It’s easy to find competitive pricing on an energy plan that suits your needs and household budget; simply try our energy comparison service today to get started.
Save time while you search for a better electricity and gas deal by easily comparing Victorian energy plans from different brands, all in one place (instead of searching through multiple websites).
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We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish and help take care of the paperwork. We've also made it simple to review & purchace energy plans through our service online if you’d prefer to handle it yourself.
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You need to disconnect utilities at your old place before moving into your new home. Learn how you can minimise paying bills at both houses.
The Victorian energy industry has been deregulated since 2002. That’s why energy providers (also called retailers) set their own prices, and you have more products to choose between.
Different households can apply for rebates to help pay for power bills, depending on their circumstances. We go into detail about these concessions.
A smart meter tracks your energy usage every 30 minutes to every hour. We explain how these devices work and how they can help reduce your electricity bill.
If you want to commit to a sustainable energy plan, be mindful that future savings may come at the expense of upfront costs. Learn more about your renewable energy options.
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) sets a cap on the total amount you can be charged for electricity usage for typical usage in your area.
Learn how it works hereIn 2002, Victoria’s energy market was deregulated, meaning private energy providers (also called retailers) could enter the market and compete for your business. In 2009, Victoria allowed energy providers to set their own prices and ultimately create a more competitive electricity and gas industry. Before this, Victorians could only choose government-set prices.
This is good news! Why? Since the state government established this arrangement, various new energy providers have entered the market. With more players offering energy plans, there’s usually a higher level of commercial rivalry, which typically results in more competitive energy pricing as providers attempt to attract more customers within the sector.
You could save on your power and gas bill by simply comparing electricity and gas plans in Victoria and switching to a provider that satisfies your energy needs, at a cost that’s in line with your household utilities budget.
While providers can set their own prices for electricity, the Victorian Government has established the Victorian Default Offer (VDO). The VDO helps ensure you aren’t paying too much for your electricity usage if you haven’t looked for a better deal on your plan in a while.
The VDO acts as a cap on the amount you can be charged for electricity, with prices changing from 1 January every year, and is based on your area’s typical usage and supply charges.
While this helps keep costs low for those who don’t compare, providers also offer discounted plans that are cheaper than the VDO. If you’re in Victoria and are on the VDO, you could be missing out on potential savings elsewhere.
The VDO prices for residential customers in 2021 are:
| Distribution zone | Supply charge ($ per day) | Usage charge structure | Usage charge ($ per kWh) | Usage charge controlled load ($ per kWh) |
| AusNet Services | $1.1643 | Block 1 (up to 1,020kWh per quarter) Block 2 (>1,020kWh per quarter) | Block 1 – $0.2703 Block 2 – $0.2882 | $0.1924 |
| Citipower | $1.1330 | Anytime | $0.2140 | $0.1629 |
| Jemena | $1.0675 | Anytime | $0.2344 | $0.1819 |
| Powercor | $1.2918 | Anytime | $0.2240 | $0.1704 |
| United Energy | $0.9824 | Anytime | $0.2400 | $0.1707 |
Source: Victorian Default Offer 2021: Final Decision. Essential Services Commission, Victorian State Government. 25 November 2020.
VDO prices will be effective from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 and are inclusive of GST.
Victorian energy providers will charge you for electricity similarly to most other states. Victorians have to pay a supply charge (daily fee), which pays for the distributor’s transmission charges, and the price for generating power. You will also get a usage charge, which is applied for each kilowatt per hour (kWh) of electricity or megajoules (MJ) of gas their household or business uses.
N.B. Distributors, not to be confused with providers, are those who supply power to the grid and maintain energy infrastructure (e.g. power lines and gas mains).
Gas usage is typically charged at different rates using a tiered system. The first 100 MJ of the day could be charged at one rate, while the next 50 MJ is charged at a cheaper rate. Any consumption over 150MJ is then charged at a different rate again.
Discounts could comprise unconditional or conditional discounts, including payment method discounts (e.g. discount if you pay via direct debit), pay-on-time discounts, and bundling discounts. These are generally applied to the whole bill after all charges are calculated. On top of discounts from the provider, you may be eligible for concessions from the Victorian government, which can further help you save on your electricity and gas bills.
