Many Australians have no idea whether they are on the best available energy deal, according to new research by Finder.
A recent Finder survey revealed 2 in 3 Australians either don't understand their current energy plan, have never looked at their bill, or aren't confident they're getting the best rate. That's 14.1 million Australians who could be overpaying for one of their biggest household expenses.
Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, suggests ignorance isn't bliss when it comes to energy bills.
"Too many households pay their energy bill on autopilot, never stopping to ask if there's a cheaper plan available”, Gabaji says.
"In a market where prices can vary significantly between providers, that could mean hundreds of dollars left on the table each year.
"Energy plans are complex and some retailers are relying on that confusion to keep customers locked in."
Finder's research shows 14 per cent of Australians have never looked at an energy bill, while a further 14 per cent find energy plans 'too confusing' to compare effectively.
The same number say they don't fully understand their current energy plan and haven't got around to reviewing it.
The research found 28 per cent of Australians say they understand their plan, but aren't sure it's the best deal available – making them the most likely to benefit from a quick comparison.
Previous Finder analysis shows Australians paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for their energy last year.
Gabaji believes the timing has never been better to take a fresh look at energy costs.
"There was a lot of news about electricity prices dropping in July, but that was for the Default Market Offer – which is related to the maximum a provider can charge on a standing offer”, she says, adding that the best thing to do is compare energy plans to see how far below the Default Market Offer providers are pricing their market offers.
"In some cases, you may even be rewarded for switching – for example, Finder is currently offering up to a $200 digital gift card to Australians who switch to an eligible AGL electricity and/or gas plan. Plus up to $300 in online sign-up bill credits.
"The biggest mistake Australians make is assuming loyalty is rewarded. In energy, it almost never is."
Just 34 per cent of Australians say they understand their plan and are confident they're on the best deal.
*Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents. Figures quoted here are based on 1,010 respondents from May 2026.