Estimated reading time: 0 minutes
Next Business Energy Review: A Quick Recap
- Service Areas: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia
- Average Annual Electricity Cost: Varies by State and usage pattern
- Key Finding: While Next Business Energy offers competitive features, Energy Umpire’s analysis reveals that customers could save significantly by comparing alternative providers
- Customer Satisfaction: Moderate ratings with mixed feedback regarding pricing transparency
The Reality About Their Pricing
Next Business Energy is a notable player in Australia’s business energy market, offering plans across multiple States and being only one of two providers focussing primarily on business. However, our comprehensive review reveals an important truth: Next Business Energy mostly isn’t the cheapest option available.
Many business owners assume that once they’ve found a reasonable energy provider, they’ve got a good deal. This assumption often costs them hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. Our analysis shows that businesses with Next Business Energy could potentially achieve substantial savings by exploring other providers.
The energy market for businesses is dynamic and highly competitive. What matters most isn’t the brand name or marketing claims—it’s the actual dollars and cents on your bill. That’s why we conduct independent, unbiased reviews and comparisons.
How We Reviewed Next Business Energy Plans
At Energy Umpire, our review methodology is rigorous and transparent:
- Standardised Usage Analysis: We analysed Next Business Energy’s rates across different business types and usage patterns in multiple towns throughout each State.
- Direct Price Comparison: We compared it’s best available plan with the cheapest plan offered by any provider in each location.
- Real Savings Calculation: We calculated how much a typical business could save annually by switching from Next Business Energy to the best alternative provider.
- Multi-State Coverage: Our analysis covers all major service areas where it operates, including VIC, NSW, QLD, and SA.
- Tariff type: We have limited our analysis to single rate tariffs. For businesses on time of use or demand tariffs go here.
- Time limited: Prices change regularly. Our analysis is correct at the time of publication.
- Loyalty: if you have been with an energy company for more than 12 months it is likely that your savings will exceed those listed below.
This approach gives business owners clear, actionable insights rather than marketing-influenced claims.
Next Business Energy Plans vs Best Available Plans
Key Findings Summary
Our analysis across multiple Australian states reveals consistent patterns:
- Victoria: Businesses could save an average of $245-$298 annually on electricity by choosing the cheapest available alternative to Next Business Energy plans
- New South Wales: Potential savings of $142 per year in several areas
- Queensland: Savings opportunities ranging from $159 annually depending on usage patterns
- South Australia: Potential annual savings of $625 by selecting alternative providers
Important Note: These figures represent realistic savings for typical small-to-medium businesses. Actual savings vary based on specific usage patterns, ltariff, location, and contract terms.
State-by-State Analysis
Victoria – Distributor Comparison
When we analysed Next Business Energy offerings in Victorian towns served by various distributors, we found significant pricing gaps:
Victoria Finding: While Next Business Energy is competitive in Camberwell, businesses in other areas—particularly Traralgon and Heidelberg—could save $245-$298 annually by switching. This demonstrates that Next Business Energy’s pricing isn’t consistently the most competitive across the state.
Next Business Energy – VIC – Elec
-
United Energy – Moorabbin
-
Powercor – Bendigo
-
Citipower – Camberwell
-
Jemena – Heidelberg
-
Ausnet – Traralgon
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2792 | 0.2568 |
| Daily charge | 1.1017 | 1.1336 |
| Yearly Cost | $3,194 | $2,982 |
| Overpayment | $212 | – |
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2833 | 0.2605 |
| Daily charge | 1.3357 | 1.5900 |
| Yearly Cost | $3,321 | $3,185 |
| Overpayment | $135 | – |
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2575 | 0.2564 |
| Daily charge | 1.2060 | 1.1360 |
| Yearly Cost | $3,015 | $2,979 |
| Overpayment | $36 | – |
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3164 | 0.2795 |
| Daily charge | 1.2436 | 1.5834 |
| Yearly Cost | $3,618 | $3,373 |
| Overpayment | $245 | – |
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3815 | 0.3531 |
| Peak2 | 0.3919 | 0.3531 |
| Daily charge | 1.1571 | 1.2870 |
| Yearly Cost | $4,299 | $4,001 |
| Overpayment | $298 | – |
New South Wales – Electricity Analysis
NSW has multiple electricity distributors, and pricing varies significantly based on location:
NSW Finding: In some NSW regions, Next Business Energy is competitive with minimal savings opportunities. However, the variation across distributors highlights the importance of location-specific comparisons.
