Independent Australian energy journalism · Est. comparison-era voice, rebuilt for long-form
Megajoules, supply charges, dual fuel
Natural gas plans are a different market to electricity. We unpack usage rates, daily charges, dual-fuel bundles and when electrifying hot water or heating is the better long-term move.
Compare heating on useful heat, not on a raw c/kWh versus c/MJ argument. A reverse-cycle heat pump can deliver several kilowatt hours of heat for each kilowatt hour it buys. A gas heater wastes a slice of every megajoule in the flue. Running costs follow that gap, plus two supply charges if you keep both fuels.
Dual fuel means one retailer for electricity and gas, often one bill. It is a convenience product. It is not a law of cheaper energy. Price each fuel as a stand-alone plan, then see whether the bundle still wins.
Natural gas is priced in cents per megajoule plus a daily supply charge, on a named distribution network. Dual fuel is not automatically cheaper. Compare usage and supply on Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare the same way you would electricity — with a bill in your hand.
Match your distribution network and annual megajoule usage, then compare the usage rate, daily supply charge and any discount conditions. Dual-fuel bundles should be checked against buying electricity and gas separately.