Compare Energy Plans & Rates

There are various things to consider before you start comparing your electricity bills. For example: 

• Do you pay bills on time?
• You want a higher pay on time discount or one standard rate? 
• Do you have any existing contracts with your current retailer?
• Are you out of your benefit period?

On Econnex, comparing Electricity Bills are easy as it gives you a dollar value for each plan instead of confusing stars. Follow the below steps before you get to see the cheapest electricity plan from Econnex panel:

Steps to compare energy plans

1. Enter the postcode or suburb where you live
2. Select if you want to compare your electricity bill, gas bill or both electricity and gas bills
3. Choose whether you want to compare your residential electric bill or business electric bill
4. Select if you have a Solar panel installed at your property as our system will show the options with the best feed-in tariffs
5. Tell us if someone at the property has a life support equipment. If yes, then we will make sure your new retailer is extra careful while processing your application
6. Let us know if you are moving into a new property, or you require a new connection. We will make sure that your power is on when you move in.
7. If you are not moving in then, please select if you have your bill available for proper comparison. We always advise comparing when you have your bills available as it provides a tailored result. 
8. If you have a bill handy, then select the appropriate meter type and enter your usage from your electricity bills. If not, then continue by selecting your usage profile.
9. Let us know if you hold a concession card. If yes, then please enter your concession rebate amount inclusive GST as per your last bill. Once again, this will help us to prepare a better comparison for you
10. After proving your details click on how much you can save
11. You will see a list of all the available electricity plans from Econnex panel of energy providers

Select the electricity plan, which is the cheapest on the list and meet your requirements. If you are still confused, read how to select an energy plan and what to see while switching energy retailers.

Learn more about how Econnex Energy Comparison works here.

Paying your bill

If you’re in a hurry and just looking to pay your bill, the best area to check is the payment options section. This will show how much is due, when it’s due and any ‘pay on time’ discounts. It will also show the different ways you can pay for your bill. Most energy retailers offer you a range of ways to pay including: BPay, Direct Debit, credit card (which may incur a fee), by mail, phone or in person at a post office.

Checking your meter reading

To find your current and previous meter readings, look for the section that shows a breakdown of your energy usage. This is usually on the second or third page of your bill.

Checking energy costs

If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, the key area to check is the energy usage and calculation section.

Under the energy usage and calculation section you’ll find:

• Current and previous meter readings
• Energy plan name
• Total usage
• Charge, rate or tariff
• Supply charge

Finding your average daily usage

Most energy retailers show the average daily energy usage of the household as a graph. The graph compares your daily usage to the same billing period in the previous year. (Some energy bills will also show a table comparing your daily usage with that of other similar households in your area.)

To learn more about reading your energy bills, and where to look for savings, see How to read your energy bills .

Understanding Gas and Electricity Charges

Usage charges are the rate you will pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity or megajoule (MJ) of gas you use. Whereas, supply charges are a fee charged by energy retailers for supplying the electricity and gas to your home. You will be charged a supply charge as long as your energy service is connected. If you go away on holiday for a few weeks, your usage may be lower during that time, but your supply charge will remain the same.

For households with low energy usage, the supply charge will make up a higher proportion of the overall bill. This is in comparison to households with high energy usage, where the usage charges will form the most significant part of the bill.

If you have a lower than average energy usage, it’s worth keeping an eye on your supply charges. And if your household has a higher energy usage, it’s worth checking how much you pay for your usage rates.

To learn where to find your usage and supply charges on your energy bills, see How to read your electricity and gas bills.

Electricity and Gas Meters

In Australia, there are three types of electricity meter : Flat-Rate Meters, Interval Meters and Smart Meters. Flat-Rate Meters can only measure one flat rate of electricity usage. Whereas, Interval Meters and Smart Meters can measure time-of-use electricity usage. Time-of-use tariffs, such as peak and off-peak rates, can help you save money on your electricity.

For gas, there are two main types of meter : Gas Metric Meter and Gas Imperial Meter.
All gas meters offer the same tariffs for usage.

To learn more, including how to read your electricity and gas meter, see Electricity and Gas Meters Explained .

Electricity and Gas Rebates

Energy rebates (also known as concessions) offer money back to help pay your electricity and/or gas bills. Some rebates are applied directly to your electricity or gas bill – for others there is an application process. The energy rebates on offer will vary depending on the state or territory in which you live. The most common types of energy rebates are for concession card holders, low-income earners or people with certain medical conditions. See how much you might be able to save with energy rebates.