A rough formula to calculate electricity or gas costs in Victoria would be:
(supply charge x number of days on billing cycle) + (usage charge x usage amount) – discount(s), concession(s), rebate(s) = bill amount.
Remember that where you live in Victoria will impact the amount you’re charged for your electricity and gas and who your distributor is.
Check out our guide on how to read energy bills to learn more.
Several tariff options can influence the cost of energy in Victoria. You might be able to choose between them depending on the wiring in your house, the eligibility in your area and whether you have a smart meter. We’ve broken these down below:
A single rate tariff (also known as ‘peak’, ‘flat rate’ and ‘anytime’) is the most common tariff in Victoria. This tariff charges you the same rate no matter when you use your power.
A block rate tariff charges you for your electricity or gas usage in various different block rates. For instance, in a two-block rate you’re charged a certain rate for the first portion of energy you use in a day. Once you exceed this initial portion, you’ll be charged at a different rate for any more electricity or gas you use on that day. This second block rate could be slightly higher or lower than your first block rate, depending on your retailer.
The flexible pricing tariff, a variation to the time of use (TOU) tariff, applies a different usage rate at different times of the day (also known as peak, off-peak and shoulder). You’ll need a smart meter that can be read remotely to take advantage of this tariff.
Electricity providers in Victoria can set the times that different tariffs apply, so be sure to take these times a guide only:
Flexible pricing was introduced on 17 September 2013, and it offers you more control over your electricity bill. This type of pricing encourages you to use more electricity during off-peak times in Victoria, instead of periods where there is high demand (peak), and the cost of delivering electricity is highest. It’s important to note that you may not find flexible pricing tariffs a suitable option if your home or business requires a lot of energy during peak periods.
The flexible pricing tariff is an opt-in pricing plan, so the changes may not impact you at all. However, as flexible pricing has the potential to save you money, you may find a compelling reason to switch providers. Just note that not all providers offer flexible pricing.
The time-of-use tariff, like flexible pricing, charges you different rates depending on when you consume electricity. However, these types of tariffs in Victoria don’t include a shoulder period between peak (e.g. 7am-11pm weekdays) and off-peak (all other times).
Time-of-use also features different time periods to flexible pricing, including a larger peak window, and providers may have different tariff timetables to each other. As such, be sure to check with your energy retailer in Victoria.
For gas, the price can change depending on the season. This is because gas is often used for heating and peak demand typically occurs in the winter months. Peak season tariffs mean you’ll pay more for gas in winter and less in summer.
Also known as a two-rate tariff or dedicated circuit, controlled load makes it possible for the retailer to charge you a rate for certain appliances in your home separately from your other appliances. Controlled load tariffs are typically used for electric hot water systems or underfloor heating that often run in off-peak periods or overnight.
Keep in mind that electricity is only provided to these certain appliances during off-peak hours.
Requiring smart meters, demand tariffs charge you based on how much electricity you use at a point in time, instead of your electricity usage over time. So, if you were to run both your dishwasher and washing machine simultaneously, your electricity demand will be increased and you will, therefore, attract a higher usage charge.
Demand tariffs are designed to optimise Victoria’s energy network as a greater number of residents will avoid using high-power appliances in the one go.
Victorians who own solar panels can also receive a feed-in tariff (FiT); this is a credit on your bill that you’ll receive for the energy your panels produce and send back into the grid. Providers must offer Victorians at least the minimum tariff, though they can offer more.
There is a flat rate minimum FiT, which in the 2021 to 2022 financial year is 6.7 cents per kWh. The time of use minimum FiT rates are listed below.
Note that on 1 July 2021 these minimum FiT rates will change.
| Period | Weekday | Weekend | Cents per kWh |
| Flat-rate | N/A | N/A | 6.7 |
| Peak | 3pm to 9pm | N/A | 10.9 |
| Shoulder | 7am to 3pm, 9pm to 10pm | 7am to 10pm | 6.1 |
| Off-peak | 10pm to 7am | 10pm to 7am | 6.7 |
Source: Essential Services Commission (2021). Minimum electricity feed-in tariff to apply from 1 July 2021. Accessed 26 May 2021..
