Over the last two years, running a small business in Victoria has become much more expensive. One of the biggest reasons? Energy prices. For many Aussie businesses, power and gas are no longer predictable costs, they’re fluctuating, rising sharply, and affecting cash flow in ways that weren’t expected even a few years ago.
Recent numbers from the Victorian Essential Services Commission show just how serious things have become.
The average small business electricity bill rose by 27% in the past year alone. That’s not a small jump—it’s thousands of dollars in added costs each year for businesses using around 20,000 kWh of energy. Meanwhile, average gas bills climbed 19%, putting even more pressure on businesses already working within tight budgets (Victorian Energy Market Report).
With energy prices rising and margins shrinking, it’s now essential for small business owners to act. Taking just a few minutes to do an easy online energy and gas comparison isn’t optional anymore, it’s something that should be part of every business’s routine.
What’s Causing the Price Increases?
To understand what’s happening, we need to look at a few moving parts.
First, wholesale energy prices have gone up. Energy retailers are paying more to get electricity and gas from suppliers, and they’re passing those costs onto customers. This has made small business electricity rates much higher than they were just a year or two ago.
Second, there has been an increase in network fees and infrastructure costs. Even if your actual usage hasn’t gone up, the cost to remain connected to the grid has. These fixed daily supply charges are impacting every small business, from cafes to commercial kitchens to printing shops.
And lastly, the market is more volatile. Energy companies are offering contracts with less stability, which means your bills could shift dramatically if you don’t lock in a competitive rate.
The Real Impact on Business Operations
Rising bills don’t just hurt your bottom line; they affect how your business runs. For some, it means cutting back on trading hours. Others are holding off on upgrades or new hires. Even simple things like turning on the heater during winter are now weighed against the cost.
If you haven’t reviewed your gas or power plan in a while, it’s time. Many small business owners stay on old contracts, paying above-market rates without realising it. Doing an energy and gas comparison just once can show you how much you could be saving.
Reviewing and Comparing Energy Plans is Now Essential
You’re probably reviewing invoices, cash flow, and stock every week. Your energy plan should get the same attention. Prices have changed. Offers have changed. Your business may have changed. Your provider’s rates may no longer be competitive.
To make things easier, Deal Expert allows you to quickly check current gas and electricity plans that apply to your postcode. It’s a smart way to check energy Australia against other retailers without jumping between websites. You can instantly see if you’re getting a good rate or if there’s a better option available.
You just enter your address into Deal Expert, and the platform shows you all the available plans for your business, including estimated monthly costs.
Switching Plans is Simple—and Often Worth It
Many Australian business owners don’t switch because they think it’ll be a hassle. But that couldn’t be further from the truth: it takes just a few minutes to compare and switch, and with same-day connection, you won’t lose power or gas during the change.
Once you’ve confirmed your details, the new provider will take care of the switch. Most transfers take about 3 to 4 weeks, and there’s a 10-business-day cooling-off period. If you change your mind, you can cancel with no penalty.
Switching to a better plan could reduce your power bill by hundreds, or even thousands, each year. That’s money better spent on wages, marketing, or equipment. You don’t have to wait for your current contract to end either. In most cases, you’re free to leave with no exit fees.
The Truth About Small Business Electricity Rates
There’s a wide range of offers out there. Some look good at first, but have higher daily supply charges. Others promise discounts that only apply if you pay on time every month. It’s easy to miss the fine print.
That’s why doing a proper comparison is so important. When checking small business electricity rates, don’t just focus on the rate per kilowatt-hour. Look at the whole picture: supply fees, peak usage times, and any lock-in periods.
If you run a business that uses most of its energy during business hours, make sure your rate is suited to those hours. A flat-rate plan might be better than one with peak and off-peak times. The right choice totally depends on your usage pattern, not just the cheapest-looking number.
Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills
Switching plans is just one step. Businesses should also look at how energy is being used. Are lights or machines left on when not needed? Could you replace old appliances with more efficient ones? Could staff be more educated on the best ways to help reduce energy costs?
Even small changes, like using timers or switching to LED lights, can help. But the biggest impact usually comes from getting a better energy plan. That’s why you need to jump online to compare energy Australia and other offers frequently.
Once you’ve locked in a better deal, set a reminder to check again in six months. Energy prices change often, and the best plan today might not be the best one tomorrow.
Conclusion
Energy bills are no longer background noise. They’re serious business expenses, and ignoring them could cost your Victorian business more than you think.
The solution is simple: make energy and gas comparison part of your routine. It only takes a few minutes, and with tools like Deal Expert, you’ll see every offer that applies to your area, without the confusion.
If you haven’t reviewed your plan in over a year, chances are you’re paying more than you should. Don’t let another quarter go by without checking. Your bottom line will thank you for it, so take control before costs get out of hand.