10 Signs It’s Time to Change Energy Providers

Energy prices in Australia aren’t going down anytime soon. In fact, they are going to go up from July!

If you’ve opened your latest bill and thought, “That’s more than last time,” well, this blog is for you.

A lot of Aussies are paying more than they should, and many are unaware of it. The truth is, your energy provider isn’t going to tap you on the shoulder and say you’re paying too much. That’s up to you.

In this blog, we’ll share with you some signs that your current plan might be costing you more than it should, and what you can do to switch energy suppliers smartly and easily and save money.

Why Should You Switch Energy Providers?

1. Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Average

If your energy bills consistently exceed the national or regional average, it’s a clear sign to reassess your provider. Plus, the energy rates are set to increase starting in July.

Comparison of Average Annual Electricity Bills by State (202):

State	Average Power Bill (Quarterly)
New South Wales	$444
Victoria	$339
Queensland	$370
South Australia	$375

 

Source: Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker, April 2025

If your bills are notably higher than these figures, it’s time to compare energy Australia plans and see what better deals are available. 

2. You’re on a Default Market Offer or Victorian Default Offer

If you’ve never switched providers or haven’t checked your plan in a while, you might be on a Default Market Offer (DMO) or a Victorian Default Offer (VDO). These are government-set pricing plans designed to protect customers from price gouging.

But they’re not the cheapest.

They act more like a safety net, and while they’re better than being overcharged, they often cost more than the market offers out there. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a recent update that up to 80% of people on standing offers could be paying hundreds more per year than necessary. 

If you’re on one of these default offers, it’s time to switch energy suppliers before the July price hike hits. Switching these days is actually a lot easier than it used to be. Simply search “compare energy Australian plans” and you’ll find easy and quick comparison tools. Once you’ve decided, many energy providers like AGL arrange same-day energy connections so it’s a pretty easy and hassle-free process.

3. You’ve Been with the Same Provider for Over 12 Months

Loyalty in the energy space rarely gets rewarded. In fact, it often costs you more. Most competitive energy plans include limited-time discounts, usually for 12 or 24 months. After that period ends, many Aussie energy providers quietly roll customers over to their standard pricing.

Unless you actively chase a better offer, you’ll likely end up paying more than new customers.

Action step: Check energy Australia bills. If there’s no mention of a discount or the rate looks unfamiliar, you’re likely out of contract and paying a higher rate.

4. Discounts or Perks Have Disappeared

Many energy providers offer discounts like “pay on time” deals or direct debit perks. These often expire without warning. If you were receiving a discount before but no longer see it reflected in your bill, that’s another signal to look for a better deal elsewhere.

A clear plan should offer ongoing value—not just a short-term gimmick.

5. A Better Offer Exists in Your Area

Prices vary by location. What’s available in Sydney’s inner west may not be the same in regional Queensland. If you’re not comparing offers for your specific area, you might miss out.

Using a service like Deal Expert means you can compare energy Australia options across electricity, gas, and even broadband plans based on your postcode. The results are personalised, with no fluff.

6. You’re Getting Poor Customer Service

Service matters, especially when something goes wrong with billing, meter readings, or moving house. If your provider keeps you waiting, gives unclear answers, or makes simple requests a hassle, that’s not something you need to live with.

Good service isn’t a bonus. It’s a basic part of what you’re paying for.

7. You’ve Moved Recently

Moving house can automatically put you on a higher-rate plan, especially if you didn’t take the time to select a provider when you moved. Many people get placed on standing offers, even if they had a market offer at their old address.

If you’ve recently relocated, it’s a smart idea to check energy Australia providers and find a better fit for your new location.

Deal Expert can help make this simple—our switching service is designed to help people moving in get connected with no interruptions, such as getting a same-day connection and zero paperwork.

8. You Want More Control Over Your Usage

Some providers offer real-time usage tracking through apps or online dashboards. These tools help you see what’s using the most power in your home and when. If your current provider doesn’t offer anything like that, you could be left guessing.

More control = smarter savings.

You might also want to explore providers that support features included in services like AGL new electricity connection if you’re after something new.

9. You’re Interested in Renewable Options

If you’re trying to make your household more sustainable, your energy provider should support that goal. Some offer solar feed-in tariffs, carbon offset options, or green-only plans.

If you’re not seeing any green choices with your current provider, it’s worth making a switch to an energy supplier that better aligns with your values.

10. You’ve Heard from Friends or Family They’re Paying Less

Sometimes, the easiest tip-off comes from people around you. If your mate is paying $50 less a month for a similar setup, it’s not just a coincidence. They probably switched to a better plan.

Ask people in your area what they’re paying, and then take a minute to compare energy Australia options online for your household.

What the Experts Say

“It is more important than ever before that consumers have the information they need to ensure they can make informed decisions about whether they’re on the best deal, or if they should be shopping around.”

— Clare Savage, AER Chair, (Inn the importance of the Better Bills Guideline)

How to Switch Without the Hassle

Switching providers isn’t hard, in fact, it’s pretty easy. There’s no interruption to your service, no disconnection fees, and you don’t even need to call your current provider to cancel. Your new provider takes care of everything.

Here’s how the process works with Deal Expert:

• Enter your address

We’ll find the deals available in your area.

• Compare plans 

We’ll recommend one that suits your usage and budget.

• Switch energy supplier easily

Confirm your details, and we’ll sort the rest.

It’s free, fast, and you won’t be stuck filling out forms or waiting on hold.

Conclusion

Staying with the same energy provider out of habit can cost you a lot when you add it up over a  year. If you’ve seen any of the signs listed above, now is a smart time to look at your options.

Prices are rising in several parts of Australia this July. Don’t wait for the next big bill to realise it’s too much.

Check energy Australia options using a trusted online comparison service.

Switch energy supplier today and start saving. Use a service you can trust—Deal Expert is here to help you do it quickly and with zero stress.

Want to see what you could be saving?

Call us or enter your suburb on the site. It takes less than a minute to get started!