Next Business Energy – NSW – Elec
-
Essential Energy – Smithtown
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4330 | 0.4373 |
| Daily charge | 2.4877 | 1.9828 |
| Yearly Cost | $5,238 | $5,097 |
| Overpayment | $142 | – |
Queensland – Electricity Analysis
For Queensland we show diffent tariff types including standard rates, time-of-use, and controlled load options:
Queensland Finding: Businesses using time-of-use meters could see more substantial savings by exploring alternative providers, particularly if their usage patterns align with off-peak periods.
Next Business Energy – QLD – Elec
-
Brisbane – Energex
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3229 | 0.2967 |
| Daily Charge | 1.3029 | 1.5855 |
| Yearly Cost | $3,705 | $3,546 |
| Overpayment | $159 | – |
South Australia – Premium Pricing Alert
South Australia reveals the most significant pricing gap in our analysis:
South Australia Finding: This is where Next Business Energy’s pricing is notably higher. SA businesses could realize substantial annual savings—up to $625—by comparing alternatives. This is a critical area where switching should be seriously considered.
Next Business Energy – SA – Elec
-
Adelaide – SAPN
| Usage | Next Business Energy | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4423 | 0.3809 |
| Daily charge | 0.9766 | 0.9474 |
| Yearly cost | $4,780 | $4,155 |
| OverPayment | $625 | – |
Why Next Business Energy Doesn’t Always Offer the Best Rates
Despite being well-positioned in the market, Next Business Energy’s pricing often exceeds competing providers. This can happen for several reasons:
Market Positioning: Next Business Energy focuses on service and convenience rather than aggressive price competition. This approach works for some customers but leaves savings on the table for price-conscious businesses.
Customer Base: Once established with a loyal customer base, some providers reduce aggressive pricing tactics.
Energy Umpire’s Recommendation
Don’t assume your current provider is offering the best deal. Our analysis of Next Business Energy demonstrates this perfectly. While it’s a legitimate provider with decent service, it’s simply not the cheapest option in most locations.
We recommend:
- Run a Comparison: Use our energy comparison tool to see real savings in your specific location
- Check Your Usage Pattern: Different plans suit different consumption patterns, time-of-use might work better for your business than flat rates
- Review Contract Terms: Look beyond just the rate, consider contract length, exit fees, and customer service options
- Calculate Real Savings: Multiply potential per-kWh savings by your annual usage to see the true impact on your bottom line
Compare and Save Today
Energy Umpire’s mission is simple: help Australian businesses find the cheapest energy rates. Our analysis of Next Business Energy shows that while they’re a viable option, they’re rarely the best option.
Don’t leave money on the table. Run a comparison today and discover how much you could save on your business energy bills.
Disclaimer: This review is based on Energy Umpire’s independent analysis of publicly available energy rates as of October 2025. Rates change regularly, and actual savings depend on your specific location, usage patterns, and contract terms. We recommend using We recommend using our comparison tool for the most current rates in your area.
FAQs About Next Business Energy
A: This depends on your contract terms. Most variable rate plans allow switching, but fixed-rate plans may include exit fees. Check your contract or contact Next Business Energy directly.
A: Use a comparison service like Energy Umpire to identify the best rate for your location and usage, then contact the new provider to initiate the switch. The process is straightforward and risk-free.
A: No. Your supply is legally protected and cannot be interrupted during provider transitions. The network remains the same, only your provider changes.
A: The application typically takes 10-15 minutes online. The actual switch usually occurs on your nominated date, often the first of the following month
A: Most providers don’t charge switching fees. However, if you’re under contract with Next Business Energy, check for early exit fees before switching.
