Electricitymonster.com.au Review

Based on looking at the website Electricitymonster.com.au, it functions as an energy brokerage service, aiming to help Australians compare and switch electricity and gas plans. The site claims to offer a 100% free service to consumers, brokering over 150,000 deals with a network of trusted energy retailers. While the service appears to address a common consumer need—saving on utility bills—certain aspects typically found on highly trusted and ethical platforms are not as prominently featured or are entirely absent, which can raise questions for a discerning user.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Service Type: Energy Brokerage/Comparison
• Cost to Consumer: 100% Free (Commission-based from providers)
• Target Audience: Residential and Business consumers in Australia seeking better electricity and gas deals.
• Key Claims: Quick, easy comparison, over 150,000 deals brokered, “Trusted Brand Award” (details not readily apparent on homepage).
• Transparency of Partnerships: Acknowledges commercial arrangements and states they don’t compare all providers, but specific details of these arrangements and a comprehensive list of all partnered retailers are not immediately clear on the homepage.
• Ethical Consideration: Operates on a commission model from energy providers, which is a common business practice. However, the lack of immediate, explicit disclosure of all partnered providers and the specific nature of their commercial agreements can sometimes be a point of concern for those seeking absolute impartiality. From an ethical standpoint, it’s crucial for any service that influences financial decisions to be fully transparent about its revenue model and affiliations. While brokering a better deal for consumers is beneficial, the underlying mechanisms must be beyond reproach.

The website presents itself as a convenient solution for navigating the complex energy market, leveraging a direct phone-based service. The focus is on simplifying the process of finding competitive rates, offering services like residential and business connections, solar feed-in tariff comparisons, and assistance with urgent connections or moving house. They highlight their “100% Free Service” as a major benefit, implying that consumers incur no direct costs. However, it’s vital to understand that such services typically receive commissions from the energy providers when a customer switches, which means their recommendations are influenced by these commercial relationships. While this is standard practice in many industries, a completely transparent disclosure, perhaps with a clear list of all providers they work with and those they don’t, would enhance trust. The “Trusted Brand Award” mentioned on the site lacks immediate context or a direct link for verification, which is a common practice for highly reputable online entities.

Considering alternatives for essential services, especially those impacting household finances, it’s always wise to explore options that prioritise direct control, clear transparency, and empower the individual with all available information without any potential hidden commercial biases.

Here are some of the best alternatives for managing household resources and improving financial stability, focusing on ethical and transparent approaches:

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• Energy Made Easy (Australian Government Website):
  • Key Features: Official Australian government price comparison website. Provides a neutral, comprehensive comparison of all electricity and gas offers available in your area. Includes all conditions, discounts, and fees.
  • Average Price: Free to use. Helps you find the best market rates directly from retailers.
  • Pros: Unbiased and government-backed, ensuring all available plans are listed regardless of commercial agreements. Highly transparent.
  • Cons: Requires manual input of usage data for accurate comparisons; no brokering service.
• Compare the Market (Comparison Website):
  • Key Features: Compares a wide range of products beyond just energy, including insurance and finance. Offers energy comparison services with a broader network of providers than single brokers.
  • Average Price: Free for consumers, receives commissions from providers.
  • Pros: Convenient for comparing multiple services, often has a good range of providers.
  • Cons: While broad, they still operate on a commission model, meaning not every single offer from every single provider may be included.
• Canstar Blue (Consumer Review and Comparison Site):
  • Key Features: Provides customer satisfaction ratings and research alongside price comparisons for various services, including energy. Offers detailed reports and insights.
  • Average Price: Free for consumers.
  • Pros: Focuses on consumer reviews and satisfaction, offering a qualitative aspect to comparison. Good for understanding service quality.
  • Cons: Primarily an informational resource; actual switching might still require direct engagement with providers or another platform.
• CHOICE (Independent Consumer Advocacy Group):
  • Key Features: A non-profit organisation that provides independent reviews, advice, and campaigning for consumer rights. Offers detailed reports on energy providers and best practices for saving money.
  • Average Price: Subscription-based for full access to content, but many guides and basic comparisons are free.
  • Pros: Highly independent and unbiased, focused purely on consumer welfare. Offers in-depth research and advocacy.
  • Cons: Not a direct comparison or switching service; more of an informational and advocacy resource.
• Direct Contact with Energy Providers:
  • Key Features: Directly engage with major Australian energy retailers like Origin Energy, AGL, or EnergyAustralia. You can often negotiate deals or access exclusive online offers.
  • Average Price: Varies by plan.
  • Pros: Direct access to provider offers, potentially including exclusive deals not available through brokers. Allows for direct negotiation.
  • Cons: Time-consuming to contact multiple providers; requires proactive research on your part.
• Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Website:
  • Key Features: Provides fact sheets and information on energy prices, consumer rights, and market conditions. While not a direct comparison tool, it offers essential context and guidance for making informed decisions.
  • Average Price: Free.
  • Pros: Authoritative source for regulatory information and consumer protections. Empowers consumers with knowledge.
  • Cons: Not a comparison tool; requires you to piece together information.
• Solar Victoria (for solar owners in Victoria):
  • Key Features: Specific to Victoria, this government body provides information, rebates, and support for solar energy, including resources for understanding feed-in tariffs.
  • Average Price: Free.
  • Pros: Authoritative, specific, and provides pathways to government rebates and support for solar owners.
  • Cons: Geographically limited to Victoria.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Electricitymonster.com.au Review & First Look

