electricityguidessavings
How to Compare Electricity Plans in Australia
1 July 2026 · By Cutco
A practical guide to reading usage rates, supply charges, and discounts so you can pick a plan that actually saves money.
Why comparing matters
Most households stay on the same electricity plan for years — often paying more than they need to. Comparing plans takes 15 minutes and can save hundreds per year.
What to look for
- Usage rate (c/kWh) — what you pay for each unit of power you use
- Supply charge (c/day) — a fixed daily fee regardless of usage
- Discounts — pay-on-time, direct debit, or bundled offers (check if they expire)
- Solar feed-in tariff — if you have panels, compare what you get for exporting power
Step-by-step
- Grab a recent bill (or log into your retailer portal)
- Note your average daily usage in kWh
- Use a comparison tool with your postcode and usage
- Check the estimated annual cost, not just the headline discount
Tip: A high pay-on-time discount looks great until it disappears after 12 months. Always read the benefit period.
When to switch
You can usually switch retailers without changing your meter or wiring. Your new retailer handles the transfer — expect it to take 1–3 business days in most cases.