u/EdenFlorence

Welcome to the new financial year, which means your power/gas bill ... probably increased. X__X

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) last year announced some new rules to improve consumer confidence in retail energy plans which is effective 1 July 2026. Some of the new rules include:

• prevent retailers from increasing prices more than once a year
• ban excessive charges like late-payment fees for all retail contracts
• ensure all consumers are entitled to a fee-free payment method
• prohibit retail fees for vulnerable consumers
• ensure vulnerable Australians are receiving their retailer’s best offer
• prevent retailers from charging more than the standing offer price if the customer's initial offer changes or expires. This will protect customers from paying higher prices for their loyalty.

Source: https://www.aemc.gov.au/news-centre/media-releases/aemc-delivers-enhanced-consumer-protections-help-customers-find-better-energy-deals

If you're in VIC, there are some new rules effective 1 July 2026:

• If you have been on the same energy plan for over four years, your energy retailer must ensure you are paying a reasonable price. If you are not paying a reasonable price, the retailer must lower your tariff or switch you to a cheaper plan. A retailer must undertake this check at least once a year for all its customers who are on contracts four years or older.
• Your retailer will also have to take all reasonable steps to ensure you receive any concession you are eligible for and must let you know if you become ineligible for a concession you were receiving.

In addition, from 1 October 2026:

• Your retailer must move you onto its cheapest plan if you are on payment difficulty support or have been in debt for more than three months and owe more than $1,000.
• Retailers will no longer be able to make a particular payment method mandatory for an energy plan. For example, they will no longer be able to limit access to an energy plan to people who pay by direct debit. This will enable all customers to access the best energy plans.

More info and other new rules on the ESV website: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/codes-guidelines-and-policies/energy-retail-code-practice/reviewing-energy-retail-code-practice/changes-victorias-energy-rules

Now is a good opportunity to check your current electric/gas plan and compare prices to see if there is a better deal on the market. Easiest way to compare prices is using the official government comparison websites:

https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/ - NSW, QLD, SA, Tas and ACT

https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ - Vic only

I did a quick check of the comparison sites and it seems like you can see plans effective new financial year.

MECHANISMCITY

INTOTHEFOG

REUNION