When shopping around for an energy contract, you can ask retailers to make you an obligation-free offer. It's important to read all offers carefully and make sure you are comparing like for like.
Comparing prices
There are a number of separate elements that can be included in electricity pricing, such as the price for electricity used, network charges and service charges. If you are comparing prices, make sure you check what has been included and what is excluded from your offer.
All energy retailers who offer a market contract set their own 'market' prices. You should compare these prices against the Queensland Government's regulated price.
The electricity you use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh). A unit price is the price per kWh or MWh. This is how you will be able to compare prices from different retailers against the Queensland Government's regulated price.
Check your recent bills to see how much energy you usually consume - and don't forget you may use more or less electricity in summer or winter.
Price comparator
The Queensland Competition Authority has developed a price comparator (external website) so you can compare electricity prices offered by Queensland energy retailers.
Questions to ask when comparing contracts
Pricing
What is included/excluded from the package price?
Billing
How and when will I receive my bill?
If signing a 'dual fuel' contract for electricity and gas, will I receive one bill or two?
Payment
How can I pay (e.g. Bpay, direct debit, Centrepay, post office)?
Are there any charges for paying a certain way?
Terms and conditions
How long will the contract period last
Do I need to pay a security deposit and how much is it?
Fees and charges
Are there any late payment fees or other account charges (e.g. disconnection fee)
Will I be charged a transfer/cancellation fee if I move?
What is the price, and is it fixed or can it increase?
Will I be charged a termination fee for ending the contract early?