Furthermore, from 1 July 2018, providers have offered Victorians the choice between a single rate or time-varying tariff. This means you can receive the same amount back for your energy usage no matter when it’s exported into the grid, or get a feed-in tariff that varies depending on the time of day.
Distributors are responsible for maintaining powerlines, poles, pipes and meters. They connect your property to electricity powerlines and gas pipelines. If you experience a power outage or your meter stops working, your distributor is who you contact.
N.B. You can’t switch distributors.
| Company | Service area |
| Ausnet Services | Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria |
| Citipower | Melbourne City and inner suburbs |
| Jemena | Northern and north-western suburbs |
| Powercor Australia | Western Victoria and western suburbs |
| United Energy | Mornington Peninsula and southern suburbs |
| Company | Service area |
| Ausnet Services | Western Melbourne City and western suburbs, central and western Victoria |
| Australian Gas Networks | Merrifield, Mildura, Heathcote/Wandong Junction and Koo Wee Rup |
| Multinet | Southern and Eastern Melbourne City, southern and eastern inner suburbs, south Gippsland and Yarra ranges |
Electricity providers (also known as retailers) bill you for your energy consumption while distributors supply it. While you can’t switch distributors, you can switch providers easily.
You can see which electricity suppliers in Victoria retail energy by reviewing the list below. Not all providers in this list offer both electricity and gas.
N.B. We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.
* The information provided above is based in the postcode of 3000 and is accurate as of 1 March 2021. Data sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria.
From Melbourne and Geelong to Ballarat and the places in between, you can compare Victorian energy providers through our free comparison service. Simply enter a few details about yourself, including your postcode and energy usage, to find specific information and quotes relevant to your location and energy needs. It takes only minutes, making it easy to find competitive plans from electricity providers in Victoria.
Some energy providers in Victoria offer both electricity and gas as a dual plan. Others provide these utilities as separate plans. The electricity gas providers in Victoria below offer both as bundles and separate plans; however, you may not have access to both from the same provider, depending on where you live.
For example, one provider may offer electricity in all suburbs in Victoria. But they may not offer gas to suburbs in East Melbourne. To find out which providers offer energy in your area, use our energy comparison service.
N.B. We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.
* The information provided above is accurate as of 1 March 2021. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria.
No matter how big your household or where you reside, we can help you find some of the cheapest gas rates in Victoria. Compare gas providers in Victoria through our gas comparison service. Look for savings in your gas bill for your postcode in Victoria; as well as discounts, fees, charges and more.
While everyone’s electricity needs and bills are going to be different, we’ve provided a snapshot of some plans available from electricity suppliers in Melbourne which can help give you an idea of how much electricity and gas plans could cost you.
You can compare available energy plans in minutes for free through our comparison service too.
