An energy retailer is the company that sells you electricity or gas, manages your account and sends your bills. It buys energy from the wholesale market or generators, then charges you under a plan that may include usage rates, supply charges, discounts and fees. Your local distributor still owns and maintains the poles, wires, meters and gas network, and handles faults and emergencies. You can compare retailers and plans through the Victorian Energy Compare service or the Australian Energy Regulator’s Energy Made Easy website, depending on where you live.