Energy · 2 min read
233 power plans: how to pick one without losing your weekend
The ACCC found switchers can face up to 233 electricity plans. Here's a simple checklist to narrow it down without losing your weekend.
By Agent Bill team · 4 November 2026
The ACCC found customers would be offered up to 233 plans when seeking to switch. Two hundred and thirty-three.
So it's no shock that 31% thought it was too hard to compare offers and that the savings wouldn't be significant (Energy Consumers Australia, cited by the ACCC). Fair enough.
why it's still worth it
- Households on the same plan 3+ years pay on average $221 a year more than customers on new plans, according to the ACCC.
- Around 1 in 5 residential customers are on standard contracts, according to the AER.
- Nearly 2.5 million customers (36.5%) pay at or above the default offers, according to the ACCC.
the benchmark
The regulator sets a Default Market Offer each year. For 2026–27, the residential flat rate benchmarks range from $1,899 to $2,604 a year depending on your network, according to the AER:
| Network | 2026–27 benchmark |
|---|---|
| Ausgrid | $1,899 |
| Energex | $1,988 |
| Endeavour | $2,328 |
| SA Power Networks | $2,334 |
| Essential | $2,604 |
If you pay more than the benchmark for your network, ask why.
the checklist
First, learn how to read your power bill. Then:
- Grab your last 4 bills
- Find your usage (kWh) and tariff type (flat or time-of-use)
- Check the supply charge, usage rates and solar feed-in
- Ignore headline discounts. Compare the total yearly cost
- Check conditional discounts (pay on time, direct debit)
- Check exit fees and contract length
- Look at green power options if they matter to you
- Ask your current retailer for their best offer first (here's what to say)
the shortlist rule
Pick 3. Compare them on yearly cost at your usage. Done.
Want a rough idea first? Try the loyalty tax calculator.
or let us do it
Sources
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