When you first land on Electricitymonster.com.au, the immediate impression is one of a service designed for convenience and ease. The site prominently features its core offering: comparing electricity and gas plans for Australian consumers. The main call to action is clear, inviting users to “Compare Electricity Plans & Gas Plans” through a “100% Free Service.” This directness is a common tactic for online services aiming to capture immediate user attention. They highlight brokering over 150,000 deals and mention a “Trustpilot” rating, though the actual rating or a direct, easily clickable link isn’t immediately visible in a prominent, attention-grabbing spot on the hero section.

The design is clean and modern, with a focus on simple navigation. Key service areas like “Residential,” “Business,” “Solar Feed-In,” and “Energy Rebates” are clearly signposted. This structure aims to guide users quickly to their area of interest. However, a deeper dive reveals that while the service purports to be “free,” it explicitly states, “* We do not compare all internet providers & have commercial arrangements with our partners.” This disclosure, while present, is subtle, appearing as a small asterisked note at the top. For a diligent consumer, this immediately flags a potential limitation: the comparison might not be exhaustive, and the recommendations could be influenced by these “commercial arrangements.” In an ethical context, full transparency on all partners and the nature of these arrangements would significantly bolster trust. The “Trusted Brand Award” is mentioned without a clear link or context, which is unusual for a credible accolade.

Initial Impressions and User Experience

The site’s user interface is straightforward, prioritising quick access to its comparison service. The navigation bar is intuitive, offering direct links to key sections like ‘About Us’, ‘Blogs’, and ‘Contact Us’. This layout makes it easy for a first-time visitor to understand the site’s purpose and how to engage with its services. The emphasis on a phone-based interaction (“Talk To An Expert,” “Phone us today”) suggests a personalised approach, moving away from purely automated online comparison tools.

Transparency of Information

While the site claims to be “100% Free Service,” it’s crucial for consumers to understand the underlying business model. Electricity Monster, like many brokers, likely earns a commission from energy retailers for each successful switch. The disclaimer about “commercial arrangements” confirms this. What’s often missing on such sites is a comprehensive list of all energy providers operating in a given market versus those they do partner with. This gap can leave consumers wondering if they’re truly seeing the “best deal” overall, or merely the best deal among Electricity Monster’s partners. This distinction is vital for informed decision-making.

Missing Trust Elements

Highly trusted websites, especially those dealing with financial or utility comparisons, often feature prominent badges of regulatory compliance, detailed privacy policies, and comprehensive disclaimers upfront. While Electricity Monster has an “About Us” and “Contact Us” section, the immediate lack of a clear, verifiable link to their “Trusted Brand Award” or a more robust explanation of their commercial partnerships on the primary landing page can raise questions for an astute user. Trustpilot reviews are mentioned, but without an embedded widget or direct link, it requires the user to actively seek out this verification, which isn’t ideal for immediate trust-building. Casaandbeyond.com.au Review

How Electricitymonster.com.au Works: The Brokerage Model

Electricitymonster.com.au operates primarily as an energy brokerage service. Their model is designed to simplify the process of comparing and switching electricity and gas providers for Australian households and businesses. Instead of users sifting through countless plans themselves, Electricity Monster aims to do the legwork, connecting consumers with what they claim are “the best offer we have available” from their network of partnered retailers. This hands-on, phone-based approach is a key differentiator from purely online comparison engines.

The “Free” Service Explained

The website prominently advertises a “100% Free Service” for consumers. This means you, as the customer, do not pay a direct fee to Electricity Monster for their comparison or switching assistance. Their revenue model, typical for brokerage services, is based on commissions paid by the energy retailers when a customer successfully switches to one of their plans through Electricity Monster’s service. While this model is legitimate and widespread, it inherently means that the “best deal” presented might be the best available among their commercial partners, rather than an exhaustive comparison of every single plan on the market. It’s a critical nuance for consumers seeking absolute impartiality.

The Comparison Process

According to the website, the process is streamlined:

1. Grab Your Power & Gas Bills: This provides Electricity Monster with current usage data and plan details.
2. Call Electricity Monster: The primary mode of interaction, indicating a personalised, expert-guided comparison.
3. They’ll compare your rates with their partners: This is where their network comes into play, identifying potential savings.
4. If they can get you a better deal, they switch you: They handle the administrative side of the switch, aiming for a hassle-free transition.

