Compare gas prices and plans
Why compare gas plans and prices
By comparing gas plans and prices, you can search for a better deal and potentially save on your energy bills. If you’re looking to compare, consider:
- Gas appliances can be more cost-effective than their electric counterparts, especially when it comes to heating the home.
- Without comparing, you could be missing out on potential savings by switching to a cheaper plan.
- Gas providers may offer incentives for new customers, such as a discount period or sign up credit.
Choosing a gas plan
Gas prices can vary between distributors, providers and plans. When deciding on the right gas plan to suit your needs, consider:
- The rates, benefits and conditions of a new plan and compare them to your current one.
- Whether you want a dual fuel plan or separate gas and electricity plans.
- A plan’s exit fees, block rates, discounts and daily supply charge.
- If you aren’t currently connected to the gas pipeline, getting a connection can be expensive and isn’t always possible.
- The cost of your gas usage will depend on your plan, your usage habits and your distributor.
Expert tips for choosing the right gas plan for you
To help you choose the right energy plan, our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien, has insider knowledge for you.
Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy
You can choose different providers
You don’t need to use the same energy provider (also known as energy retailer) for your gas and electricity. In fact, you may be able to find cheaper options by purchasing plans with different providers.
Keep your bills handy
Remember to add your recent bill details such as your postcode and as your billing period and usage when you’re comparing estimated costs. This will give you a better idea of what you would have paid, on the estimated rates based on the bill.
Compare when moving houses
If you’re moving, you can’t take your existing gas plan with you and gas may not be available at your new property. If possible, always compare and see which gas (and electricity) plans are best for your new property.
About comparing gas plans
What to consider
Each energy plan offering natural gas in Australia is similarly structured. Here’s a list of things to look out for when comparing gas prices:
- The daily supply charge is a fee for having gas supplied to your home or business and is calculated daily, regardless of whether you use your gas.
- The usage charge is an amount you’re charged for each megajoule (MJ) of gas you use (measured at cents per MJ). Western Australia’s (WA) usage rates are measured in units (one unit equals 3.6MJ) and charged at cents per unit.
- Gas providers may offer discounts if you pay bills by a specified date (new customer discounts or paying via direct debit) or a flat percentage discount may be available.
- Bundling gas and electricity plans together can be convenient; however, comparing them separately may offer greater value.
- Contracts aren’t always equal. Market offers typically boast discounts and lower usage fees (for a limited time), while standard offers don’t.
- Gas plan fees may be applicable when you switch. Read your plan information carefully so you’re aware of any charges you may incur. Gas retailers also charge different fees for things like receiving paper bills, making credit card payments and exit fees.
- Bill smoothing spreads your quarterly or bi-monthly gas bill into smaller, regular instalments. However, your provider calculates these regular instalments against your estimated gas usage, so your future payments may be more or less than your actual usage.
Is natural gas available across Australia?
Natural gas is available across the country. However, availability can vary based on your location. Even if your home or business doesn’t have access to gas plans, there will be an electricity supply. Find more information about gas plans for your state below:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Queensland (QLD)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- South Australia (SA)
- Western Australia (WA)
Please note that we don’t currently compare gas plans in:
- Northern Territory (NT)
- Tasmania (TAS)
Liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
LPG refers to bottled gas; it can be a good substitute if you can’t be connected to the gas pipeline.
Compare the Market doesn’t currently offer LPG on our energy comparison service. However, we can assist with quotes for natural gas if you live in an area serviced by natural gas pipelines. Read more about LPG in our guide to LPG.
Gas tariffs
Your usage charges for gas may fall into a block rate tariff, where you’re charged different amounts depending on how much you use. For example, the first 100MJ per day is charged at 3c/MJ, but the next 200MJ per day is charged at 2c/MJ. Alternatively, you may be charged a flat rate for gas usage throughout the day.
Victoria has a seasonal gas rate, with winter months having different energy usage charges to non-winter months. This is because gas is often used in heaters and there may be more demand in Victorian communities during winter.
To learn more about different tariff types, you can see our handy tariff explainer.
Important to know
What can gas be used for?
Gas has numerous purposes in Australian homes and businesses, including:
- Heating and cooling
- Powering hot water systems
- Fuelling stoves, ovens and other cooking appliances
- Powering other devices and appliances, such as pool heaters and fireplaces
Can I switch gas providers if I’m renting?
You can switch gas providers if you’re in an area with more than one provider, such as Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra, and your state or territory’s tenancy laws allow switching.
Remember, not all areas in Australia have more than one gas provider, which means not all renters will be able to switch gas providers. This is true for all Australians, not just renters.
Can I compare and switch gas plans if I’m moving?
Yes, you can switch gas retailers or gas plans if you’re moving to a new house. You will have to sign up for a new plan with your new provider and cancel your existing one when you move.
For details on how the process works, check out our guide to connecting utilities when moving.
Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien
As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith O’Brien believes in educating Australian customers about the everchanging gas and electricity market so they can adjust their energy usage habits and get the most out of their energy plans.
Meredith has six years within the energy industry, following 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently studying a Master of Business Administration. Meredith is a dedicated customer advocate who is passionate about empowering Australians to find the right products to suit their needs by removing the confusion from comparing.