Energy companies must tell you at least once every four months how much you could save by switching to the best energy plan they offer.
Getting the best energy offer
Overview
Energy companies must tell you how much you could save by switching to the best energy plan they offer. You’ll see ‘best offer’ information on your electricity and gas bills at least once every four months.
The ‘best energy offer’ is based on how much energy a customer has used over the past year and may be less than the independently set Victorian Default Offer.
Fact sheets to help you compare costs
All energy plans must have energy fact sheets that estimate how much the plan costs for a small, medium and large household.
The fact sheets present information in exactly the same way, so you have access to reliable information, no matter what plan you’re on.
You can get hold of a fact sheet on your energy company’s website, or by asking them to email or mail you one.
Sample energy fact sheet
How to read our sample energy fact sheet
Estimated costs
This part shows you an estimate of the average yearly cost of gas or electricity on the offer you're looking at. This section shows costs for a range of typical household sizes (1 person, 2 to 3 people, and 4 or more people).
This cost section also shows you how discount conditions (if there are any) affect the plan. For each household size, the number in larger font size is the average yearly cost, as long as you meet any discount conditions in the plan. The number in smaller font size underneath is the average yearly cost if you don't meet the plan's discount conditions.
Offer details
This section shows you key details about the offer, including the name of the distributor that this offer applies to, whether this is a market offer or standing offer, and when the offer was made available to customers.
Discounts and incentives
This section lists all discounts and incentives that are available with the offer. This might also include things like discounts for paying on time, or vouchers that you can accept when you sign up.
Contract terms
This section covers the key details that would apply to this contract, including whether:
- it has a fixed end date and/or benefit period
- you need to qualify for eligibility criteria in order to sign up for the offer
- prices are fixed under this contract.
There are also details of where to find full terms and conditions for the offer.
Fees
This section lists details of key fees that apply to this offer, for example any move-in fees or fees to leave the contract.
Billing details
This section describes how often you would be billed, and what payment methods are available.
Offer rate and details
This section lists the offer rate including the daily supply charge rate and any consumption unit prices that apply to the offer. There are also details of solar feed-in tariff options and Greenpower options (if those things apply to the offer you're looking at).
Other retailer requirements
Energy companies are also obligated to:
- give you at least five days warning before making changes that will affect your bill (and include the ‘best offer’ message)
- present all prices with GST included to make it easier to compare offers between companies
- provide helpful information about energy plans (on things like terms and conditions) before you sign up for a new plan
- allow you to take a picture of your gas meter and send it back to your company when you get an estimated gas bill, so you can get a more accurate bill.
Find out more about rules in place to ensure you get a fair deal on your energy contract.
Want to act now?
Call your energy company to ask them to send you information on the best offer for you, and the fact sheet for your energy plan.
If you have a complaint you are not able to resolve with your energy company, you can call the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria on 1800 500 509.
If you have a question about how energy companies must follow our rules, you can contact us.
It's your energy, Victoria
Information in other languages
We have provided information about the getting the best energy offer for customers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.