How to Compare Electricity Plans in Melbourne and Victoria

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Melbourne, the vibrant capital city of Victoria is one of Australia’s most populous states; as such, it has a large and competitive electricity market. The cost of electricity in Melbourne can vary depending on a number of factors, including your energy usage, the time of day you use electricity, and the electricity plan you choose. With so many different plans and providers to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start when comparing electricity prices. In this article, we’ll look at some of the cheapest electricity providers in Melbourne and Victoria and give some tips on comparing and choosing the best deal for you.

Switching to a better plan? You may already have an energy plan but want more power or to shop for a better deal.

Energy Matters Free Energy Bill Comparator” is a cutting-edge energy bill tool that allows you to compare your area’s most competitive retail offers. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide on the switching plan and find the best deal for your needs.

If your goal is to get more electricity and minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!

Electricity Distributors vs. Electricity Providers in Melbourne, Victoria

Electricity distributors and providers are two entities that play important roles in delivering electricity to homes and businesses in Melbourne, Victoria.

  • Electricity distributors own and operate the network of power lines, underground cables, and substations that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Electricity distributors are also known as stands for Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs). They are responsible for maintaining the safety and reliability of the electricity network, and they are also responsible for responding to power outages. 
  • Electricity providers purchase electricity from generators and sell it to consumers. They set the prices that consumers pay for electricity and are responsible for billing and customer service.

In Melbourne or Victoria, five electricity distributors are responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses across the state. These distributors are:

  • Citipower
  • Jemena
  • Powercor Australia
  • AusNet Services
  • United Energy Distribution

Here is a table summarising the key differences between electricity distributors and electricity providers:

Characteristic

Electricity Distributor

Electricity Provider

Who are you assigned to

Based on your location

You can choose

What they do

Own and operate the electricity network

Sell you electricity

Some factors to consider

Price, plan type, customer service

Price, plan type, customer service, reputation

Melbourne Solar

Some of the cheapest electricity providers in Melbourne and Victoria

  • Energy Locals
  • OVO Energy
  • CovaU
  • 1st Energy
  • Nectr
  • AGL

How to compare electricity prices in Melbourne

Here are a few tips on how to compare electricity prices in Melbourne:

Start by gathering your information

You’ll need to know your current energy usage, the time of day you use electricity most, and any discounts or rebates you’re eligible for. You can find this information on your most recent electricity bill.

Consider your needs

Not all electricity plans are created equal. Some plans offer lower base rates, while others offer lower usage rates. Some plans have peak and off-peak periods, while others don’t. It’s important to choose a plan that meets your specific needs.

Read the fine print

Before you switch to a new electricity plan, be sure to read the fine print. This includes the terms and conditions, any hidden fees, and the cancellation policy.

Choose the right type of plan

There are a number of different types of electricity plans available, including single-rate plans, time-of-use plans, and variable-rate plans. Choose the type of plan that best suits your needs.

Look for discounts and incentives

Many retailers offer discounts and incentives for things like free nights and weekends, direct debit payments or bill credits, green power, and solar feed-in tariffs. Be sure to ask about any discounts and incentives that are available.

Switch retailers regularly

The electricity market is constantly changing, so it’s a good idea to switch retailers every few years to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Be aware of hidden fees

Some electricity providers charge hidden fees, such as exit fees or connection fees. Be sure to read the fine print before you sign up for a plan.

Once you’ve compared electricity prices, you can choose the right plan for you. Switching to a new electricity plan can save you money, so it’s worth comparing your options.

Use an energy compare tool

There are a number of websites and apps that can help you compare electricity prices in Melbourne. These tools will ask you for some basic information about your energy usage and preferences, and then they’ll generate a list of the cheapest plans available to you.

Are you looking for the cheapest electricity in Melbourne and Victoria? If so, you’re in luck! Many great deals are available, and with a little bit of comparison shopping, you can easily find one that fits your needs and budget. One way is to use our energy price comparison website. Energy Matters‘ energy bill comparison tool allows you to enter your postcode and it will then compare the prices of different electricity plans from a variety of retailers.

