Paying your electricity bill shouldn’t feel like a gamble. But for thousands of Australian businesses, energy procurement is still an afterthought—often left to chance, gut feel, or the loudest sales pitch.
Enter the energy broker. A good one can reduce your costs, simplify your energy decisions, and give you peace of mind. A poor one? They’ll cost you more than you realise—quietly, and over time.
So, how do you know if your broker is doing a good job? Here’s what to look for.
Energy Brokers Explained in Simple Terms
An energy broker connects commercial customers with energy retailers. They help businesses compare offers, choose contracts, and manage the switch.
That sounds straightforward. But the way brokers operate varies a lot. Some work for a fee. Others take commission. A few do both. And many businesses aren’t aware of how this influences the advice they’re given.
Understanding how your broker earns their income is the first step in evaluating their value.
A Good Broker Offers Market Depth—Not Just a Handful of Retailers
If your broker only shows you two or three options, you’re not getting a true market comparison.
The Australian energy retail market includes more than a dozen serious players in each state. Some offer competitive fixed rates. Others focus on flexible plans or green options.
A good energy broker will compare at least five to seven offers across a wide range of retailers. If they can’t name them, that’s a red flag.
For a deep dive into how broker market coverage can affect pricing and performance, visit this energy broker breakdown.
Transparency Should Come Standard
Clear reporting, accessible documentation, and open conversation about fees—this is the baseline.
Ask to see how savings were calculated. Request a summary of all available rates, not just the recommended one. And make sure your broker gives you full access to your data, not summaries filtered through a sales lens.
According to the Australian Energy Regulator, transparency in energy comparisons is essential for businesses to make informed choices. A broker who doesn’t offer this should be avoided.
Commission Doesn’t Equal Bad—But It Should Be Declared
Some of the best brokers in Australia work on a commission model. That’s fine—if it’s declared, and if the commission structure doesn’t distort their recommendations.
Ask upfront:
- Who pays them?
- How much do they earn per contract?
- Do different retailers offer different commission rates?
If your energy broker dodges these questions or offers vague replies, that’s your answer.
Learn how payment models influence decision-making in this energy broker comparison article.
Ongoing Support Matters More Than You Think
The job doesn’t end once the contract is signed. A top broker keeps an eye on your account. They’ll flag billing issues, remind you of expiry dates, and offer advice if the market shifts.
Even small oversights—like missing a contract renewal—can lead to default rates that are 20–30% higher than negotiated plans.
The question to ask: What will your broker do after the switch? If there’s no answer, keep looking.
Real Analysis Beats Sales Pitches
Brokers should be using interval data, not just ballpark figures. They should explain how load profiles affect rates. They should offer usage modelling based on your actual business needs—not industry averages.
If your broker hasn’t asked for your meter data or recent bills, they’re guessing. And that guesswork could cost you.
A reliable energy broker will use hard data to drive recommendations, not sales targets.
Industry Experience Matters
A broker who works with industrial plants may not be suited to a café chain or retail group. Look for someone who understands your sector.
If your business has seasonal demand, high after-hours usage, or operates in multiple states, your broker should build a plan around that—not just grab the nearest flat-rate offer.
This practical knowledge often separates average brokers from great ones.
The Green Energy Factor
With corporate sustainability targets becoming more common, many businesses are looking at renewable options. But green plans vary widely in price and quality.
Some brokers treat this as a tick-the-box exercise. Others understand the nuances—like how GreenPower percentages affect price, or which retailers have real renewable infrastructure backing their claims.
A good broker should explain all of this clearly, and show you how it affects cost and carbon reporting.
Summary: Look Beyond the Sales Pitch
Too many brokers win business based on smooth-talking reps and vague promises. But that doesn’t help when your next quarterly bill jumps without warning.
The real value of an energy broker comes from insight, accountability, and ongoing service. Ask questions. Demand transparency. And don’t settle for anything less than clear, consistent value.
Want to see what top-tier service looks like in practice? Compare your current arrangement with this detailed energy broker analysis. It’s an eye-opener—and potentially a money-saver.