This process is designed for ease and convenience, appealing to consumers who find navigating energy plans daunting. Visiondirect.com.au Review

Services Offered Beyond Comparison

Beyond basic comparison and switching, Electricity Monster also highlights several other services:

• Residential Electricity Connection: Assisting new residents or those moving houses to get connected.
• Business Electricity Connection: Similar services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Residential Better Deal Gas Connection: Focusing on securing better gas rates.
• Electricity Rate Comparison: Their core offering.
• Urgent & Same-Day Connection: A critical service for those needing immediate power or gas.
• Moving House Connection: Streamlining utility setup during relocation.
• Solar FiT Rate Comparison: Helping solar panel owners find better feed-in tariffs.

These additional services demonstrate an attempt to provide a comprehensive utility assistance platform, making them a one-stop shop for various energy-related needs.

Electricitymonster.com.au Pros & Cons

When evaluating Electricitymonster.com.au, it’s essential to look at both its strengths and weaknesses from a consumer perspective, especially when considering ethical and transparent practices. While the service offers convenience, a thorough review requires examining what it does well and where it might fall short compared to the ideal.

Advantages of Using Electricitymonster.com.au

• Convenience and Time-Saving: Their primary appeal is simplifying a complex task. For many Australians, navigating the myriad of energy plans and providers is overwhelming. Electricity Monster takes on this burden, potentially saving consumers significant time and effort in research and paperwork. The promise of a “100% Free Service” further enhances this appeal.
• Personalised Assistance: The strong emphasis on phone consultation (“Talk To An Expert,” “Call Electricity Monster”) suggests a more personalised service than automated online comparison tools. This can be beneficial for individuals who prefer speaking directly with someone to understand their options and get specific questions answered.
• Potential for Cost Savings: By leveraging their network of partnered retailers, Electricity Monster aims to find consumers a cheaper electricity or gas plan. With “over 150,000 deals brokered,” they indicate a track record of helping people save money, which is a significant benefit in a country with rising energy costs.
• Streamlined Switching Process: They claim to handle the entire switching process, including paperwork and communication with old and new providers. This “we’ll take care of the whole process for you” approach reduces the administrative burden on the consumer.
• Additional Services: Beyond simple comparisons, offerings like urgent connections, moving house assistance, and solar feed-in tariff comparisons add value, positioning them as a comprehensive utility service rather than just a comparison site.
• Australian Owned: Highlighting “Australian Owned” can appeal to consumers who prefer supporting local businesses.

Disadvantages and Areas for Improvement

• Limited Comparison Scope: The small print stating, “We do not compare all internet providers & have commercial arrangements with our partners,” is a significant drawback. This means consumers are only shown options from a subset of the market, potentially missing out on the absolute best deal available from a provider outside of Electricity Monster’s network. For a truly exhaustive comparison, a government-backed, unbiased tool would be superior.
• Transparency of Partnerships: While they disclose commercial arrangements, a lack of a clear, comprehensive list of all partnered providers on the homepage or an easily accessible dedicated page can lead to a perception of limited transparency. Consumers cannot immediately see which providers they do work with versus those they don’t.
• Reliance on Phone Interaction: While a pro for some, the heavy reliance on phone interaction might be a con for others who prefer fully digital, self-service online tools for comparison and switching, especially outside of business hours.
• Verification of Awards/Claims: The “Trusted Brand Award” is mentioned, but without a direct, verifiable link to the awarding body or more context on the homepage, its credibility cannot be immediately ascertained by a new visitor. Similarly, the Trustpilot mention could be enhanced with an embedded widget showing live ratings.
• Implicit Bias in Recommendations: As a commission-based broker, there’s an inherent (though not necessarily nefarious) incentive to recommend plans from providers who offer better commissions, potentially over ones that might be marginally cheaper for the consumer but offer lower commission. Full disclosure of specific commission structures is rare but would eliminate any perceived bias.
• Lack of Direct Online Comparison Tool: Unlike many modern comparison sites, Electricity Monster appears to primarily operate through a phone-based model, rather than allowing users to input details online and instantly see comparative quotes. This can be less convenient for users looking for quick, anonymous comparisons before committing to a phone call.
• Data Security and Privacy (Implicit): While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, any service handling personal utility bills and switching arrangements needs robust data security and privacy protocols. Users would ideally look for prominent assurances regarding how their sensitive data is handled, stored, and protected.

