Key takeaways
- Supply charge is a fixed daily fee — you pay it even if usage is zero.
- Usage charge is per kWh and is the main lever you control.
- Conditional discounts only apply if you meet the conditions every billing period.
Australian energy bills pack supply charges, usage rates, discounts, solar credits, and GST into a single statement. Once you know what each line means, you can spot errors and compare plans fairly.
On this page
The main parts of your bill
Every bill breaks down into supply (daily connection fee), usage (cents per kWh), any discounts applied, solar feed-in credits if applicable, and GST. Match these against your Energy Price Fact Sheet to confirm you are being charged correctly.
| Bill component | What it is | Comparison tip |
|---|---|---|
| Supply charge | Daily fee to stay connected to the network | Fixed cost — you pay this even if usage is zero |
| Usage charge | Cents per kWh (or MJ for gas) consumed | Main lever you control through efficiency and tariff choice |
| Discounts | Conditional or unconditional reductions | Pay-on-time discounts often apply to usage only, not supply |
| Solar feed-in | Credit for electricity exported to grid | Separate rate from what you pay to import — compare both |
| GST | 10% on applicable charges | Shown separately on most bills |
Peak, shoulder, and off-peak
On time-of-use tariffs, peak hours (typically late afternoon and evening weekdays) cost more. Off-peak periods overnight and early morning are cheaper. Shifting appliance use to off-peak can reduce bills if you are on a TOU plan.
Solar feed-in credits
If you have rooftop solar, your bill shows export credits at your feed-in tariff rate. High self-consumption households see smaller export credits but greater import savings. Compare both rates when choosing a retailer after installing solar.
Benefit periods and revert rates
Many plans offer a discounted rate for 12 months, then revert to a higher standing rate. Set a reminder to compare again before your benefit period ends — loyalty rarely gets you the best deal.
Important
General information only — not personal financial advice. Consider your own circumstances and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing any policy. Moneyhero may earn referral fees from some providers when you switch through us; this does not change how results are ordered. How we compare
Frequently asked questions
Bill terminology, discount conditions, and solar credits — common questions answered.
What is the difference between peak and off-peak electricity?
Under a time-of-use tariff, peak hours (typically late afternoon to early evening on weekdays) are priced higher because demand on the network is greatest then. Off-peak periods (overnight, early morning, often weekends) are cheaper. Shifting appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and EV chargers to off-peak times can reduce your bill if you are on a TOU tariff.
Why does my bill show an estimated read?
If you have a basic (accumulation) meter that requires a physical visit to read, the distributor may estimate usage between scheduled read dates. If an estimate looks significantly different from your usual usage, contact your retailer — a corrected actual read can be requested.
How do conditional discounts work?
A conditional discount (for example 'pay on time') is deducted from your bill only if you meet the stated condition in that billing period. If you miss a payment or pay late, the full undiscounted rate applies for that period. Some retailers offer unconditional discounts that apply regardless — these are more reliably valuable.
What does 'benefit period' mean on an energy plan?
A benefit period is the duration for which a discount rate applies — typically 12 months. After the benefit period ends, the plan may revert to the standing offer or a higher underlying rate. Always check what your plan reverts to at the end of the benefit period and set a reminder to compare again before that date.