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Energy Plans

Name: Energy Plans
Creator: Savvy
Published: 2023-03-14T13:51:33+10:30

Compare energy plans from Australia’s leading providers in one place through Savvy.

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Written by , updated on April 16th, 2024

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of energy plans to help you compare them.

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of energy plans to help you compare them.

If you’re paying too much for your electricity, gas or solar, surveying the market and making the switch to a newer provider could help you save important money. However, many may be reluctant to do so because they think the process of finding the right deal and switching will be too time-consuming. That’s where Savvy can help.

You can compare a range of offers from a panel of leading providers through us. As well as being able to consider deals, finding and securing the best plan for your needs among a variety of industry leaders is made simpler through an easy online quote process. Start comparing your options through Savvy today.

What is energy and how does it work in Australia?

Energy is the blanket term which is used to cover electricity, gas and solar connections. All households and offices will use at least one of these three types of power, if not a combination of two or even three. These connections are provided by energy suppliers, some of whom may specialise in one or more types of energy.

In terms of the way it works, this ultimately depends on where in Australia you’re living. If you’re in one of the following states, you have the National Electricity Market (NEM) present where you live:

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria

The NEM is an interconnected electricity system which also acts as a wholesale market through which electricity can be traded between generators and retailers. Operating around a spot market, it helps determine energy prices which are reflective of the level of supply and demand from residents of the above states and territories. You can find more information about the NEM and other technical energy terms in Savvy's energy glossary.

The two states and territories which aren’t part of the NEM are the Northern Territory and Western Australia, each of which operates its own electricity systems and different rules and regulations specific to them.

There are two main types of contracts when it comes to comparing energy plans which are also important to consider and understand before you sign up. These are:

Standard retail contract

This type of plan comes with terms and conditions, as well as prices, set by law. Crucially, under this contract, you’re able to switch to a different contract at any point without having to pay any exit fees. However, they tend to come with higher tariffs, though these can only be changed every six months.

Market retail contract

Unlike standard retail contracts, market retail contracts are created by retailers and can be offered with special conditions such as discounts or other benefits to customers. However, prices and tariff rates, as well as other charges such as exit and further additional fees, can change regularly and between providers.

How do I compare energy providers?

There are many areas to compare when deciding on which energy plan is the most suitable for your needs. Some of the key factors to consider include:

Cost of the plan

Whether you’re looking for an electricity, gas, solar or bundled plan, it’s important to compare similar offers with one another to help determine which is the most affordable while also meeting your energy needs. What the cheapest option is may vary between individuals based on where you live and your overall energy consumption.

Added benefits and benefit periods

As mentioned, some energy plans may come with a range of bonuses designed to attract new customers. These may range from added service features such as an energy usage app, to energy discounts on your bills. However, it’s important to consider the period over which benefits such as discounts may apply, which is known as the benefit period. These may be fixed or ongoing.

Contract terms

It’s important to know before you sign on the dotted line how long you may be required to stick with your energy provider before you’re able to make the switch to another plan. The contract term will let you know how long this period is, with monthly contracts the most common. However, some providers may offer plans with no contract terms. Consider which best suits you when comparing energy deals.

Solar feed-in tariffs

If you’re looking for an energy plan and have a solar energy system, it’s worth considering whether solar feed-in tariffs are available and how much they’re worth. This is the amount you may be eligible to be paid by your provider when any excess electricity generated by your panels is exported to the grid. The cents per kWh exported can vary significantly between providers, so keep one eye on this if you have solar.

Added fees

On top of paying for your energy as is, you may also have to pay further fees as part of your plan. Again, these will vary depending on your provider and where you live, but can include the following:

New connection fee
Disconnection fee
Membership fee
Direct debit fee
Credit card payment fee
Paper bill fee
Late payment fee

Comparing energy plans doesn’t have to be complicated. All you’ll have to do is fill out a simple form about your profile, such as where you live and your energy usage, and provide a recent energy bill to consider the competitive offers available to you. You can get started through us today.

What factors can impact the cost of my energy plan?

There are many factors which can affect your energy plan’s cost. Some of these include:

Your usage: the more you use, the more you’re likely to pay for your energy bill
Usage rates: the amount you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will go a long way towards determining the cost of your plan
Where you live: rates can differ between states and territories
Discounts: whether your provider is willing to offer a discount on your plan and the period over which this discount applies
Electricity supply charge: the cost of staying connected to a power network, which varies between retailers
Type of tariff: tariffs can vary between providers, with different types coming with different costs based on your usage

Types of energy plan

Electricity

Every home needs an electricity connection. From powering your fridge to your television, it's important to know the differences between electricity plans before you buy.

Gas

Who doesn't love a warm, cozy bedroom in winter or a hot shower on a cold morning? Natural gas helps heat things up in your home, so getting the right gas plan is crucial.

Solar

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common as Australians make a sustainable switch. Your connection to the grid is still important for when the sun isn't out, though.

