This Canstar Blue article compares energy bills from some of Australia’s largest energy providers, helping you to understand your energy bill information regardless of who your energy provider is or what the bill looks like.
Compare energy prices
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
 |
|
11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
|
|
10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
|
|
4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Energy bill information
Although there are differences between energy bills of various providers, all bills contain the following information:
- Your details
- Your account details
- Your provider’s details
- Summary of charges
- What payment is due and when
- How to pay the bill
- Payment options.
Energy bill comparison
AGL energy bill
AGL is one of the biggest electricity and gas retailers in Australia, with millions of residential and business energy customers. Its energy bills are generally three pages.
The first page has an overview of your account balance, how to find information on cheaper plans, your due date, your details and information on how to pay your bill.
The second page has a summary of your plan, plus your average daily usage compared with the previous year, a bill breakdown and information for assistance and support services.
The third page shows your energy usage and solar exports on a line graph, along with meter details and links to further information on frequently asked questions.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of AGL energy bills.
Image Credits: agl.com.au
Alinta energy bill
Alinta Energy supplies energy across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. It also sells natural gas across the East Coast as well as in Western Australia.
Most Alinta Energy bills consist of three pages, with a layout similar to AGL energy bills but with some differences.
Page one lists your account details, as well as contact numbers for those needing help, how to find information on cheaper plans, your total account balance and when and how to pay your energy bill.
Page two lists important information about your current plan, along with any concessions and information on energy efficiency, moving, and interpreter and relay services. It also has a line graph to help you understand your energy usage and any greenhouse gas emissions (if applicable).
Page three has your charging period, along with the rate for any particular day.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of Alinta Energy’s energy bills.
Image Credit: alintaenergy.com.au
Origin energy bill
Origin Energy is an integrated power company, generating and selling electricity and natural gas to households and businesses across Australia. An Origin energy bill generally has four pages.
The first page is similar to bills from other energy providers. You’ll find account details, amounts payable, your due dates and how to pay your energy bill here.
The second page has a summary of your current plan, along with a breakdown of usage and charges, solar credits, your account balance and info on assistance and support services.
The third page shows any credits, concessions and rebates as well as meter reading information and comparison graphs for both daily and long-term energy usage.
The fourth page has an acknowledgement of country as well as any new payment information.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of Origin Energy bills.
Image Credit: originenergy.com.au
EnergyAustralia energy bill
EnergyAustralia sells electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses in NSW, Vic, SA and the ACT. South East QLD customers can also sign up for electricity plans. Similar to Origin, EnergyAustralia’s bills are four pages long.
The first page has comparable information to other energy providers, such as your account details, EnergyAustralia’s best current offer and contact details, the amount due and due date.
The second page has more detailed information regarding your plan, including your billing period, charges, government concessions and rebates, discounts, opening balance, payments received, payment options and any adjustments or fees.
The third page shows usage data, solar export data, any changes made to energy rates and contact information for those who need support.
The fourth page contains further information on EnergyAustralia’s best offer and how it’s calculated, and any applicable meter information.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of EnergyAustralia’s energy bills.
Image Credit: energyaustralia.com.au
Powershop energy bill
Powershop offers customers a different approach to paying bills. Powershop gives you the option to pre-purchase electricity, known as ‘Powerpacks’. Powerpacks are available to buy online or via the Powershop app, which list any applicable discounts and rates so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Powershop’s energy bill has four pages.
Page one covers the essentials such as your bill’s due date and amount. This page also shows the best plan and bill payment options.
Page two shows your plan, whether your meter read was estimated or actual, supply and usage charges, credits and deductions and information for financial assistance and other services.
Page three contains a full breakdown of your meter reading for that month, the rate description, previous and current meter readout number and how much power was used. Powershop includes some statistics and graphs showing greenhouse gas emissions and average daily usage compared to other households in the area.
Page four shows an account summary and any Powershop Powerpack information.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of Powershop’s energy bills.
Image Credit: powershop.com.au
Red Energy bill
Red Energy is an electricity retailer owned by Snowy Hydro, and is known for offering competitive rates and customer satisfaction. Red Energy’s bills have three pages.
The first page has comparable information to other energy providers, such as your account details, Red Energy’s best current offer and contact details, the amount due, due date and payment options.
The second page has more detailed information regarding your plan, billing period, charges, solar feed-in tariff, government concessions and rebates, discounts, opening balance, payments received, and any adjustments or fees.
The third page shows usage data, solar export data, energy rate changes and contact information for those who need support.
The fourth page contains further information on Red Energy’s best offer and how it’s calculated and any applicable meter information.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of Red Energy’s energy bills.
Need more info on energy bill comparison?
Fortunately, your electricity bill is now easier to read, thanks to the introduction of the Better Bills Guideline. This new policy means your provider now highlights the most important aspects of your bill, and is also required to inform you if there’s a better offer available if you’re paying too much for power.
For an in-depth look at how to read your energy bill, visit Canstar Blue’s power bill guide. You will find a breakdown of an energy bill and definitions of key terms that can confuse customers, as well as a quick rundown on the difference between an energy and gas bill.
Does switching energy providers guarantee a better deal?
If you’re looking to switch energy providers, there are a few things to consider. See if your current energy plan has exit or disconnection fees. Weigh up the features of gas and electricity plans, such as pricing, customer rewards and sign-up incentives.
Reading the fine print in your energy contract or calling your energy provider can make a difference when it comes to finding a better deal. However, if you want a quick and simple energy plan comparison, try Canstar Blue’s free comparison tool.
Image credits: jittawit21/Shutterstock.com
Share this article