In summary, Electricitymonster.com.au offers a convenient service for many, but its brokerage model means consumers should be aware that the “best deal” might be the best from their partnered network, rather than the entire market. For ultimate transparency and a comprehensive comparison, government-backed tools or direct approaches remain strong contenders. Klevarange.com.au Review

Ethical Considerations of Energy Brokerage in Australia

When assessing any service that mediates financial or utility decisions, especially in a market as crucial as energy, ethical considerations are paramount. Energy brokerage services like Electricitymonster.com.au operate on a commission model, which brings both benefits and potential areas of concern from an ethical standpoint. Transparency, fairness, and consumer empowerment are key pillars of ethical conduct in this sector.

Transparency of Commercial Arrangements

The most significant ethical consideration for energy brokers revolves around their commercial arrangements. Electricitymonster.com.au explicitly states, “We do not compare all internet providers & have commercial arrangements with our partners.” While this disclosure is present, its small print placement and the lack of comprehensive details about which partners they work with (and critically, which they don’t) can be problematic.

• The Issue: If a broker only presents options from a select group of retailers, and those selections are influenced by commission structures, consumers might not be exposed to genuinely the best or cheapest deal available in the entire market. This creates an information asymmetry where the consumer isn’t fully empowered to make the most informed decision.
• Ethical Ideal: Ethical practice would involve a clear, prominent, and comprehensive list of all partnered retailers, alongside a disclaimer about retailers not included in their comparison. Some highly ethical comparison sites even go a step further by outlining their commission models in general terms (e.g., “we receive a flat fee per switch” vs. “our commission varies”). This level of transparency builds significant trust.

Impartiality of Recommendations

Related to commercial arrangements is the question of impartiality. If a broker’s revenue depends on securing switches to specific providers, there’s an inherent tension between providing the absolute “best deal” for the consumer and maximising their own commission.

• The Issue: Consumers trust brokers to act in their best interest. If the “best deal” presented is subtly influenced by higher commission rates from certain providers, it could lead to consumers paying more than they otherwise would have.
• Ethical Ideal: An ethically robust model prioritises the consumer’s financial benefit above all else. This might mean recommending a plan that offers a lower commission but is genuinely the cheapest or most suitable for the customer’s specific usage patterns. Government-backed comparison sites (like Energy Made Easy) are typically seen as the gold standard for impartiality because they have no commercial stake in the outcome.

Consumer Empowerment vs. Simplification

Brokers simplify complex choices, which is a great service. However, ethical services also empower consumers by educating them, rather than just making decisions for them. Vpa.com.au Review

• The Issue: If the simplification process means consumers don’t fully understand why a particular plan is recommended or what its long-term implications are (e.g., benefit periods ending, variable rates), they aren’t truly empowered.
• Ethical Ideal: Beyond just finding a deal, an ethical broker would ensure the consumer understands the key terms, conditions, and potential future changes of the recommended plan. They would provide tools or information for the consumer to verify the recommendation independently if they choose.

Data Privacy and Security

Any service collecting personal utility bills and facilitating account switches handles sensitive personal and financial data.

• The Issue: Without prominent and clear privacy policies, data handling statements, and security assurances on the homepage, consumers might feel apprehensive about sharing such information.
• Ethical Ideal: Strict adherence to Australian privacy laws (e.g., Australian Privacy Principles) and transparent communication about data collection, storage, use, and destruction are non-negotiable ethical requirements. Prominent links to detailed privacy policies are essential.

In conclusion, while energy brokerage services fill a legitimate market need for simplification, their ethical standing is heavily contingent on their level of transparency regarding commercial ties, the demonstrable impartiality of their recommendations, and their commitment to genuinely empowering consumers with full information and robust data protection. For those seeking absolute ethical certainty, direct comparison via government tools or direct engagement with all providers remains the most transparent path.

Navigating Energy Rebates & Solar Feed-In Tariffs with Electricitymonster.com.au

Electricitymonster.com.au positions itself as a comprehensive resource for Australian energy consumers, and part of this offering includes guidance on energy rebates and solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs). These are crucial components of the Australian energy landscape, allowing households to reduce their energy bills and benefit from renewable energy generation. However, the site’s role is more about informing and connecting rather than directly managing these complex areas.

Understanding Energy Rebates

Energy rebates, concessions, and relief schemes are offered by state and federal governments in Australia to help eligible households manage their energy costs. These often target specific demographics, such as pensioners, healthcare card holders, or those facing hardship. Service.com.au Review

• Electricity Monster’s Role: The website lists “Energy Rebates” as a service area, suggesting they can guide consumers on available rebates. Their FAQ section mentions, “We may also be able to apply energy concessions to your energy account at no cost to you.” This implies they can assist in identifying eligibility and possibly facilitating the application process with the energy retailer.
• Ethical Consideration: While assisting with rebates is a positive service, it’s crucial that any information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive. Government websites (like those for Centrelink or state energy departments) are the definitive sources for rebate eligibility and application processes. A broker’s role should be to direct consumers to these official sources or assist within the bounds of clearly defined agency agreements with retailers.
• What to look for: A reliable service will always encourage users to verify eligibility and apply through official government channels or directly with their energy retailer, as eligibility criteria and available rebates can change frequently.

