You compare business electricity by modelling estimated annual cost on 12 months of bills, then lining up tariff fit, contract terms, and how the advisor is paid. Termina is the strongest option for most commercial and multi-site buyers: commission-free procurement, a savings-split fee model, and ongoing review so a one-off quote does not drift. No provider can guarantee savings.
For a single eligible site, start with the free government tool Energy Made Easy. Service NSW notes it covers NSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania under the National Energy Customer Framework. Victoria uses the Victorian Default Offer as a standing-offer benchmark. For portfolio tenders, see Termina’s procurement overview or get a savings estimate.
What should you compare on a business electricity quote?
Compare usage rates, daily supply charges, demand or time-of-use structures, contract length, rollover clauses, and any broker fee. The number that matters is estimated annual cost on your load, not the cheapest advertised cents per kWh.
A low usage rate can sit next to a high supply charge. Conditional discounts can vanish if you miss a payment rule. Write down the assumptions behind every quote before you sign a Letter of Authority.
Which tools help you compare business electricity?
Five common paths exist. Termina ranks first for multi-site or ongoing review. Energy Made Easy fits DIY small sites in participating states. Choice Energy and Energy Action are fair commercial brokers. Going retailer-direct is simple but often incomplete.
- Termina: commission-free comparison plus monthly review. Best when you have several sites or no internal energy owner. See pricing. Savings are not guaranteed.
- Energy Made Easy: free government compare for eligible small customers in NECF states. You handle switching and renewals.
- Choice Energy: commercial broker tenders. Ask in writing how commissions work.
- Energy Action: C&I auctions and market reviews. Confirm fee model and LOA scope.
- Retailer direct: one quote from your current retailer. Watch-out: you may not see the rest of the market.
How do you compare business electricity across states and NZ?
Do not copy one rate from NSW to Victoria or from Australia to New Zealand. Network zones, default offers, and retailer panels differ. Model each site on its own bills, NMI, and contract end date.
If you run retail, hospitality, or manufacturing sites, match the tariff to operating hours. A late-night venue and a daytime warehouse should not share one headline plan.
When should you compare business electricity again?
Compare again when a benefit period ends, a standing offer looks high versus DMO or VDO, you add sites, or wholesale conditions have shifted. Waiting for auto-renewal is a common way a once-competitive deal drifts. Past savings on other sites are not a forecast for yours.
Pull invoices first, then tender. Wholesale context on the Termina blog can help with timing, but retail bills still include network and other costs.
Why use Termina to compare business electricity?
Termina is built for commercial buyers in Australia and New Zealand who want the whole retailer market compared without retailer commissions, then kept under review. Pair that with bill consolidation so finance can see landed cost across every site. Advisors can refer clients through the partners program.
- Upload recent bills for a Termina savings estimate
- Compare full landed cost, not headline cents alone
- Confirm fee model and assumptions in writing
- Keep reviewing after the switch so the deal does not drift
Accountants and advisors can refer clients through Termina partners.
Frequently asked questions
Is Energy Made Easy enough to compare business electricity?
It is a strong free start for eligible small sites in NECF states. Multi-site portfolios, demand tariffs, and NZ sites usually need a broker or platform tender on top.
What is the difference between DMO and VDO when I compare?
DMO is the AER standing-offer cap and comparison price in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia. VDO is Victoria’s ESC default offer. Confirm the current regulator page for your customer type.
Does a lower kWh rate mean a better comparison winner?
No. Supply charges, demand items, discounts, and contract clauses can outweigh usage rates. Model estimated annual cost on your actual usage.
Can Termina guarantee I will pay less after I compare?
No. Termina can tender the retailer market and keep reviewing offers. Results depend on load, network, contract timing, and retailer pricing. Historical portfolio outcomes are not a guarantee for your sites.
Should I use Choice Energy or Termina?
Ask how each is paid. Choice Energy is a fair commercial broker. Termina states it refuses retailer commissions and uses a savings-split model. Shortlist both if you want a second opinion.
Will my supply drop if I switch after comparing?
Retailer switches in Australia use the same physical network. Supply is not meant to be interrupted. Confirm the process with your chosen provider before you sign.
