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Bill problems

Electricity Bill Fees and Charges and How to Avoid Them

Fees can quietly add to a power bill. Here is what each one is for, the rules that now limit them, and how to avoid most of them.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Common electricity fees

Fees you may see on an electricity bill
FeeWhen it appliesHow to avoid it
Late payment feeYou pay after the due dateDirect debit or bill smoothing. Ask for an extension before the due date.
Paper bill feeYou choose posted billsSwitch to email bills, or ask whether you are exempt.
Card payment surchargeYou pay by credit or debit cardPay from a bank account or by BPAY.
Dishonour feeA direct debit failsKeep a buffer in the account.
Connection or move-in feeYou start supply at a new addressBook ahead. Same-day requests often cost more.
Disconnection and reconnection feesSupply is cut and restoredContact your retailer early if you cannot pay.
Special meter read feeYou ask for an extra readGive a self-read where your retailer accepts one.
Meter test feeYou ask for a test and the meter is accurateRule out other causes first.
Exit feeYou leave some fixed-term contracts earlyCheck the contract before signing.

Every fee a plan can charge is listed in its fact sheet. Retailers set the amounts, and some fees, such as connection and reconnection, pass on charges from your network.

The rules on fees

  • Reasonable cost: from 1 July 2026 in the NERR states, retail fees must be limited to the retailer's reasonable costs.
  • Vulnerable customers: retail fees are banned for vulnerable customers under the same rules, and hardship customers cannot be charged late fees.
  • Card surcharges: a surcharge for paying by card must not exceed what it costs the retailer to accept the card.
  • Exit fees in Victoria: Victorian law bans exit fees except on some fixed-term, fixed-price contracts.

Ask for a fee to be waived

Retailers can often waive a one-off fee, especially for a long-standing customer or a first late payment. It costs nothing to ask. If a fee looks wrong, raise it as a complaint and, if needed, with your energy ombudsman.

Simple ways to avoid fees

  1. Set up direct debit or smoothing

    You will not miss due dates. See direct debit.

  2. Choose email bills

    It avoids paper bill fees where your retailer charges them.

  3. Book moves early

    Give at least a few business days' notice for connections. See moving house.

  4. Talk to your retailer early

    If you are struggling to pay, ask for help before a reminder or disconnection notice. See hardship programs.

Questions about electricity fees

Common ones include late payment, paper bill, card surcharge, dishonour, connection, disconnection and reconnection, special meter read and meter test fees. Every fee is listed on the plan's fact sheet.

They can apply, but from 1 July 2026 in the NERR states fees must be limited to reasonable costs, unreasonably high late penalties are removed, and fees are banned for vulnerable customers. Hardship customers cannot be charged late fees.

Often, especially a one-off late fee. Ask your retailer. If you think a fee is wrong, make a complaint.

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.