Demystifying Solar Feed-In Tariffs (FiTs)

Solar Feed-In Tariffs are payments or credits that electricity retailers provide to solar panel owners for the excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. The rates vary significantly between retailers and states, making comparison essential for maximising the return on a solar investment.

• Electricity Monster’s Role: Electricity Monster offers “Solar FiT Rate Comparison,” aiming to help solar owners find higher feed-in tariffs. This is a valuable service, as a higher FiT can significantly reduce the net cost of electricity for solar households.
• Ethical Consideration: When comparing FiTs, the broker must present all relevant details, not just the headline rate. Factors like peak/off-peak rates, daily supply charges, and the overall plan structure accompanying the FiT are critical. A high FiT might be offset by higher usage charges or daily supply charges on the same plan.
• What to look for: An ethical comparison will provide a holistic view of the plan, not just isolate the FiT. It should also disclose if certain retailers offer better FiTs but are not part of their partnered network. Given the varying regulations and incentives across states (e.g., Victoria’s specific solar programs), detailed, state-specific advice is paramount.

The Broader Picture: Empowering Informed Choices

While Electricitymonster.com.au’s services around rebates and FiTs are helpful, the most ethical approach to these benefits is to empower consumers with direct knowledge and access to primary sources.

• Direct Government Resources: Always cross-reference information with official state energy department websites (e.g., Solar Victoria, NSW Department of Energy) or the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on rebates and FiTs.
• Comprehensive Tools: For solar owners, comparing FiTs should ideally be done in conjunction with a full energy plan comparison, considering both the export credit and the import cost of electricity. Tools that allow for this integrated analysis are superior.
• Advocacy for Consumers: Independent consumer advocacy groups like CHOICE often provide excellent, unbiased guides on how to maximise rebates and understand solar tariffs, which can complement a broker’s service.

In essence, while Electricity Monster can serve as a convenient first point of contact, consumers should leverage their services as a starting point and then verify and deepen their understanding using official government and independent consumer resources for full financial empowerment and ethical certainty.

Understanding Electricitymonster.com.au’s Pricing Model: Is “Free” Really Free?

Electricitymonster.com.au prominently advertises its service as “100% Free for consumers.” This is a key selling point, as it immediately signals that users won’t be charged directly for the comparison or switching assistance. However, in the world of brokerage and comparison services, “free” for the consumer almost always means that the service is funded by another party, typically through commissions. Understanding this underlying pricing model is crucial for a complete and ethical review. Mycpap.com.au Review

The Commission-Based Model

Like many comparison websites and brokers in industries such as insurance, finance, and utilities, Electricity Monster operates on a commission-based model. This means:

• Retailer Pays, Not Consumer: When a consumer successfully switches to an energy plan through Electricity Monster’s service, the new energy retailer (the provider of the electricity or gas) pays a commission fee to Electricity Monster. This fee is built into the retailer’s operational costs and is part of their customer acquisition strategy.
• No Direct Consumer Charge: The consumer does not receive a bill from Electricity Monster for their services. This is genuinely “free” in terms of direct out-of-pocket expenses for the user.

Why This Model is Common

This model is popular for several reasons:

• Low Barrier to Entry for Consumers: By removing any direct cost, the service becomes highly attractive to potential users, encouraging more people to compare and switch, which benefits the energy market by increasing competition.
• Aligned Incentives (to a degree): In theory, the broker is incentivised to find a deal that the customer will accept, as that’s how they earn their commission.
• Cost-Effective Customer Acquisition for Retailers: Energy retailers view commissions paid to brokers as a marketing or sales expense, often more efficient than direct advertising or in-house sales teams for acquiring new customers.

The Nuance of “Free” and Ethical Implications

While the “100% Free Service” claim is technically accurate in terms of direct billing to the consumer, the ethical consideration lies in the potential for indirect influence:

• Limited Choice: As previously noted, Electricity Monster states they “do not compare all internet providers & have commercial arrangements with our partners.” This means the “free” comparison service only extends to the plans of retailers with whom they have a commercial agreement. If the absolute cheapest or most suitable plan for a consumer is offered by a retailer not in their network, the consumer will not be shown that option.
• Potential for Bias: The existence of commercial arrangements, especially if commission rates vary between providers, could theoretically create an incentive to promote plans from providers offering higher commissions, even if they aren’t always the absolute cheapest for the consumer. While Electricity Monster aims to find “the best offer we have available,” this is distinct from “the best offer available on the market.”
• Transparency is Key: From an ethical standpoint, the “free” model requires robust transparency. Consumers need to understand that the service is commission-funded and that the comparison may not be exhaustive of the entire market. While Electricity Monster makes a brief disclosure, more prominent and detailed information could enhance trust.