How to find the best electricity deals in Victoria

The Victorian energy market is one of the most competitive in Australia, with over 20 retailers to choose from. This means plenty of opportunities to save money on your electricity bill by switching to a better deal.

The best way to find the best electricity deals in Victoria is to compare electricity price offers from different retailers. When comparing electricity plans, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Price: The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the most important factor when comparing electricity plans. However, it is important to note that some retailers offer discounts for signing contracts, paying on time, or using direct debit.
  • Tariff: Victoria has two main types of electricity tariffs: single-rate and time-of-use (TOU). Single-rate tariffs charge the same price for electricity at all times of the day and night. TOU tariffs charge different prices for electricity at different times of the day and night, with peak rates typically being higher than off-peak rates. A TOU tariff may be a good option if you can use most of your electricity during off-peak times.
  • Features: Some electricity retailers offer additional features, such as green energy plans, rewards programs, and bill smoothing. When comparing plans, it is important to consider which features are important to you.

Once you have compared electricity plans from different retailers, you can choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget.

Compare price electricity

The cheapest electric providers in Victoria are offered by CovaU, Simply Energy, and GloBird Energy, ahead of several other more reputable providers. However, Victoria’s electricity rates can fluctuate regularly, so make sure to check back soon.

RETAILER

GENERAL USAGE RATE (c/kWh)

DAILY CHARGE (c/day)

CovaU

20.74

91.05

Simply Energy

25.26

101.42

OVO Energy

22.55

76.99

Here are some additional tips for saving money on your electricity bills

Use energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity, which can save you money on your bill.

Unplug appliances when you’re not using them: Even when they’re turned off, appliances can still draw power. Unplugging them when you’re not using them can save you money.

Set your thermostat: Set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter. In the summer and a lower temperature in the winter. Every degree you adjust your thermostat can save you money on your bill.

Use natural light whenever possible: Opening your curtains and blinds during the day will help to brighten your home and reduce your reliance on artificial light.

Install solar panels: Take advantage of solar power. If you’re eligible, solar power can help you reduce your reliance on the grid and save money on your electricity bill.

Going Solar? Energy Matters has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence. Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget, and we can connect you with our trusted local installers, who will provide up to 3 FREE quotes for your home and business solar energy system.

By following these tips, you can save money on your electricity bill and help the environment at the same time.

In addition to the tips listed above, there are a number of other things you can do to save money on electricity in Victoria. For example, you can consider installing a smart meter, which can help you track your energy usage and identify areas where you can save. You can also sign up for a time-of-use tariff, allowing you to pay lower rates for electricity during off-peak hours.

Comparing electricity prices in Victoria can be daunting, but it is important to research to find the best deal for your needs. By using a price comparison website or careful consideration and research, you can easily compare different plans and prices and find the one that is right for you.

melbourne solar energy

FAQ

How can I be sure I will not switch to a company that will raise prices?

Call retailers to confirm the price increases or other details for the best outcome.

Do I need a smart meter?

The smart meter can generally be used for accessing flexible pricing such as time of use. Smart meters generally provide energy usage information for half an hour, empowering consumers to monitor the usage through an app or website. Smart meters were built in Victorian homes and have become progressively common across the states. Customers should monitor their electric bills using a smart device to become more informed about usage patterns, which could reduce costs.

What if I've already changed providers and my electricity bills are still too high?

First, check your usage. Are you using more electricity than you were before? If so, you can do a few things to reduce your usage, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs or unplugging electronics when you’re not using them.

Second, compare prices. Are you on the best deal for your needs? If not, you may be able to save money by switching providers again.

Finally, contact your provider. They may be able to offer you some help or advice.

Will it cost me anything to switch?

No, however, in some cases (if you are locked into a plan) you may need to pay an exit fee. Check with your current retailer. Even with exit fees, you are still likely to save a significant amount by switching to a different, cheaper retailer.

How do I apply for a $250 energy rebate in Victoria?

The Victorian Government is offering all Victorian households a $250 energy rebate. The rebate is designed to help ease the cost of living pressures for Victorian families. You can apply for the rebate online at the Victorian Energy Compare website or by calling 1800 000 832. Visit our page to learn more about How do I apply for a $250 energy rebate in Victoria?

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