Is an electricity, gas and internet bundle right for you? Pros & Cons Explained
Managing household bills can often feel like a full-time job. Between keeping the lights on, the water hot, and the Wi-Fi connected, Australian households juggle multiple accounts, due dates, and providers. It’s no wonder that the idea of a electricity, gas and internet bundle sounds appealing.
Bundling—the practice of sourcing multiple utilities from a single provider—promotes convenience and the potential for discounts. But is it actually the most cost-effective strategy for your home? Or are you paying for convenience with higher base rates?
Before you sign on the dotted line for a power and internet bundle, it is essential to look at the numbers. We’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if an energy and internet bundle aligns with your budget and lifestyle.
What is a utility bundle?
A utility bundle is simply a package deal where you purchase two or more services from the same company. In Australia, the most common combination is an electricity and gas plan, but increasingly, major retailers are offering an internet, gas and electricity bundle.
The premise is simple: by giving one company more of your business, they reward you with centralized billing and, often, a financial incentive.
The advantages of bundling your utilities
For many Australians, the suitable electricity, gas and internet bundle is one that simplifies their life. Here are the primary benefits of consolidating your services.
1. Simplified admin and billing
The biggest drawcard for a gas, electricity and internet bundle is convenience. Instead of logging into three different portals to pay three different bills, you generally deal with a single app or account. This reduces life admin and lowers the chance of missing a payment due date. When you move house, having a single point of contact to disconnect and reconnect your services can also save significant time and stress.
2. Potential bundle discounts
Providers want your loyalty. To secure it, they often offer discounts when you add a service. This might look like a monthly credit on your internet bill or a fixed dollar amount off your energy usage charges. For example, some of the top biggest energy companies in Australia offer specific incentives if you add an NBN plan to your existing energy account.
3. Streamlined support
If you have an issue with your billing or need to update your details, you only have one customer service team to call. This centralized support can make managing your household utilities much more efficient.
The disadvantages of bundling
While the convenience is undeniable, an internet electricity gas bundle isn't always the cheapest option on the market. It is important to approach these deals with a critical eye.
4. The "Jack of all trades" problem
Just because a company is great at supplying electricity doesn't mean they are the suitable internet service provider (ISP). Energy retailers resell NBN services, but they may not offer the same variety of speed tiers, modems, or technical support as dedicated telcos.
Before switching, it is worth checking the top 10 internet providers in Australia to see if a standalone ISP can offer better speeds or lower latency for the same price. If you are a heavy gamer or work from home, ensuring you have a good internet speed in Australia is often more important than a small bundle discount.
5. Masked costs
Sometimes, the convenience of a gas electricity internet bundle can mask higher base rates. A company might offer a $10 monthly discount for bundling, but if their electricity usage rates are 15% higher than the most competitive offer in the market, you could end up paying more overall.
To ensure you are getting a genuine deal, you should compare the bundled rate against the average electricity bill and average gas bill for households of your size.
6. Reduced flexibility
When you bundle, you are somewhat locked into that ecosystem. If you find a better electricity deal elsewhere, leaving your current provider might mean you lose the discount on your internet plan, suddenly making your internet more expensive. Keeping services separate allows you to switch one utility without disrupting the others.
How to compare: Finding the suitable electricity and internet bundle
If you have decided that the convenience of a power and internet bundle is right for you, the next step is finding a deal that doesn't compromise on value. Here is a step-by-step approach to comparing your options.
Step 1: Know your current usage
Grab your most recent bills. You need to know exactly what you are currently paying to see if a bundle offers real value.
Step 2: Check the "Unbundled" price
When looking at an electricity, gas internet bundle, look at the price of each component individually. Is the electricity plan competitive on its own? Is the internet plan priced in line with the market average?
Step 3: Read the Critical Information Summary
Australian consumer law requires providers to give you a Critical Information Summary (CIS). This document lays out the fees, contract terms, and what happens if you cancel one part of the bundle. Look for exit fees or "clawback" clauses where you might have to pay back discounts if you leave early.
Step 4: Compare apples with apples
Ensure the internet speed in the bundle matches what you need. A cheap internet, gas and electricity bundle is not a good deal if it drops you from a Premium NBN 100 speed down to a Basic NBN 12 speed.
Who offers energy and internet bundles?
In Australia, the landscape is shifting. Traditionally, energy companies sold energy, and telcos sold internet. Now, the lines are blurring.
- Major Energy Retailers: Companies like AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia have moved aggressively into the telco space, offering internet plans to their energy customers.
- Telcos: Some telecommunications providers have started retailing energy, allowing you to add electricity to your mobile or internet plan.
Because these offers change frequently, using a comparison service is the most efficient way to see who is offering the suitable electricity, gas and internet bundle at any given moment.
Verdict: Should you bundle?
There is no single "yes" or "no" answer—it depends on what you value most.
You should consider bundling if:
- You value convenience and want to reduce the number of bills you pay.
- You have found a provider whose base rates are competitive for both energy and internet.
- You are renting and want a simple setup and disconnect process.
You should keep services separate if:
- You want the absolute lowest price for every individual service.
- You require specific high-performance internet features (like static IPs or gaming optimizations) that energy retailers may not support.
- You prefer the flexibility to switch energy providers whenever a cheaper deal pops up without affecting your internet connection.
Review your options today
Whether you are looking for a comprehensive electricity, gas and internet bundle or just want to see if you can beat your current rates, the power is in your hands. Don't pay for loyalty tax—regularly reviewing your bills is the suitable way to ensure you aren't overpaying.
At Econnex, we make it easy to see what is available in your area from our panel of participating providers. You can compare energy and internet plans to determine whether bundling may be cost-effective for your household.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, usage patterns, or financial situation. It is not financial advice. Plan features, pricing, availability, and discounts may change over time. Always review the provider’s plan documentation before making any decision. Econnex compares plans from participating providers only and does not compare all products or providers in the market.
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