What Consumers Should Consider

When using any “free” brokerage or comparison service, savvy consumers should:

1. Understand the Funding Model: Be aware that the service is compensated by the providers.
2. Verify Scope of Comparison: Ascertain if the service compares all available plans in the market or only those from partnered providers. Government comparison tools (like Energy Made Easy) are best for exhaustive, unbiased comparisons.
3. Read Terms and Conditions: Always review the terms of service and privacy policy to understand how your data is used and shared.
4. Cross-Reference: If possible, cross-reference the recommended plans with other comparison tools or by directly contacting energy providers.

In conclusion, Electricitymonster.com.au’s “free” service is genuinely free for the consumer in terms of direct cost. However, its commission-based model and disclosed limitation on comparing “all” providers mean that while convenient, it might not always present the absolute broadest or cheapest option on the Australian energy market. Ethical consumers should always aim for the most comprehensive and unbiased information available. Casaandbeyond.com.au Review

Electricitymonster.com.au Alternatives: Finding the Right Fit

When it comes to managing essential household utilities like electricity and gas, having reliable and transparent comparison tools is paramount. While Electricitymonster.com.au offers a convenient brokerage service, its commission-based model and disclosed limitation on comparing “all” providers mean that exploring alternatives is a savvy move for any consumer looking for the most comprehensive and ethical approach. The goal is to find a service that empowers you with all the necessary information to make the best decision for your circumstances, free from potential biases.

Here’s a deeper dive into some of the top alternatives and how they stack up:

1. Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au)

• Overview: This is the Australian government’s free and independent energy price comparison website, managed by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). It’s widely regarded as the gold standard for unbiased comparison.
• Key Features:
  • Comprehensive: Compares all generally available electricity and gas offers from retailers in your area, regardless of commercial agreements.
  • Unbiased: No commissions, no commercial arrangements influencing results.
  • Detailed Results: Provides a detailed breakdown of costs, discounts, and terms for each plan.
  • Personalised: Allows you to upload your actual bill for the most accurate comparison based on your specific usage.
• Why it’s a Top Alternative: For consumers prioritising complete transparency and unbiased information, Energy Made Easy is unparalleled. It empowers you to see the entire market and make an informed decision without any commercial influence.
• Pros: Absolutely transparent, exhaustive, government-backed, and highly accurate.
• Cons: Requires manual input of data, no direct switching service (you’ll need to contact the provider yourself).

2. Compare the Market (comparethemarket.com.au)

• Overview: A well-known commercial comparison website that covers a broad range of products beyond just energy, including insurance, loans, and health.
• Key Features:
  • Multi-Product Comparison: Handy if you’re looking to compare more than just energy.
  • Wide Network: Generally partners with a significant number of energy retailers.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for quick and easy comparisons.
• Why it’s a Strong Alternative: It offers convenience and a broader scope than a niche broker. While it operates on a commission model, its larger scale often means it covers a wider array of providers than smaller, more specialised brokers.
• Pros: Convenient, often includes special offers, covers multiple comparison categories.
• Cons: Still a commercial entity, meaning not every single plan from every single provider might be included; commission model can implicitly influence visibility of results.

3. Canstar Blue (canstarblue.com.au)

• Overview: Focuses on consumer satisfaction ratings and research across various categories, including energy. It provides comparisons based on both price and customer experience.
• Key Features:
  • Customer Satisfaction Focus: Incorporates actual customer reviews and ratings into its comparisons.
  • Detailed Research: Publishes in-depth reports and insights into energy providers.
  • Awards & Ratings: Offers a qualitative layer to comparison beyond just price.
• Why it’s a Valuable Alternative: If you value service quality and customer support as much as price, Canstar Blue provides crucial insights. It helps you avoid just the cheapest deal and instead find a provider that aligns with your service expectations.
• Pros: Incorporates real customer experiences, excellent for qualitative assessment, provides comprehensive industry analysis.
• Cons: Not primarily a switching service; you’ll typically need to go direct to a provider or another comparison tool to complete the switch.

4. CHOICE (choice.com.au)

• Overview: Australia’s leading independent consumer advocacy group. While not a direct comparison website in the same vein as the others, CHOICE provides unbiased advice, reviews, and guides on energy, focusing on empowering consumers.
• Key Features:
  • Independent Advocacy: Purely focused on consumer rights and best interests, free from commercial influence.
  • In-depth Guides: Offers expert advice on how to understand energy bills, compare plans, and advocate for yourself.
  • Product Reviews: Conducts rigorous testing and analysis of various products and services.
• Why it’s an Essential Alternative: CHOICE is invaluable for consumers who want to deeply understand the energy market and make truly informed decisions. It arms you with the knowledge to navigate complexities and avoid pitfalls.
• Pros: Highly independent, expert-level advice, focuses on consumer empowerment, and provides critical insights into market practices.
• Cons: Subscription required for full access to all content; not a direct comparison or switching service.

