widely between providers.

• Assuming all discounts stack: Many discounts exclude one another, read the T&Cs carefully.

8. FAQs

Q1: Is the Energy Companion tool free? Yes, there’s no charge for using EnergyPlans.com.au’s comparison service.

Q2: How often should I compare energy plans? Aim to compare every 12 months or when your contract nears expiry to avoid auto-renewal at a higher rate.

Q3: Can I compare both electricity and gas at once? Absolutely. Select “Electricity & Gas (Combo)” in the basic information form to see dual-fuel deals.

Q4: What if I have solar panels? Indicate “Yes” under solar panels and the tool will show plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.

9. Next Steps: Switch and Start Saving Today!

You now have all the knowledge to navigate Australia’s energy market like a seasoned expert. By using EnergyPlans.com.au’s free Energy Companion, you can:

• Find the cheapest energy plans in under five minutes.

• Secure exclusive sign-up credits.

• Ensure your contract terms suit your lifestyle.

Ready to compare? Start your energy plan comparison now and join thousands of Australians who’ve already slashed their bills.