How Switching Energy Suppliers Works in Australia
Published February 5, 2026
If you have researched and decided that you want to change your energy supply retailer, you may be wondering what happens when the time comes to actually switch. It can be quite easy to switch your energy retailer and there are rules in place to ensure that you are protected. Here’s what happens when you switch energy suppliers in Australia.
First Find the Right Energy Supplier
The way that you switch your energy suppliers may depend on the way that you found your new supplier. For instance, one of the ways that you can switch energy retailers is by using an energy plan comparison website to compare the energy prices, terms, and benefits offered by the energy retailers that service your area.
If you compare energy retailers taking the help of website like Utility Market, it is very easy to switch energy retailers using the website itself. This means that you won’t have to call your existing energy retailer to cancel your service or your new energy retailer to activate your account. When you decide to switch energy retailers using the website, you will get energy discounts and everyday household savings through value-added rewards offered by Utility Market.
What to Expect When Changing Energy Retailers
The positive aspect is that there is not much for you to do when you change your energy retailer.
After you have made the decision to change your energy retailer, the following happens:
- Your new energy retailer is notified that you agree to change your energy supply to them.
- Your new energy retailer will then send you a welcome package within 3-4 business days. At this point, you have not changed your energy retailer yet.
- The welcome package will include prices, discounts, terms and conditions, and payment terms from your new energy retailer.
- After the welcome package has been received, you will then have a 10 business day cooling-off period to review all the information provided.
- After the 10-day cooling-off period, the energy distributor in your region will then assist with the changeover to your new energy retailer. After the final meter reading, you will receive your final bill from your current energy retailer, and your new bill will then come from your new energy retailer.
Fees Associated With Switching Energy Suppliers
If you are relocating to a new property, there may be a disconnection fee involved in leaving your existing property, and a connection fee involved in connecting energy to your new property.
Make sure that you check on these fees before you make the switch, although this information may also be shown on the energy bill comparison website that you use. Make sure that the correct amount was paid for each bill.
How Long it Takes to Switch Energy Providers Australia?
Once you have agreed to a contract or tariff with a new energy supplier, they will start the process of switching your energy supply over. However, the energy supply is not simply switched over at this stage.
As per the process mentioned above, it is safe to assume that the process of changing energy suppliers will take approximately 6 weeks until the entire process is completed. At this point, it is now possible to expedite the transfer, but this will mean that a technician has to go out for a special meter read and you will most likely have to pay for this.
Switching Your Energy Provider Today
The process to switch energy suppliers in Australia is simple and painless. With a trusted utility comparison partner including Utility Market, you will be provided with an accurate estimate of the cost savings from switching to a new energy retailer. In addition to this, consumers who shop through the comparison site are able to reap additional value-added services. Reap additional savings through discounts on car insurance, restaurants, shopping, daily items, and much more. Connect with us on LinkedIn for updates and insights.
