How to Find the Best Energy Plan for Your Household

Most Australian households stay on the same energy plan for years without checking if something cheaper has come along. With the federal energy bill relief credits now gone and prices shifting from 1 July 2026, this is a good time to review what you are actually paying. Plans like the Energy Australia Secure Saver Plan lock in your rates for the contract term, while other retailers offer flexible month-to-month arrangements. The right choice depends on your household’s usage, your location, and what matters most to you.

Step 1: Understand What You Are Currently Paying

Before you compare anything, pull out your most recent electricity bill. You are looking for three numbers:

• Usage rate (c/kWh): This is what you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity you use. In 2026, typical residential rates depend on tariff, retailer, and location.
• Daily supply charge: A fixed fee for being connected to the grid, charged every day regardless of usage. This usually sits between $0.90 and $1.30 per day.
• Your average daily usage (kWh): This tells you how much power your household actually consumes.

If you can, check all four quarters from the past year. Your usage will shift with the seasons, and comparing plans based on a single summer bill can give you a skewed picture.

Step 2: Compare Plans Side by Side

The easiest way to find a better deal is to compare what is available for your postcode using your actual usage data. Enter your bill details, your location, and your household size, and you can see every available offer ranked by estimated annual cost.

When comparing, look at the full picture. A plan with a low usage rate but a high daily supply charge can end up costing more than a plan with a slightly higher rate and a lower supply charge. AGL Electricity Plans are available across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA, with selected products also available in other regions depending on the market. Comparing them side by side against other retailers for your specific address is the only reliable way to know which plan is actually cheapest for your household.

Step 3: Check for Fees, Lock-Ins, and Fine Print

Not all plans are flexible. Before you switch, confirm these details:

• Exit fees: Some fixed-term contracts charge a fee if you leave early. Many retailers, including AGL, do not charge exit fees on their residential plans.
• Benefit period: Some plans offer a discounted rate for the first 12 months, then roll you onto a higher standing offer. Check when the benefit period ends.
• Conditional discounts: Some discounts only apply if you pay by direct debit or receive your bill online. Miss a condition, and the discount disappears.
• Price variability: Variable-rate plans can change with notice. The EnergyAustralia Secure Saver plan is one of the few options that offer fixed electricity pricing for an eligible period.

Under Australian Consumer Law, you have a 10-business-day cooling-off period after signing up with a new retailer. If you change your mind, you can cancel without penalty within that window.

Step 4: Factor In Solar, EVs, and Batteries

If you have rooftop solar, your plan choice affects two things:

• What you pay when drawing from the grid
• What you earn for exporting excess power

Feed-in tariffs vary widely between retailers and states, so comparing the feed-in rate alongside the usage rate is essential. AGL energy plans include a Solar Savers product with tiered feed-in tariffs. EnergyAustralia offers competitive feed-in rates across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and ACT. If you own an EV, dedicated overnight charging plans from AGL and EnergyAustralia offer rates as low as 7-8 c/kWh between midnight and 6 am.

Step 5: Time Your Switch Right

If you are moving house, switching plans during the move can help you avoid an expensive default offer at your new address. The AGL Energy Moving House process lets you transfer your existing account to a new property or switch plans at the same time. Getting this sorted a few days before your move-in date means you walk into a home with competitive rates from day one. Even if you are not moving, July is a natural checkpoint. New Default Market Offer and Victorian Default Offer prices take effect on 1 July each year. Retailers update their market offers around the same time, so fresh deals appear. Comparing in late June or early July gives you access to the latest pricing. And now that the Australian energy bill rebates have been removed, the plan you are on has a bigger impact on your total bill than it did 12 months ago.

If you are relocating during this period, use the AGL Energy moving house transfer process or set up a new account with your preferred retailer before you arrive. Compare plans while you are already doing the admin rather than putting it off.

Summary
This guide explains how Australian households can reduce electricity costs by regularly reviewing and comparing energy plans. It outlines key steps, including checking current usage rates and supply charges, comparing offers based on actual household consumption, reviewing contract terms and discounts, applying for available rebates, and considering factors such as solar, EVs, and battery systems. It also highlights the importance of switching at the right time, especially around July when energy prices and offers are updated, and answers common questions about changing providers, rebates, and finding a competitive plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I compare energy plans?

At least once a year, ideally around July when new regulated prices take effect. If your benefit period has expired or you have been on the same plan for over 12 months, there is a strong chance a better deal exists.

Q: Will switching energy providers interrupt my power?

No. Your electricity supply is completely uninterrupted during a switch. The physical network is managed by your local distributor regardless of which retailer bills you. The switch typically takes a few business days for smart meter customers.

Q: Are there still any energy rebates available in 2026?

The federal universal rebate ended on 31 December 2025. Targeted state and territory concession rebates remain active for eligible Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Gold Card, and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. Check your state government’s energy website for current eligibility.

Q: What is the difference between a standing offer and a market offer?

A standing offer is a regulated default plan set by the AER (or ESC in Victoria). It acts as a safety net price. A market offer is a competitive plan set by the retailer, usually cheaper than the standing offer, but it may include conditions like benefit periods or conditional discounts.

Q: How do I know if my current plan is competitive?

Enter your details in Deal Expert. This free tool ranks every available plan for your postcode by estimated annual cost, so you can see exactly where your current plan sits.