Electricity Bill Checklist 2026: 7 Numbers to Compare Before You Switch

Switching electricity plans is easier when you know exactly which numbers deserve attention. Many offers look cheaper on the surface but become less attractive once supply charges, tariff splits, and conditions are included.

This checklist walks through the seven numbers worth comparing before you move your account.

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1. Daily Supply Charge

The supply charge is the fixed amount you pay every day just to remain connected. It applies whether you use very little power or a lot.

• Low-usage households often feel supply charge changes more than usage rate changes
• A plan with a slightly higher usage rate can still win if the daily charge is materially lower
• Compare supply charges on the same billing period so the difference is obvious

2. Peak Usage Rate

For many households, the peak rate is the main driver of the bill. It is usually charged during the most expensive daytime and evening windows.

Check:

• The cents per kWh price
• Whether the plan is single-rate or time-of-use
• Whether your recent bill suggests most of your power is consumed during peak periods

3. Shoulder and Off-Peak Rates

Time-of-use plans can look efficient, but only if your usage pattern suits them. Households that run dishwashers, pool pumps, or EV charging outside peak windows may benefit. Others may end up paying more.

Before switching, estimate:

• How much of your usage falls into each window
• Whether your schedule is stable across weekdays and weekends
• Whether seasonal heating or cooling changes the pattern

4. Conditional Discounts

Some electricity retailers advertise pay-on-time or direct-debit discounts. These can still be useful, but they should never be the main comparison point.

Ask:

• Does the discount apply to usage only or the full bill?
• Is it removed after a promotional period?
• What happens if you miss a payment once?

5. Solar Feed-In Tariff

If your household exports solar, the feed-in tariff matters, but it should be weighed against the import rates. A plan with a generous export credit can still be poor value if it charges much more for the electricity you buy back from the grid.

Use a simple rule:

• High daytime exports favour stronger feed-in tariffs
• Evening-heavy households should prioritise import rates first

6. Demand Charges

Some retailers include demand tariffs, especially in newer or smart-metered setups. These are based on your highest burst of usage over a short window.

They matter when:

• Multiple large appliances run together
• You use EV charging, electric heating, or ducted cooling
• Your bill already shows a separate demand line item

7. Estimated Annual Cost

This is the best final comparison number. Translate the plan into a yearly figure using your own consumption and tariff mix rather than relying on headline marketing.

A solid switching process looks like this:

1. Pull the last two to four bills
2. Note supply charge, usage rates, and usage totals
3. Model competing plans with the same consumption
4. Compare the likely annual cost, not just the advertised saving

A Simple Switching Workflow

If you want fewer surprises:

• Use one recent bill as your baseline
• Compare plans with our electricity cost calculator
• Recheck the retailer’s current tariff sheet before you submit the switch
• Set a reminder to review again before the next high-usage season

Done well, a plan review is less about chasing the loudest promotion and more about matching your actual household profile to the right tariff structure.