Electricity prices changed again on 1 July 2026 — and this time, most of the news is good. Default prices fell in NSW and South East Queensland, a new "Solar Sharer" offer gives some households three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day, and your retailer is now required to tell you if they have a cheaper plan for you.
But here's the thing most Australians don't realise: the default price is not the cheapest price. If you haven't compared plans in the last 12 months, there's a good chance you're paying hundreds more per year than you need to. This guide explains how to compare properly, in about 10 minutes.
What changed on 1 July 2026
Every July, the Australian Energy Regulator resets the Default Market Offer (DMO) — the maximum price retailers can charge customers who never chose a plan. For 2026–27:
| Region | Residential flat-rate change | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Down 3.4% to 5.0% | Cheaper defaults, but market offers fell further |
| South East QLD | Down 7.2% | Biggest drop in the country |
| South Australia | Up 1.4% | The only increase — SA households should compare now |
| Victoria | Set separately (VDO) | Victoria uses its own Default Offer — check your plan against it |
Households on time-of-use tariffs with smart meters did even better — those default prices fell by up to 10.7% in South East Queensland.
The Solar Sharer Offer: free power at lunchtime
New from July 2026: retailers in some regions must offer a Solar Sharer Offer — a plan that gives smart-meter households three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day, when solar floods the grid. If you can shift your dishwasher, washing machine, pool pump or EV charging to midday, this style of plan can cut bills noticeably. If you're home during the day, it's worth a serious look.
How to compare energy plans (the 10-minute version)
1. Grab a recent bill
You need two numbers: your usage (kWh for the period) and your daily supply charge. Everything else on the bill is noise.
2. Check your current rate against the default
Your bill must show how your plan compares to the DMO (or VDO in Victoria) as a percentage. If your plan is above the default, you are being overcharged and switching is urgent — the default is meant to be a ceiling, not a target.
3. Compare market offers
Comparison services show you plans from participating retailers side by side, using your actual usage. This is where the real savings are — the gap between an average plan and a sharp market offer is commonly $200–$400 a year for a typical household.
4. Watch the traps
- Conditional discounts — "25% off for on-time payment" can hide a high base rate. Compare the actual rates, not the discount.
- Benefit periods — many plans quietly revert to higher rates after 12 months. Set a calendar reminder to re-compare every year.
- Exit fees — rare now for standard plans, but check before switching if you're on a fixed-term deal.
5. Switch — it's easier than you think
Switching takes about 10 minutes online. The new retailer handles everything, there's no disconnection, no technician visit, and a 10-business-day cooling-off period if you change your mind. Nothing physical changes — same wires, same meter, different biller.
Your retailer must tell you if you're overpaying
Under current rules, your retailer must tell you at least once every 100 days — on the front page of your bill — whether they have a cheaper plan for you. Check your latest bill for this "better offer" box. If it says you could save, that's your retailer admitting you're on the wrong plan. And remember: they're only required to show you their own cheaper plan. A competitor may still beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to switch energy providers?
Yes. Comparison and switching are free for consumers — comparison services earn a commission from retailers, not from you, and the plans shown cost the same as going direct.
How often should I compare plans?
Once a year, ideally each July after default prices reset, and any time your bill jumps unexpectedly.
Will my power be interrupted when I switch?
No. The switch is administrative only — supply is completely unaffected.
Do comparison sites show every plan on the market?
No — no comparison service covers every retailer. Ours compares plans from 15+ participating retailers. For a full list of every offer in your area, the government's free Energy Made Easy site (or Victorian Energy Compare in VIC) shows all of them, though without the guided switching.
Last updated: July 2026. Prices and regulations change — always confirm details with the retailer before signing up.