Energy retailers generally serve postcodes rather than operating from a nearby shop, so availability depends on your address and local network. Enter your postcode into the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy website to compare electricity and gas plans, estimated costs, tariffs and contract terms; Victorian households can use Victorian Energy Compare. Check daily supply charges, usage rates, discounts, fees and hardship support—not just the headline estimate. Your local distributor maintains the poles, wires or pipes, while the retailer sends your bills, so contact the distributor for outages and the retailer for account questions.