5. Direct Contact with Energy Providers

• Overview: Simply reaching out directly to Australia’s major energy retailers (e.g., AGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, Powershop) is a powerful, albeit more time-consuming, alternative.
• Key Features:
  • Exclusive Offers: Retailers often have online-exclusive deals or can offer tailored packages not available through brokers.
  • Direct Negotiation: You can sometimes negotiate better rates or ask for specific discounts directly with their sales teams.
  • Full Transparency: You’re dealing directly with the source, seeing all terms and conditions upfront.
• Why it’s a Viable Alternative: For those willing to put in the legwork, this offers the highest level of direct control and potentially access to the most competitive rates, bypassing any third-party influence.
• Pros: Potential for unique deals, direct control over the process, no intermediary.
• Cons: Time-consuming, requires proactive research and multiple calls/website visits.

Conclusion on Alternatives

While Electricitymonster.com.au offers a convenient service, especially for those who prefer phone-based assistance, the alternatives listed above provide greater transparency, broader comparison scope, or deeper consumer insights. For the ethically discerning consumer, leveraging government-backed tools like Energy Made Easy and independent consumer advocates like CHOICE should be primary considerations, complemented by commercial comparison sites and direct engagement with retailers for a comprehensive and truly empowered decision-making process.

Engie.com.au Review

How to Cancel Electricitymonster.com.au Service / Unsubscribe

Electricitymonster.com.au’s service is primarily a brokerage for energy switching, rather than a continuous subscription service in the traditional sense (like a streaming service or a monthly membership). Therefore, the concept of “cancelling a subscription” doesn’t directly apply. However, if you’ve engaged with their service and wish to cease further contact or halt a pending switch, here’s how you’d typically go about it based on their operational model.

Understanding the Service Engagement

Electricity Monster’s interaction with consumers generally involves:

1. Initial Contact: You contact them (or they call you back) to compare energy plans.
2. Comparison and Recommendation: They provide options from their partnered retailers.
3. Switch Facilitation: If you agree, they initiate the switch to a new provider on your behalf.

Once the switch is complete, Electricity Monster’s direct service for that particular transaction concludes. You then have a direct relationship with your new energy retailer.

Steps to “Cancel” or Cease Engagement

Since there’s no ongoing subscription, “cancelling” essentially means:

• Stopping a Pending Switch: If you’ve agreed to switch providers through them, but the switch hasn’t been finalised (e.g., it’s within the cooling-off period, or before the new plan takes effect), you need to act quickly.
• Ending Further Contact: If you simply want to stop receiving calls or emails from them after an initial enquiry.

Here’s how to manage these scenarios:

1. Direct Communication with Electricity Monster:

   • Phone: The most direct way, as their service is largely phone-based. Call their customer service line during business hours. Explain clearly that you wish to halt any pending switches or that you no longer require their services and wish to be removed from their contact list.
     • Contact Number (from homepage): 1300 232 848 or 1300 962 027 (multiple numbers listed).
   • Email: If you prefer written communication or cannot get through by phone, email them. Clearly state your name, contact details, and what action you require (e.g., “Please halt the pending switch to [New Retailer Name]” or “Please remove my details from your contact list and cease further communication”).
     • Email Address (from homepage): [email protected]
   • Online Chat/Booking System: If you used their online chat or “Book A Call Back” feature, you might be able to use these platforms to communicate your request.

2. Contacting Your New Energy Retailer (if a switch was initiated):

   • If Electricity Monster has already initiated a switch on your behalf, you also have a direct relationship with the new energy retailer. Most energy switches in Australia have a cooling-off period (usually 10 business days).
   • During this period, you can contact the new retailer directly and inform them you wish to cancel the transfer or withdraw your consent. This is a crucial step to ensure the switch doesn’t go through.
   • Always do this in writing (email) as well as by phone for a clear record.

3. Contacting Your Old Energy Retailer (if a switch was initiated):

   • It’s a good practice to also inform your current (old) energy retailer that you are cancelling a pending transfer initiated by a third party. They can confirm if a transfer request was received and if it has been successfully stopped.

Key Considerations for “Cancellation”

• Timing is Critical: If a switch has been initiated, acting quickly within the cooling-off period is essential. Once a switch is complete, you’ll need to go through the process of switching from the new provider, which can involve new contracts and potentially exit fees (though Electricity Monster highlights “Zero Exit Fees” for some of their recommended plans, this refers to the plans themselves, not necessarily the brokerage service).
• Documentation: Always keep a record of your communication – dates, times, names of people you spoke to, and a summary of the conversation. If communicating by email, keep the emails.
• Privacy Request: If your concern is simply to stop receiving unsolicited calls or marketing, explicitly request that your details be removed from their marketing lists in accordance with Australian privacy regulations.

