Compare Electricity Providers – Victoria

Every household is different, so it’s important to compare several electricity retailers who service your postcode. The aim is to reduce energy bills, and GoSwitch can work with you to make it happen. You will also need to look at your current plan for cost-saving opportunities. Here are nine tips for comparing electricity providers and getting the best energy deal.

1. Calculate your monthly electricity usage

Electricity usage rates include daily supply charges and usage charges which are charged by the kilowatt hour. Ask yourself a few questions:

• How many electrical appliances and gadgets are used by your family regularly?
• What time of day/night do your family use washers, dryers, ovens, showers, etc?
• Is your household busier during the week or on weekends?
• Do you use a smart meter?
• Do you receive solar feed-in tariffs?
• Are your appliances and hot water system energy-efficient?

Compare your existing electricity plan with the Victorian Default Offer and the plans of other retailers. Now is a good time to speak to your provider about upgrading or changing your current plan to suit your changing circumstances.

3. Look for electricity usage savings potential

By calculating your daily/weekly/monthly electricity usage, you can pinpoint areas of potential savings. When researching energy plans with GoSwitch, ask about:

• Connection fees
• Fixed-rate tariffs (single-rate tariffs)
• Controlled load tariffs
• Time-of-use tariffs
• Off-peak rates
• Combined electricity and gas plans
• Renewable energy and solar energy initiatives

4. Ask about extras

Energy distributors and retailers offer a range of extras and incentives for residential customers and business energy customers. The cheapest electricity deals are highly incentivised, making the GoSwitch price comparison tool the fastest way to find great power deals for homes and businesses. Ask a GoSwitch energy expert about special deals, sign-up incentives, rebates, and other important information to help you get the best energy deal for your home or business.

* You also have the option to be billed according to the Victorian energy market standing offer.

5. Look at suppliers in your area

Not every supplier is available in your area. The cost of electricity can also fluctuate in regional Victoria, where electricity has to travel vast distances to reach local distribution networks. Natural gas isn’t available Victoria-wide, but it can be a great option for a combined electricity/gas power deal if it is available in your area.

6. Request a price breakdown

Ask for more information if you are setting up a new account or upgrading with your current energy provider. Electricity retailers will give you a price breakdown explaining all elements of your bill. The information should include a breakdown of your monthly electricity usage, plus a comparison of your usage to previous months or years. The price breakdown lets you know if your strategies for reducing power and lowering electricity bills are working.

7. Look into contract specifics for more savings

Your Vic energy comparison should also focus on specifics that suit your lifestyle and preferences. Contracts can be month-to-month, 6 months, 12 months, or open-ended. Compare energy options to the Victorian Government market offer reference price. GoSwitch also assists with interstate moves to NSW, QLD, SA, and the ACT. Lock in the best electricity deal at your new address and have the electricity connection power on when you walk in the door. It’s that easy with GoSwitch!

8. Consider flexible contract terms

Australians are known for moving often, and people want flexibility in their lives. The best electricity providers respond by offering power contracts that can adapt to your needs. Questions worth asking include:

• Are there flexible contracts with no exit fees and bill payment options?
• Can I combine electricity and gas bills?
• Is it easy to alter the contract terms?
• Can I keep the same contract conditions if I move?
• Are there rewards programs?
• Can I view the account, contract, and energy usage online?
• Is customer service accessible and available when I need assistance?

GoSwitch can help you see what’s available, compare energy plans, focus on personalised contract features, and close the deal for immediate and ongoing energy bill savings.

9. Look into rebates and concessions

Pensioners, low-income earners, and others are eligible for Government rebates or concessions. Energy providers compete for customers with rebates, discounts, special introductory price incentives, and other contract features. The savings are worth it!

* For good financial management, it’s worth considering having energy bills automatically paid from your pension or bank account to avoid late bill payment fees or bank overdrafts.