Green energy

Energy providers are now providing plans to Australians who want to make use of more environmentally friendly sources. These are often known as green energy plans.

Business energy

It isn't all about homes, though. Electricity and gas are vital for small, medium and large businesses around Australia, so some retailers offer specialist plans to match.

Why compare energy plans with Savvy?

100% free to use

You won’t need to pay a cent to compare a variety of energy plans online through Savvy, as it’s 100% free.

Simple online quotes

By filling out your form and providing a recent energy bill, you can have all the facts and figures worked out for you.

Trusted energy providers to compare

When you fill out your quote, you’ll be able to consider offers from some of the leading energy providers in Australia.

How to switch energy providers through Savvy

Fill out a quick online form

First and foremost, you can start by filling out a quote with information about you and your energy profile, such as where you live, your overall usage and more.

Compare available offers

With the information in your form and a recent energy bill, you’ll be able to compare deals from a panel of leading energy providers based on a variety of important factors.

Make the switch

If you find an energy deal you’re happy with, you can go ahead and make the switch to a new plan or provider. This will be prepared and handled for you and can be completed in 24 to 48 hours.

Top tips for saving money on your energy bill

Compare your options through Savvy

The simplest way to save money on energy is to take the time to compare offers. This will help give you a better understanding of what the most affordable plans are which still meet your energy needs. You can do just that with Savvy, with a range of energy providers available to compare through us.

Think about your consumption habits

There are many simple yet effective ways to minimise your power consumption. Think about whether you need to crank the A/C as much as you do in the peaks of summer or winter and only climate control in the rooms you’re using. You can also keep heat in by opening curtains during the day and closing them before the sun disappears.

Consider off-peak costs

In some cases, you may be rewarded by your provider by using energy during off-peak hours. This could mean it ends up being notably cheaper to run your washing machine or dishwasher between 10pm and 7am, rather than in the middle of the day. You may also be able to save with an off-peak hot water storage system.

Look out for energy-efficient appliances

Appliances can be a massive drain on your home’s energy, so looking out for those which are particularly energy-efficient can help you cut down on your power bill. However, it isn’t just about energy-efficient appliances, but also using them efficiently. As an example, placing your fridge near a heat source (such as an oven) may force it to work harder.

Common energy questions answered

Are there any energy rebates available?

Yes – there are different energy rebate programs available across Australia to eligible residents. These are often available to concession card holders and are designed to help ease cost of living pressures which may be present. Check your state or territory government website if you’re unsure about what rebates or concessions are available and whether you qualify.

How long does it take to switch my energy provider?

You can switch from your old energy provider to your new one in as few as two business days. However, the power supply to your home or office will remain the same, meaning you won’t be without electricity or gas during this changeover. Get the process started through Savvy today to have it sorted before you know it.

What types of energy tariff are there?

There are several types of energy tariff you may encounter when shopping around for your plan. These include:

Single rate tariff: the cost per kWh is the same regardless of when you’re using energy
Time of use tariff: the cost per kWh varies depending on the time of day, with off-peak hours costing less than peak hours
Controlled load tariff: designed to monitor usage from high-usage appliances, such as a hot water system, in addition to one of the above tariffs
Block rate tariff: the cost of energy changes after a block of usage, which may occur daily or quarterly, for instance (only tariff which applies to gas)

It’s always important to check with your providers before signing on to make sure you know what will and won’t be charged, as well as how much different tariffs may cost in different circumstances.

How does my electricity plan work when I’m moving house?

If you’re moving house, you may have to pay fees for disconnection and reconnection, as well as termination fees if your contract can’t be transferred to a new property. You’ll also need to give your provider notice (at least three days but sometimes more) before moving to help ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Moving is often a great time to think about your energy needs and compare or renegotiate plans, which you can do through Savvy.

Can I still compare energy plans online if I live rurally?

Yes – no matter where you live, you can consider your electricity, gas and solar options in one place through Savvy.

How do I compare energy plans for my business?

Business energy plans are different from those for a regular household, as the overall energy usage, infrastructure in place and timing of their consumption mean that they’re typically much greater consumers of energy. As such, specialist plans are available which cater more to the usage needs of businesses, which you can compare through Savvy.

What is a carbon-neutral energy plan?

Carbon neutral energy is where a retailer pledges to reduce the carbon footprint created by your energy plan by purchasing carbon offsets. Carbon offsets, as well as emission reduction certificates, are offered by organisations focusing on sustainability and go towards projects and programs which are focused on reducing emissions.

Why have electricity prices increased?

There are many reasons why the cost of energy plans has increased across Australia. One of the major reasons why this is the case is our continued reliance on coal and gas, which are in short supply internationally, while the fact that our current energy infrastructure is in need of improvement also contributes to the increase in cost.

Compare energy plans by state

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QLD

WA

SA

TAS

ACT

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Helpful energy guides

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.