How We Compare Energy Plans
Last updated: June 14, 2026
Data Sources
We pull electricity and gas plan data from the following official sources:
- Australian Energy Regulator (AER) — Energy Made Easy reference prices and retailer comparison data
- Victorian Energy Compare — Victoria's official government comparison site
- Retailer websites — Published rate cards, tariff sheets, and plan fact sheets
- IPART / QCA / ESCOSA — State-level regulator determinations and benchmark rates
Data is refreshed every 30 days, or sooner if a major rate change is announced.
How We Calculate Savings
Our calculator compares your current plan against available market offers using the following assumptions:
- Usage: Default household consumption based on AER model: 3,900 kWh/year for residential (NSW/ACT), 4,000 kWh (VIC), 4,600 kWh (QLD), 4,000 kWh (SA)
- Tariff: Single-rate (flat) unless you specify time-of-use
- Solar: Feed-in tariff rates from state minimum + retailer published rates
- Controlled load: Not included by default; add separately if applicable
- Discounts: Guaranteed discounts only; conditional discounts (pay-on-time) are noted but not assumed
Your actual savings depend on your specific usage pattern. This calculator provides estimates, not guaranteed quotes.
What We Compare
For each plan we track:
- Daily supply charge (cents/day)
- Usage rates (cents/kWh, including tiered or time-of-use blocks)
- Solar feed-in tariff (cents/kWh exported)
- Contract terms (12-month, month-to-month, lock-in penalties)
- Exit fees and early termination costs
- Green energy options and carbon offsets
- Bill smoothing and direct debit requirements
Editorial Independence
WattCompare is an independent comparison site. We are not owned by any energy retailer. We may earn a commission when you switch providers through our links, at no extra cost to you. Commissions do not influence which plans appear or how they are ranked.
We do not accept payment for placement. We list plans from retailers we have no commercial relationship with. Our comparison is based on published rates and official data, not commercial arrangements.
Limitations
- Not all retailers: Some smaller retailers do not publish rates in machine-readable format. We list the retailers we can verify.
- Time-of-use complexity: TOU plans vary significantly by time block. Our default comparison uses flat-rate assumptions.
- Not financial advice: This is an information tool. For personalised energy advice, consult an energy broker or call the retailer directly.
- Rate changes: Retailers can change rates with notice. Always confirm the current rate with the retailer before switching.