Quick Answer:
An energy broker is a professional or company that helps households and businesses compare electricity and gas plans from different suppliers. They don’t sell energy themselves—they act as a middle-person, helping you find the best deal and often handling the paperwork, too. Most brokers are paid by the energy retailer, so the service is usually free to you.
What exactly does an energy broker do?
Let’s be honest—energy plans are confusing. Tariffs, peak times, contract lengths, green add-ons, standing vs market offers… it’s a lot to take in, especially if you’re busy running a household or business.
That’s where an energy broker comes in.
They:
- Analyse your energy usage and needs
- Compare offers from multiple suppliers
- Negotiate better pricing or terms
- Help with switching or renewing your contract
- Offer advice on solar, battery storage, and carbon offsets if relevant
And the best part? You usually don’t pay them directly. They receive a commission from the supplier you sign with.
How is a broker different from a supplier?
This trips people up all the time.
- A supplier sells the actual electricity or gas to you. Think of names like Origin, AGL or EnergyAustralia.
- An energy broker doesn’t sell power. They help you choose which supplier and plan makes the most sense.
It’s a bit like using a mortgage broker to find the best home loan—except it’s for your energy bills.
Real-life example: A small business owner’s experience
Take Michelle, who runs a florist in Brisbane. She used to get quarterly bills that made no sense—different rates, strange peak charges, and no time to sort it out.
A mate suggested she speak to an energy broker. The broker assessed her last 12 months of usage, explained what was eating up her dollars (hint: her fridge cycling during peak pricing), and then switched her to a better plan with fixed rates and off-peak bonuses.
The result?
Lower bills
No more bill shock
Peace of mind knowing she wasn’t being ripped off
Anyone who’s run a business knows the admin never ends. Having someone cut through the jargon? Worth its weight in gold.
Why do energy brokers even exist?
Great question. In theory, we should all be able to compare and switch providers easily. But the truth is, Australia’s energy market is complex and time-consuming to navigate. Prices change, suppliers launch promos, and plans often expire or shift after a fixed term.
Brokers exist because:
- Many people don’t have time to compare plans
- Some contracts have hidden fees or confusing structures
- Large energy users (like businesses) need customised solutions
A good broker turns a tangled mess into a clear decision.
Who benefits most from using an energy broker?
While anyone can use one, the people who benefit the most are:
Businesses
Shops, gyms, restaurants, warehouses, and multisite operators with high or variable usage. Brokers can group usage across sites, score bulk discounts, and schedule renewals so contracts don’t overlap.
Busy households or retirees
Especially those on a fixed income or without the digital know-how to compare online tools.
Property managers and real estate agencies
Managing multiple addresses? Brokers help streamline supply setups and keep contracts aligned.
Tip: Even households with solar panels or batteries can benefit, as some brokers advise on feed-in tariffs and time-of-use plans.
Do brokers always find the best deal?
Short answer: They can—but it depends.
Some brokers work with a broad range of suppliers and compare the whole market. Others may only partner with a select few. That doesn’t make them dodgy—it just means their “shopping basket” is smaller.
Always ask:
- “Do you compare all retailers or only partnered ones?”
- “How are you paid?”
- “Can you show me the full cost breakdown?”
Transparency builds trust. And any broker worth their salt will answer clearly.
Are energy brokers regulated in Australia?
Not in the same way retailers are.
Energy suppliers are heavily regulated by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and must follow strict codes around pricing, billing, and customer service.
Energy brokers aren’t required to hold a specific licence, but they must follow Australian Consumer Law—meaning they can’t mislead or deceive. Some brokers also voluntarily follow best-practice codes and work under accreditation schemes.
For more guidance, the Energy Made Easy website by the AER offers trustworthy info.
Quick FAQ: What Aussies Want to Know
Q: Is it safe to use an energy broker?
A: Yes—so long as you check their credibility and ask the right questions. Look for brokers with clear fee disclosures and reviews.
Q: Do I have to pay to use one?
A: Not usually. Most get paid by the retailer after you switch, but check if there’s a consultancy fee for complex business arrangements.
Q: Can I still compare plans myself online?
A: Absolutely. But if you’re time-poor or managing multiple meters, a broker saves hassle and may find deals you won’t see on comparison sites.
Final Thought
At its core, an energy broker is someone who helps you make smarter choices about your power supply—without the stress of figuring it all out alone. They’re not miracle workers, but they are guides, negotiators, and problem-solvers rolled into one.
In a market full of fine print, expiry dates, and shifting prices, having an energy broker in your corner might just be the smartest way to get more control over your bills—without adding more admin to your week.
And if you’re still wondering whether your energy plan stacks up, there’s no harm in asking the question. Sometimes, one conversation can lead to years of savings.