Aussie electricity prices are changing all the time, and if you’re not paying attention to your bill, you could be spending way more than you need to.
In July 2025, electricity prices will rise by up to 9.7% for many households. That means someone in regional New South Wales, for example, could see their annual bill go from $2,513 to around $2,741. That’s an extra $228 a year for using the same power.
Most people don’t realise that simply jumping online and comparing plans or deciding to switch energy suppliers can make a big difference. Yet, only a few Aussies actually take the time to look at new plans each year. That’s leaving a lot of money on the table.
So, we’ve put together this guide that will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding your own energy usage to knowing when a new electricity connection is needed, and how to compare energy Australia options to find better deals.
Step 1: Know Your Energy Habits
Before looking for a new plan, take a moment to check your past electricity bills. Look at how much you’re using every quarter and when your peak usage times are. You’ll see terms like “peak”, “off-peak”, and “shoulder.” Those are your usage windows.
This is why it’s so important to get a plan that suits your lifestyle and usage patterns. If you mostly use electricity at night, a time-of-use plan with lower off-peak rates might work better. On the other hand, if your usage is spread across the day, a flat-rate plan could be more cost-effective.
Step 2: How to Compare Energy Plans in Australia
Online comparison tools, like Deal Expert allow you to quickly and easily compare energy Australia-wide. Just enter your postcode and some other details, and the site will show you a list of plans from different providers.
Things to look out for when comparing:
- Daily supply charges
- Usage rates (cents per kWh)
- Exit fees or lock-in contracts
- Discounts (and how long they last)
- Green energy options
- Connection times and costs
Many providers make it sound like you’re getting a great deal by offering discounts, but those discounts may expire after twelve months. Read the fine print before you make a choice.
Step 3: Think About Moving House or Setting Up a New Connection
If you’ve just moved or are building a home, you’ll likely need an AGL new electricity connection. AGL offers electricity connections for new homes, including solar setups or smart meter installations. Keep in mind that they usually need about one business day’s notice for electricity connections and three business days for gas.
You can get started online by filling in your details and choosing the connection date. AGL then arranges for your new meter or connection setup, and you’re good to go! If you want a digital or solar-compatible meter, that can be done at the same time, which is useful if you’re thinking about going green.
Step 4: Consider the Environmental Impact
Australia is slowly shifting towards cleaner energy. In 2023, about 39.4% of Australia’s total electricity generation came from renewables. That includes solar, wind, and hydro.
The Clean Energy Council has reported strong growth in rooftop solar, with more than 3.5 million systems installed across the country. If this is something that interests you, choose a provider or plan that supports renewables.
Compare Australian energy providers to see if they will let you choose the percentage of your electricity that comes from green sources. Keep in mind, though, that green plans might cost slightly more, but they help reduce your carbon footprint.
Step 5: Time to Switch Energy Supplier?
If your current plan is more than twelve months old, it’s worth checking if a better deal is available. Electricity retailers update their offers regularly, and prices can change depending on market conditions.
Switching energy suppliers is easier than most people think. Once you sign up with a new provider, they handle the transition; you won’t experience any interruption to your electricity. You’ll just get a final bill from your old provider.
You can switch energy suppliers in a few clicks through comparison websites or by going directly to the retailer’s website.
Remember, don’t just look at price, look at customer reviews, contract length, and the quality of their service. A few dollars saved isn’t worth it if you can’t get support when you need it.
Step 6: Understand the Fees and Charges
Hidden fees can eat into your savings. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Late payment fees
- Paper billing fees
- Credit card processing fees
- Exit or early termination fees
- Connection or reconnection fees
Some plans waive these fees if you opt for direct debit or email billing, so read the terms carefully.
Step 7: Track Your Usage
Once you’ve picked a plan, use the tools provided by your energy retailer to monitor your usage. Many now offer handy apps or web portals where you can see daily or hourly usage.
This is a good way to understand which appliances are chewing through the most power. Over time, you might adjust when and how you use things like your heater, washing machine, or dishwasher, potentially saving you even more money.
Step 8: How Often Should You Review Your Plan?
You should check your energy plan at least once a year. A good time is when your provider sends you a summary of your usage. If you see your bill creeping up, jump on a comparison site and have another look.
The market is competitive, and there’s no loyalty bonus in electricity. In fact, staying loyal often means paying more! So, regularly checking your plan ensures you’re always getting value.
Step 9: Don’t Forget About Gas (If You Use It)
If you have gas heating or cooking, consider bundling your electricity and gas with one provider. Many offer discounts for dual-fuel plans. AGL, for example, lets you bundle services under one account, which can make life easier and sometimes cheaper.
While signing up for a new AGL electricity connection, you can tick a box to add gas at the same time. Too easy! Just make sure the rates are competitive for both, don’t assume you’re getting a deal just because it’s bundled.
Summing Up
These days, better Australian energy deals really are just a click away. Choosing the right energy plan is about chasing the cheapest deal, but it means finding a plan that works for your household, usage habits, and future plans, such as installing solar or moving to a new home.
Take the time to look at your options. Compare energy Australia-wide, and don’t hesitate to switch energy suppliers if you find a better offer. It doesn’t take long, and the savings can be hundreds of dollars each year.
Whether it’s your first AGL new electricity connection or your third time changing providers, staying informed and being active about your energy decisions will always pay off.
