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Let’s be honest—switching electricity, gas, or broadband providers has never been a fun Sunday activity. You know you’re probably paying more than you should, but navigating through endless plans, hidden fees, and “limited time offers” can be mentally draining. And that’s before you even start comparing connection timelines or contract terms.

That’s where comparison platforms like Deal Expert have changed the game. Designed to simplify switching, it lets everyday Australians compare, choose, and activate utility plans in a matter of minutes. But is using a platform always better than going the DIY route? Or is there still value in doing all the legwork yourself?

Let’s unpack the difference—and see which route actually saves you more time, money, and energy.

The Reality of Switching Utilities on Your Own

Doing it yourself gives you full control—but that also means full responsibility. Most people start with a quick Google search or head to provider websites directly. What follows is a maze of technical terms, energy usage estimates, discounts based on conditions, and fine print that seems intentionally vague.

The process might seem manageable if you’ve done it before, but for many, it can spiral into hours of browser tabs, bill comparisons, and lingering uncertainty. Worse, providers often make it hard to compare apples to apples. What looks like a cheap plan might have high daily supply charges or short-term promo pricing that expires in six months.

Without expert insights or usage-based recommendations, many households end up sticking to whatever they already have—or make a rushed decision based on price alone.

What Deal Expert Does Differently

Deal Expert was built around a single frustration: switching utilities shouldn’t be this hard. The platform simplifies the experience by allowing users to either upload a recent bill or enter a few quick details like postcode and household size. It then pulls together a shortlist of relevant plans from vetted electricity, gas, and broadband providers—cutting through the marketing fluff.

But it’s not just about comparison. Deal Expert supports you through the actual switching process. That means fewer forms, no confusing phone calls, and no chasing down your old provider. In fact, if you’re moving houses, the platform can even help ensure your power is connected on the day you move in—something that’s become a standout feature for renters and first-home buyers alike.

Why So Many Australians Overpay—and Don’t Even Realise It

One of the major issues with DIY switching is that many people delay it for too long—or avoid it altogether. According to a 2024 ACCC report, households who stay on outdated energy plans pay around 16.9% more annually than those who switch regularly. That translates to over $300 a year in avoidable costs.

Even more surprising is how many people don’t switch despite knowing better options exist. A 2023 piece from News.com.au revealed that over 80% of Australians remain on plans that aren’t the cheapest available, either due to confusion, inertia, or distrust of the switching process.

Platforms like Deal Expert are designed to help consumers overcome these barriers—not just by showing them alternatives, but by making the transition seamless.

The Trade-Off: Control vs. Convenience

At first glance, doing it yourself might feel empowering—you’re in control, you know what you’re getting, and you don’t have to rely on anyone else. But in reality, you’re trading time, mental load, and risk of human error for that control.

With Deal Expert, convenience is the trade-off. You may not see every single plan in the market, but you’ll get a selection of strong, vetted options, all filtered to your usage and needs. For many, that’s more than enough to make a confident switch.

The other point worth noting? Deal Expert doesn’t charge you anything. It earns a commission from the provider once you switch—which means the advice and process are free for you to use. Compare providers now with us and find the best energy for you.

So, What’s the Smarter Choice?

If you love spreadsheets and don’t mind spending your weekend hunting down the best broadband combo in your postcode, the DIY route might still appeal to you. But for most of us—especially those juggling work, family, and everything in between—the smart move is to let someone else take care of the heavy lifting.

Deal Expert brings together the best of both worlds: you still make the final call, but the discovery, sorting, and switching process is taken care of. The time saved—and the money potentially recovered from overpriced plans—makes the decision pretty straightforward.