Switching Electricity and Gas Providers

Check current rates and usage charges : You will need to understand the discounts and usage rates applied to your current account to understand ‘comparative value’ when comparing one plan to another. If you require information not found on your bill, GoSwitch can probably find it for you.

Determine your energy needs : The fastest way to work out your present electricity use is to compare usage rates with last year. Your electricity bill contains information about energy use rates across the seasons, allowing you to tailor your energy plan to suit your specific energy needs year-round.

Check your exit fees : Many energy contracts include exit fees to be paid on early termination of the contract. Include these fees when calculating the financial benefits of switching electricity providers.

Ensure outstanding bills are paid : If you have an outstanding debt or an unpaid final bill with your current electricity retailer in NSW, Vic, Qld, South Australia, the ACT, or another Australian region, you won’t be able to switch to a new provider.

Compare energy plans : Use the GoSwitch energy comparison service for comparing electricity or gas at your present home or new residence. You can compare energy plans almost anywhere in Australia with GoSwitch simply by providing us with some energy-use details at your home or business.

View new energy plan details : Deregulation of the electricity retail industry in Australia has resulted in a highly competitive market with dozens of electricity and gas retailers serving major cities and other areas such as South-East Queensland and regional New South Wales. Speak with a GoSwitch call centre assistant regarding the many ways a new energy deal can save you money.

Switch energy companies : A GoSwitch energy comparison takes only five minutes, allowing you to start saving money when your next electricity bill arrives. All electricity retailers offer a cooling-off period, so if you change your mind, you aren’t locked into the new deal.

Examine your new billing cycle and bill details : Energy providers assist customers via online services and apps for keeping an eye on energy prices. Take time to familiarise yourself with your energy bill, so you are always ready to take advantage of energy retailer special deals.

Kilowatt cost per hour : The electricity you use is measured in kilowatts per hour (kWh). This charge makes up some of your power bill, along with other usage charges and daily supply charges.

Fixed costs and service fees : Information to examine before leaving your current provider includes fixed costs, service fees, daily supply rate, tariffs, time of use discounts, controlled load, solar feed rebates and more. GoSwitch will do the calculations on your behalf in only minutes, so you can know for sure if it is time to move on from your current retailer.

Cooling-off period : The power is in your hands when switching electricity providers or changing gas plans. Electricity industry regulators in Australia oversee fair and transparent dealings, including giving energy customers a cooling-off period of up to two weeks.

How long the contract is and if prices can increase during the contract : Many customers prefer a long contract term that provides certainty. Other customers need flexibility to meet the needs of the constant location or lifestyle changes, without fear of additional fees and charges.

Billing cycle details : This should also include your payment method so you can lock in automatic payment by direct debit if possible and avoid any late payment charges.

Bonuses for paying on time : Many Victorian, NSW, South Australian and South-East Queensland electricity distributors offer incentives and discounts for paying on time. Your meter reading is periodically taken, and you are billed at regular intervals during business days, allowing you to coordinate direct debit or another payment method. You can even combine electricity and gas plans on one power bill.

Exit fees if you want to leave the contact early : Most energy contracts include exit fees for cases of early contract termination. Make sure to factor in exit fees alongside usage rates, smart meter savings, rebates, and other discounts associated with the new plan.

Feed-in tariffs : An advantage of being connected via a major energy provider is the opportunity to sell solar-power-generated electricity back to the grid. The investment in solar panels for renewable energy can be a win-win situation for everyone.

If you are one of the millions of Australians who use natural gas alongside electricity for domestic or business power, it may be worth combining gas and electricity in a single bill. There can be discounts for combining the two, and bill payments are easier to coordinate and recall with all your energy usage information in one place.