There is no single “best” gas and electricity provider for everyone in Victoria. The best option depends on your suburb, your distributor area, how much energy you use, and whether your plan structure suits your usage (for example, flat rate vs time of use, or whether your gas plan has stepped usage blocks).
This guide explains how to compare energy providers in Victoria properly for homes and businesses, what rules and reference prices apply in Victoria, and how to avoid the common traps that make a plan look cheap but cost more over a year.
What people usually mean by “best provider” in Victoria
When Victorians search for the best provider, they are often trying to optimise one or more of the following:
- Lowest total annual cost, not just the lowest usage rate
- Bill certainty, for example fixed pricing for a period, or predictable outcomes
- Good customer service and easy billing
- Simple plan structure that matches their meter and lifestyle
- Bundling gas and electricity, if it genuinely reduces total cost
- Lower emissions, through renewable electricity options or sustainability add ons
Because prices and offers change regularly, the practical approach is to compare using your latest bills, and then review at least annually.
How the Victorian energy market works (electricity and gas)
Victoria has a deregulated retail market. That means you can generally choose your energy retailer, even though you cannot choose your local distribution network.
Electricity: retailer vs distributor
Your electricity distributor is the company that owns and maintains the poles and wires in your area. Your retailer buys electricity and bills you, and the bill includes regulated network charges from the distributor.
This is why two households with the same retailer can pay different rates if they live in different distribution areas, or are on different network tariffs.
Gas: networks still matter
Most Victorian customers are connected to one of the major gas distribution networks. You will see your gas distributor on the bill, but you are still free to choose your gas retailer. Your bill is usually driven by your daily supply charge plus your usage charge (often in cents per MJ), and sometimes stepped pricing.
Victorian Default Offer (VDO): what it does and does not mean
The Victorian Default Offer is a regulated reference price for electricity in Victoria. It acts as a safety net for customers who do not choose a market offer, or who are rolled onto default pricing.
Important points:
- The VDO is electricity only, not gas.
- It is a reference, not automatically the cheapest plan.
- Many market offers can be cheaper than the VDO, but only if the full bill outcome suits your usage.
If you have not reviewed your plan in over 12 months, checking where your current rates sit relative to the VDO is a good starting signal that savings may be available.
How to compare the best gas and electricity provider in Victoria
A reliable comparison looks at your total annual cost using your actual usage profile, not just the advertised cents per kWh.
Step 1: gather the right information from your bills
Have at least one recent electricity bill and one recent gas bill. If you can, use 12 months, especially for gas where winter usage changes the picture.
Key bill details to note:
- Electricity usage (kWh) and gas usage (MJ) over the billing period
- Your current tariff type, for example flat rate, time of use, demand
- Daily supply charges for each fuel
- Any controlled load charges (electricity)
- Discounts and conditions (for example, pay on time requirements)
- Your contract end date and any exit fees
If you are unsure how to find these line items, see our guide: How to read your energy bill.
Step 2: compare supply charges and usage charges together
Many people compare providers based on a single number, usually the usage rate. In practice, daily supply charges can make a big difference.
- Lower usage rate + higher daily supply charge can suit higher usage sites
- Higher usage rate + lower daily supply charge can suit lower usage sites
The only fair way to compare is to model the total bill outcome using your usage.
Step 3: check your tariff structure matches your lifestyle or operating hours
In Victoria you may be on:
- Single rate, one rate for most usage
- Time of use, different rates for peak, shoulder, and off peak
- Demand tariffs, common for larger business sites, where part of the bill is based on the highest demand interval
- Controlled load, for certain appliances on separate circuits
For many customers, the “best” provider is simply the one offering a plan that matches the tariff your meter and usage pattern need.
Step 4: decide whether bundling gas and electricity makes sense
Some retailers offer dual fuel discounts. Bundling can help if:
- the discount applies to the parts of the bill that matter for you
- the combined offer is cheaper on a total cost basis
- contract terms remain acceptable
Bundling is not always best. Sometimes the most competitive electricity offer and the most competitive gas offer come from different retailers.
For a structured way to compare both fuels, use: How to compare gas and electricity plans.
Use the official Victorian comparison tool (and when to get expert help)
Victoria has one of the strongest consumer comparison frameworks in Australia. The Victorian Government runs Victorian Energy Compare, which allows customers to compare generally available offers.
This is a good option when your situation is simple, for example one household site with straightforward tariffs. Many businesses, multi site customers, and customers dealing with complex tariffs prefer to have the comparison done for them.
What to look for beyond price
Price matters, but it is not the only factor that affects your outcome.
Contract length, rollover clauses, and exit fees
Ask:
- Is the rate fixed for the term, or can it change?
- What happens when the contract ends?
- Is there an exit fee if you move premises or switch early?
Billing and account management
Consider:
- billing frequency
- direct debit or payment options
- e billing access and portals
- support response times
Sustainability options
If sustainability is important, ask what renewable electricity options are available, and what is included in any green add on. For businesses, this can also tie into ESG reporting requirements.
Common mistakes when choosing a gas and electricity provider in Victoria
- Comparing only the cents per kWh and ignoring supply charges and fees
- Not checking the tariff type, for example being on time of use without benefiting from off peak usage
- Forgetting contract end dates and rolling onto higher default pricing
- Assuming “big brand” means best value, when the best value is plan specific
- Not reviewing both fuels together, which can hide savings opportunities
How Zembl helps you find the best gas and electricity provider in Victoria
Zembl helps Victorian homes and businesses compare energy plans quickly, using your actual bill data.
Depending on your situation, we can:
- Review your current usage, rates, and tariff details
- Compare your plan against offers from a panel of retailers
- Explain the options clearly, including estimated savings and key terms
- Handle the paperwork and coordinate the switch if you choose to proceed
If your priority is gas only in Victoria, you can also read: Victoria gas compare and Cheapest gas provider Victoria.
FAQs
Who is the best gas and electricity provider in Victoria right now?
The best provider depends on your usage, tariff type, and distributor area. Offers change frequently, so the most accurate way to find the best option is to compare using your latest bills and calculate the estimated annual cost.
Is it better to bundle gas and electricity in Victoria?
Sometimes. A bundled deal can be cheaper if the dual fuel discount applies meaningfully to your bill and the rates are competitive. In other cases, separate retailers for gas and electricity deliver a lower total annual cost.
What is the Victorian Default Offer?
The Victorian Default Offer is a regulated electricity reference price that acts as a safety net for customers who are not on a market offer. It does not apply to gas, and it is not automatically the cheapest plan available.
Can I switch providers without losing supply?
Yes. Switching energy retailers is an administrative process. Your physical connection stays the same, and there is typically no interruption to gas or electricity supply.
Next step: get a free comparison
If you want to find a better deal without spending hours comparing offers yourself, request a free, no obligation review with Zembl. Upload a recent bill, and we will compare options and talk you through the best fit for your needs.
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