In summary, while there’s no “subscription” to cancel with Electricitymonster.com.au, you can cease engagement by directly communicating your wishes to them, and if a switch was initiated, by also contacting the relevant energy retailers within the cooling-off period. Transparency in your communication will ensure your request is processed effectively.

FAQ

How does Electricity Monster make money if its service is 100% free for consumers?

Electricity Monster operates on a commission-based model, meaning they receive a fee from the energy retailers when a customer successfully switches to one of their plans through Electricity Monster’s service. Consumers do not pay any direct fees.

Does Electricity Monster compare all electricity and gas providers in Australia?

No, Electricity Monster explicitly states on their website, “We do not compare all internet providers & have commercial arrangements with our partners.” This means they only compare plans from a subset of energy retailers with whom they have commercial agreements.

Is Electricity Monster affiliated with the Australian government or energy regulators?

No, Electricity Monster is a privately owned commercial energy brokerage service. They are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Australian government or any energy regulatory bodies like the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) or state-specific energy departments.

How quickly can Electricity Monster help me switch energy providers?

According to their website, switching to a new electricity provider can take as little as two business days, and in some cases, same-day connection might be possible depending on the provider and circumstances.

What information do I need to provide to Electricity Monster for a comparison?

You typically need to provide details from your current electricity and gas bills, as this contains your usage data and current plan information, which helps them find accurate comparisons.

Can Electricity Monster help businesses find better energy deals?

Yes, Electricity Monster explicitly offers services for “Business Electricity Connection” and caters to small and medium-sized businesses looking for better energy rates.

What kind of energy plans does Electricity Monster compare?

They compare residential and business electricity and gas plans, including options for dual-fuel, no lock-in contracts, green choice options, and plans relevant to solar feed-in tariffs.

Does Electricity Monster charge exit fees if I switch through them?

Electricity Monster’s service is free for consumers. Any exit fees would be determined by the specific energy plan and retailer you switch to, not by Electricity Monster directly. They often highlight plans with “Zero Exit Fees.”

How reliable is Electricity Monster’s “Trusted Brand Award” claim?

The website mentions a “Trusted Brand Award” but does not provide a direct link or context for this award on the homepage, making it difficult for a new visitor to immediately verify its source or criteria. It’s advisable to seek independent verification for such claims.

What should I do if I want to cancel a switch initiated by Electricity Monster?

If a switch was initiated but not yet completed, you should immediately contact Electricity Monster directly by phone or email to request cancellation. It’s also crucial to contact the new energy retailer directly within the cooling-off period (usually 10 business days) to cancel the transfer.

Does Electricity Monster offer assistance with energy rebates and concessions?

Yes, Electricity Monster states they can help identify eligible energy concessions and may be able to assist in applying them to your energy account, although official government websites are the primary source for rebate information.

Can I compare solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) through Electricity Monster?

Yes, Electricity Monster offers “Solar FiT Rate Comparison” as one of their services, aiming to help solar panel owners find higher feed-in tariffs from their partnered retailers.

How does Electricity Monster ensure I get “the best deal available”?

Electricity Monster states they aim to get you “the best offer we have available” from their network of partnered electricity retailers. It’s important to note this refers to the best deal among their partners, not necessarily every single plan on the entire market.

What are the main communication channels for Electricity Monster?

Their primary communication channels are phone (with multiple numbers listed), email ([email protected]), and an online chat/booking system.

Does Electricity Monster have a physical office I can visit?

The website does not provide information about a physical office location for customer visits. Their service appears to be primarily online and phone-based.

Are there any hidden fees associated with Electricity Monster’s service?

Based on their website, there are no hidden fees directly charged to consumers. Their revenue model is commission-based from energy retailers. Always review the terms of the energy plan you switch to for any potential fees from the retailer.

What is the typical timeframe for Electricity Monster’s comparison process?

They state that the whole process can take as little as 15 minutes, depending on your personal needs and circumstances.

Is my personal and billing information safe with Electricity Monster?

While the website doesn’t offer extensive details on data security on its homepage, any service handling sensitive customer data is expected to comply with Australian privacy laws. It’s advisable to review their full privacy policy for detailed information.

Can Electricity Monster help me if I’m moving house and need a quick connection?

Yes, Electricity Monster highlights “Urgent & Same-Day Connection” and “Moving House Connection” as services they offer to facilitate swift utility hook-ups during relocation.

How does Electricity Monster compare to government-backed comparison tools like Energy Made Easy?

Electricity Monster is a commercial broker with partnered retailers, while government tools like Energy Made Easy provide an unbiased, comprehensive comparison of all available plans in the market without commercial interests or commissions. For a complete market overview, Energy Made Easy is generally considered superior.