| Provider | Plan | Annual cost (including discounts) | Annual cost (excluding discounts) | Discount benefit period | Contract term |
| GloBird Energy | GloBird Combo GLOSAVE Residential (Flexible Rate C13R) Citipower | $1,020.00 | $1,050.00 | None | None |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | $1,050.00 | $1,050.00 | None | None |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | $1,090.00 | $1,090.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Simply Energy | VIC Simply Blue 16% off elec | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 | 1 year | Ongoing |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | $1,120.00 | $1,120.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve Electricity – C13R | $1,130.00 | $1,130.00 | None | None |
| QEnergy Limited | MiniMe Resi – C2RB | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | None | None |
| Lumo Energy | Lumo Value | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | None | 31 August 2022 |
| Origin Energy | Origin Advantage ePlus – One Big Switch (Flexible Pricing) | $1,170.00 | $1,170.00 | 1 year | Ongoing |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | $1,170.00 | $1,300.00 | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| AGL | Residential Essentials | $1,170.00 | $1,170.00 | None | 1 year |
| Discover Energy | Citipower Residential Single Rate Introduction Offer | $1,170.00 | $1,170.00 | None | Ongoing |
| 1st Energy | Prepay Value, Residential – Anytime | $1,180.00 | $1,180.00 | None | None |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan Home – Time of Use | $1,180.00 | $1,180.00 | 1 year | 1 year |
| Dodo Power & Gas | Residential Market – Single Rate | $1,190.00 | $1,190.00 | None | None |
| Alinta Energy | HomeDeal – SR | $1,200.00 | $1,200.00 | None | None |
| Energy Locals | Local Saver – Citipower Residential Anytime | $1,210.00 | $1,210.00 | None | None |
| Powershop Australia | Powershop 100% Carbon Neutral | $1,220.00 | $1,220.00 | None | Ongoing |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | $1,230.00 | $1,230.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Elysian Energy | Resi Market Simple Plan (VCP) – (Single Rate) | $1,230.00 | $1,230.00 | None | None |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure (Single Rate) | $1,230.00 | $1,230.00 | None | Ongoing |
| CovaU | Super Saver Plus Residential Citipower Single Rate C1R | $1,240.00 | $1,240.00 | None | None |
| Powerdirect | Powerdirect Residential Rate Saver | $1,260.00 | $1,260.00 | None | 1 year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | $1,300.00 | $1,300.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Blue NRG Pty Ltd | Blue VDO TOU | $1,310.00 | $1,310.00 | None | None |
| People Energy | Residential 5-Day Time of Use | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 | None | None |
* The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two adults, no concessions, no solar panels, five rooms, one refrigerator, no gas, no pool, no heating or cooling, no clothes dryer, electric hot water system not on a controlled load in the postcode of 3000 and are accurate as of 1 March 2021. Data sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria. Plans, prices and eligibility criteria are subject to change.
If you’re wondering where you can get the cheapest electricity in Geelong, you’re in the right place. While the below information below isn’t a one-size-fits-all matter and your own energy bills could differ, this snapshot can help you understand what to expect.
Compare energy plans in Victoria from available providers on our comparison service for free for a more detailed comparison.
| Provider | Plan | Annual cost (including discounts) | Annual cost (excluding discounts) | Discount benefit period | Contract term |
| GloBird Energy | GloBird Combo GLOSAVE Residential (Flexible Rate) Powercor | $1,080.00 | $1,110.00 | None | None |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | $1,130.00 | $1,130.00 | None | None |
| Discover Energy | Powercor Residential Climate Saver Introduction Offer | $1,140.00 | $1,140.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | $1,170.00 | $1,170.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Simply Energy | VIC Simply Blue 16% off elec | $1,190.00 | $1,190.00 | 1 year | Ongoing |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | $1,220.00 | $1,220.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve Electricity – D2 | $1,220.00 | $1,220.00 | None | None |
| Lumo Energy | Lumo Value | $1,220.00 | $1,220.00 | None | 31 August 2022 |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | $1,250.00 | $1,390.00 | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| AGL | Residential Essentials | $1,260.00 | $1,260.00 | None | 1 year |
| QEnergy Limited | MiniMe Resi – P13R | $1,270.00 | $1,270.00 | None | None |
| 1st Energy | Prepay Value, Residential – Anytime | $1,270.00 | $1,270.00 | None | None |
| Origin Energy | Origin Advantage ePlus – One Big Switch (Flexible Pricing) | $1,270.00 | $1,270.00 | 1 year | Ongoing |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure (Single Rate) | $1,280.00 | $1,280.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Energy Locals | Local Saver – Powercor Residential Anytime | $1,280.00 | $1,280.00 | None | None |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | $1,310.00 | $1,310.00 | None | Ongoing |
| CovaU | Super Saver Plus Residential Powercor Single Rate D1 | $1,310.00 | $1,310.00 | None | None |
| Elysian Energy | Resi Market Simple Plan (VCP) – (Single Rate) | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 | None | None |
| Alinta Energy | HomeDeal – SR | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 | None | None |
| EnergyAustralia | No Frill – Peak Only | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 | 1 year | 1 year |
| Dodo Power & Gas | Residential Market – Single Rate | $1,320.00 | $1,320.00 | None | None |
| Powershop Australia | Powershop 100% Carbon Neutral | $1,350.00 | $1,350.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Powerdirect | Powerdirect Residential Rate Saver | $1,360.00 | $1,360.00 | None | 1 year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 | None | Ongoing |
| Blue NRG Pty Ltd | Blue VDO TOU | $1,410.00 | $1,410.00 | None | None |
| People Energy | Residential 5-Day Time of Use | $1,420.00 | $1,420.00 | None | None |
* The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two adults, no concessions, no solar panels, five rooms, one refrigerator, no gas, no pool, no heating or cooling, no clothes dryer, electric hot water system not on a controlled load in the postcode of 3220 and are accurate as of 1 March 2021. Data sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria. Plans, prices and eligibility criteria are subject to change.
