Choosing an energy retailer in Melbourne can feel confusing because there is no single “best” provider for everyone. The best choice depends on your address, whether you have gas connected, how much energy you use across the year, your tariff type, and the contract terms you are willing to accept.
This guide explains how to compare electricity and gas providers in Melbourne in a way that matches how bills are actually calculated in Victoria, and what consumer protections apply. If you want the fast option, you can send us a recent bill and we will compare suitable offers from our retailer panel and manage the switching paperwork if you choose to proceed.
How energy retail works in Melbourne
Most Melbourne homes and many small businesses can choose their electricity retailer, and many can choose their gas retailer too. In Victoria, electricity is supplied through distribution networks (the “poles and wires” businesses) and sold to you by a retailer, who bills you for usage and supply charges.
Two important points to keep in mind:
- Networks are not retailers. You usually cannot choose your electricity distributor, but you can often choose your retailer.
- Plans are location and meter specific. The same retailer can offer different prices depending on your distributor area, meter type, and tariff.
What “best” means when comparing electricity and gas providers
In practice, “best” usually comes down to a balance of:
- Total annual cost for your actual usage, not just a headline rate.
- Supply charge and usage rates that suit how and when you use energy.
- Contract terms such as benefit periods, exit fees, or fixed pricing.
- Billing and customer support quality, including accurate bills and clear communications.
- Solar and EV suitability, for example feed-in tariffs, time-of-use pricing, or controlled load options.
- Sustainability options like GreenPower or carbon neutral add-ons, where that matters to you.
Key charges to compare on Melbourne energy plans
1) Daily supply charge
This is a fixed amount charged each day you are connected, regardless of usage. A plan with a low usage rate but high supply charge can be more expensive for smaller households or low-use sites.
2) Usage rates (cents per kWh for electricity, cents per MJ for gas)
Usage rates usually make up the largest part of your bill. In Victoria you may see:
- Single rate, one price for all electricity usage.
- Time of use, different prices for peak, shoulder and off-peak periods.
- Controlled load, a separate cheaper rate for specific appliances like certain hot water systems.
3) Discounts and benefit periods
Some offers include conditional discounts or sign-up credits. Always check:
- What the discount applies to (usage only vs total bill).
- Whether it is conditional (for example, pay on time).
- When the benefit ends, and what the rates become afterwards.
4) Fees and contract flexibility
Many market offers are no lock-in, but not all. Review fees such as:
- Early termination fees (if any)
- Payment processing fees
- Paper bill fees
- Special meter fees where applicable
5) Solar feed-in tariffs (if you export solar)
If you have rooftop solar, the export credit can materially affect your net bill. Compare:
- Feed-in tariff rates and whether they change by time
- Any eligibility conditions
- Whether the plan still has competitive import rates, not just high export credits
Victorian consumer protections you should know
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO)
Victoria has a regulated reference price called the Victorian Default Offer. It is set by the Essential Services Commission as a safety net price for households and eligible small businesses not on a market offer, or whose deal has ended.
The VDO is not automatically the cheapest plan, but it is a useful benchmark when comparing deals. If you have not reviewed your plan for a while, it is worth checking whether you are on a default-style rate or a competitive market offer.
Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV)
If you have a complaint that you cannot resolve with your retailer, EWOV is an independent dispute resolution service for Victorian customers.
Typical electricity and gas providers in Melbourne
Melbourne customers may see offers from large national retailers as well as smaller specialist retailers. Availability varies by postcode and fuel type. If you are comparing options, it helps to focus less on brand and more on the plan structure and your annual cost.
If you want to understand how we think about retailer quality and why we work with specific retailers on our panel, you can also read our explainer on how we select energy retailers.
How to compare energy providers in Melbourne the right way
Step 1: Collect the right info
To compare accurately, use a recent bill and note:
- Your address and whether you have both electricity and gas
- Tariff type (single rate vs time of use)
- Recent total usage (kWh and MJ) and billing period length
- Whether you have solar exports, and roughly how much
Step 2: Compare annual cost, not just cents per kWh
Plans can look cheaper on a single rate but cost more once supply charges and time-of-use rates are applied. A proper comparison estimates annual cost using your consumption profile.
Step 3: Check suitability for how you live or operate
Examples:
- If you use most power in the evening, a time-of-use plan with expensive peak rates may not suit you.
- If you are out during the day, you might benefit from off-peak periods, depending on the tariff windows.
- If you have electric hot water on a controlled load meter, you may want to keep that structure when switching.
Step 4: Confirm the plan is available at your address
Not every retailer serves every area, and some offers are restricted by distributor region or meter type. Always confirm eligibility before you switch.
Electricity and gas for Melbourne businesses
If you run a business in Melbourne, “best” can mean something different again. Beyond simple rate comparisons, you may need help with:
- Network tariff checks
- Demand charges (where applicable)
- Multi-site consolidation and billing support
- Contract term strategy, for example fixed vs flexible pricing
For Victorian businesses specifically, our comparison approach is explained in more detail on our Victoria business comparison page.
How Zembl helps you find a better Melbourne energy deal
Zembl makes it easier to compare electricity and gas plans by using your bill and preferences to identify competitive offers from our retailer panel. If you decide to go ahead, we manage the switching process and paperwork. There is no obligation to switch.
What you get in a review:
- A quick assessment of your current rates and bill structure
- Like-for-like comparison against suitable offers
- Clear explanation of trade-offs, including supply charges, usage rates and contract terms
- Support through the switch, with no interruption to supply
Related guides for Melbourne energy customers
- If you want a benchmark before comparing, see our guide on typical bills in Melbourne.
- If you are looking across Victoria more broadly, read our Victoria provider guide.
Get a free energy review
If you are ready to compare options, the fastest way is to upload a recent bill. We will review your current plan, compare available offers, and tell you whether switching is likely to reduce your costs. If you approve a new plan, we will coordinate the move end to end.
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