How to read your electricity and gas bills

Average customer rating: 4.3/5
Written by Tiana Lee-Collins
Reviewed by Meredith O'Brien
Updated 15 January 2025

Expert tips for choosing the right energy plan

Our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien has some top tips on helping you choose a suitable energy plan for your needs.

Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy

Consider different energy retailers if you use electricity and gas

You don’t need to use the same retailer (also known as an energy provider) for your gas and electricity. In fact, you may be able to find cheaper options by signing up to plans with different providers.

Add your bills details when you compare

Remember to have you bill on hand when you do your comparison and input your bill details. This will give you a better idea of what you’re likely to pay for gas or electricity, assuming you use the same amount each billing period.

Understand your electricity meter

Getting to know your electricity meter may help you better understand your electricity usage and change your energy usage habits.

Essential information on how to read your electricity and gas bills

The essential information can usually be found at the very top of your energy bill. It usually includes details regarding your:

  • Account reference number
  • Account name
  • Tax invoice number
  • Date of the bill and billing period
  • Supply address
  • Retailer’s phone number
  • Distributor’s phone number.

You’ll need these basic account details and account number on hand if you want to discuss your energy plan, bill or account details with your energy retailer, which you can only do if you’re the primary account holder, joint account holder or named authorised contact (although there may be varying degrees of access to information).

The supply details, including the property address and billing period, will also be outlined in this section, as well as the details of the energy plan you’re on. If the supply address is your business location, keep a copy of the invoice filed away for taxation purposes.

Your retailer’s contact information should also be listed on the bill to discuss any general queries or lodge complaints. You can also contact your distributor (whose name and contact number are also listed on the front page of your bill) to report any faults or emergencies affecting your energy service.

With the roll out of the Better Bills guide, retailers are also now obliged to let you know the best plan they can offer you every 100 days (or every quarter if you’re in Victoria).

Energy retailers buy energy from energy generators, package it into plans and sign customers up to them. Distributors are responsible for delivering energy and connecting homes and businesses to the grid.

How often do you pay electricity bills in Australia?

Electricity bills in Australia are typically charged quarterly, but many retailers also offer monthly payment options. Depending on your retailer, you could get a monthly billing plan on a basic meter, but your monthly bills will be estimated until your retailer’s quarterly reading. Based on this reading, you’ll either owe the difference between your estimated bills and your actual metered usage or be credited for the additional electricity you’ve paid for.

Sample electricity bill

Annotated electricity bill

meter and usage details for electricity bill

How to read your electricity bill

Usage costs

Meter details

Usage calculation

Usage charges

Discounts, fees and concessions

Sample gas bill

Annotated how to read gas bill meter details 2022

Annotated natural gas bill usage details

How to read your gas bill

Usage costs

Meter details

Usage calculation

Usage charges

Discounts, fees and concessions

LPG bills

Payment details

Meet our energy expert, Meredith O’Brien

Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy

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.