Electricity bills in Australia are made up of a daily supply charge plus usage charges, which vary by state, network, retailer and time of use. Understanding what's actually on your bill is usually the first step to reducing it.
What's on a typical bill
Most bills show a supply charge (a fixed daily fee regardless of usage), usage charges per kilowatt-hour, and sometimes separate rates for peak, off-peak or shoulder periods if you're on a time-of-use plan. Solar feed-in credits, if you have a system, are usually itemised separately.
Comparing retailers and plans
Electricity plans and discount structures vary between retailers and change often, so a plan that was competitive when you signed up may not stay that way. Independent comparison services and your state's official energy comparison tool are generally more reliable starting points than a single retailer's own offer.
Reducing usage
Shifting usage to off-peak times, improving insulation, and using efficient appliances can all reduce a bill over time — see our sister site on solar for a longer-term option.
If you're struggling to pay
Retailers are required to have hardship programs for customers struggling to pay, and government concessions may also be available — see our guide on energy hardship programs. Contact your retailer early rather than waiting until a disconnection notice arrives.