Pricing

Victorian consumers have the power to shop around and choose their energy retailer.

To make this decision easier, the Essential Services Commission publishes a range of retailers’ market offers and monitors and publicises electricity and gas prices. Retailers are also required to publish their offers so consumers can compare prices.

Competition between retailers has many benefits for consumers, including cheaper energy bills. Victorians who choose their retailer typically save between 5 and 10%.

Factors such as green energy, good service and special offers can also be taken into consideration when selecting a retailer.

If you don't select an electricity retail offer for your property, according to government requirements, you will be supplied gas or electricity by your current or most recent retailer at a default rate – this is known as a ‘standing offer’ tariff.

Regardless of which retailer you choose, you will be protected by a range of safeguards, including:

• the Energy Retail Code and Energy Marketing Code that determine minimum customer service standards
• programs that assist residential customers in hardship
• a complaints and dispute resolution mechanism through the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria).

For further information or tips on how to choose the best energy retailer:

• visit the Essential Services Commission website
• contact the Essential Services Commission by phone on 1300 134 575
• contact energy retailers directly.