What you can ask for
| Ask for | Why it works |
|---|---|
| The plan in the better offer message | Your bill must say whether the retailer has a cheaper plan for you. It is your right to ask to be moved. |
| A price match | Quote the cheapest plan you found on Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare. |
| Concessions you are entitled to | Check every concession is on your account. See claiming a concession. |
| Payment help | Retailers must have a hardship policy for households struggling to pay. See hardship programs. |
| A better feed-in tariff | If you have solar, ask whether another plan pays more for exports. |
How to make the call
Get your numbers
Yearly kWh from your bills, your current rates and the cost of the cheapest plans in your area. See what a good rate is.
Ask for the best plan for you
Ask which of the retailer's plans would cost least on your usage, and what it would save.
Mention you are ready to switch
If the answer is not good enough, say you are comparing other retailers. That is when save offers come up.
Get the plan details
Ask for the plan's Basic Plan Information Document before you agree. See the plan fact sheet.
Switch if they will not move
Changing retailer is free in most cases and the power stays on. See switching retailer.
Best time to call
Right after a price change notice. Retailers must give notice before prices change, so you have time to compare. See electricity price changes.
Common questions
Not the published rate of a plan, but you can ask to be moved to a cheaper plan, quote a competitor's price, and ask for a retention offer if you say you plan to leave. Many households save just by asking.
A message on your bill saying whether your retailer has a cheaper plan for you and how much it could save, based on your usage. Victorian bills carry a similar best offer message.
Retailers do not have to match, but many have save offers for customers who say they are leaving. If yours will not, switching is usually free.
Ask your current retailer first, because it is quick. If its best plan still costs more than a competitor's, switch.
Yes. Ask for a payment plan or the retailer's hardship program. Retailers must have a hardship policy for households who are struggling to pay.
Standing offer prices are set by the retailer within the regulated cap. Ask to move to one of its market offers, which are usually cheaper.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.