There are various energy concessions and rebates available to Eligible Victorians, including both concessions for seniors and general concessions.
Eligible Victorians can receive a concession from the Victorian Government to help pay with household utility bills. Eligibility criteria include:
Concessions you may be eligible for include:
These concessions are managed by the Victorian Government’s Department of Human Services. You can learn more about concessions for electricity and gas across Australia, and where to find ones in your state, with our simple guide.
Your average bill may vary significantly to the state’s average depending on the number of people in your household, your energy habits, tariff, distributor, provider and energy plan. See below for the median prices for electricity and gas.
| Electricity – CitiPower only | |
| Type of plan | Annual Median price as of 31 January 2021 |
| Victorian Default Offer (VDO) | $1,270 |
| Unconditional market offers with no discount offers | $1,202 |
| Unconditional market offers with guaranteed discounts | $1,132 |
| Conditional market offers with conditional discounts applied | $1,266 |
| Conditional market offers without any conditional discounts applied | $1,406 |
| Gas – Australian Gas Network (AGN) Central area only | |
| Type of plan | Annual Median prices as of 31 January 2021 |
| Standard contract offer | $1,689 |
| Unconditional market offers with no discount offers | $1,351 |
| Unconditional market offers with guaranteed discounts | $1,360 |
| Conditional market offers with conditional discounts applied | $1,254 |
| Conditional market offers without any conditional discounts applied | $1,280 |
Source: Essential Services Commission (2021). Victorian Energy Market Update: March 2021. Accessed 26 May 2021.
N.B. The figures above are the median prices for residential properties in CitiPower and AGN’s distribution network only. The figures are based on a typical residential customer using 4,000kWh per year for generally available electricity offers (excluding offers with controlled loads), or those using 54.4 GJ per year for generally available gas offers. Figures include GST.
Conditional discounts are discounts that may be applied if certain conditions are met, for example, if you pay-on-time or pay via direct debit. Guaranteed discounts are unconditional discounts that may be applied to your bill for a benefit period of, for example, one or two years.
The best energy provider in Melbourne for you will vary depending on your specific household needs, financial situation, distributor and tariff. Each individual electricity and gas supplier in Melbourne will offer varying plans, rates, discounts and conditions (e.g., exit fees).
The “best” energy provider in VIC for you may be the cheapest provider. Whereas for someone else the “best” provider may be the most flexible plan. Consider your situation before looking for the most suitable provider for you.
You can get a free quote from our energy comparison service, where you can compare the daily supply charge, usage charges, estimated costs, exit fees (if any) and more!
As the General Manager of Utilities at Compare the Market, Brett Mifsud is our resident expert in energy. He understands that VIC’s energy market is quite unique compared to the rest of Australia, so he strives to make gas and electricity as easy as possible for Victorians to understand and get the most out of their energy plans.
With more than 10 years of experience in the energy sector across energy exploration, production and sales, Brett hopes to change the energy landscape in Australia through comparison services. He holds a Master of Business Process Management from QUT and has led operational and project teams in the energy industry to deliver transformative change across sales, customer service, marketing and energy meter reading and billing. Brett also guest lectures at The University of Queensland.
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