Is positive energy a broker?

 Some energy brokers come off as glorified middlemen. Others? They’re power players behind the scenes, quietly helping businesses and households slash their energy bills. So, where does Positive Energy fit in? Are they simply a broker, or something more?

Let’s unpack the role, the reality, and the rhetoric – with a sharp, behaviour-led lens only an Aussie marketing mind would dare apply.

Quick Answer: Is Positive Energy a Broker?

Yes – Positive Energy operates as an electricity broker. But they go beyond the bare-bones comparison shopping most people expect. They offer procurement, data insight, and energy efficiency advisory—essentially positioning themselves as a strategic energy partner, not just a middleman.

What Actually Is an Energy Broker?

An energy broker is a go-between. They negotiate energy contracts on behalf of businesses or individuals—kind of like a mortgage broker, but for electricity or gas.

But here’s the kicker: not all brokers are created equal.

Brokers typically:

  • Compare rates from multiple retailers

  • Recommend a plan that suits the client

  • Handle contract transfers and negotiations

  • Sometimes get paid by the retailer, not the client

Some also offer energy audits, solar guidance, or carbon offset strategies. That’s where things get more consultative, and less transactional.

Behavioural Bias to Watch: Anchoring

Many businesses anchor their energy decisions to the "default" retailer or plan they’ve had for years. A broker, especially one that reframes the decision-making environment, breaks that inertia.

Is Positive Energy Just a Comparison Service?

No, and here’s where it gets interesting.

Unlike the typical, commission-chasing model (which can bias results), Positive Energy positions itself more like a strategic energy advisor. Think: your CFO’s favourite cost-cutter meets your sustainability manager's best mate.

They provide:

  • Energy procurement tailored to usage patterns

  • Demand analysis and load management insights

  • Efficiency recommendations beyond switching retailers

  • Renewable energy options and net-zero roadmaps

So while “broker” may be accurate, it undersells the broader value proposition.

How Do You Know If You're Working With a Good Energy Broker?

Here’s a short behavioural checklist:

  • Do they disclose how they get paid?
    Transparency builds trust. Authority matters here – and disclosure is a major credibility signal.

  • Do they push one provider or give options?
    Choice architecture matters. If you’re only shown one “best” deal, you’re not really in control.

  • Do they talk in your language?
    A broker worth their salt should make energy easy to understand, not drown you in kilowatt confusion.

  • Do they offer ongoing support?
    One-off switches are fine. But energy use changes—good brokers stick around for the long-term game.

Is Positive Energy Paid by You or the Retailer?

This is where many get confused. Some brokers earn via retailer commissions, which can create bias. Others charge the customer directly, or offer a hybrid.

Positive Energy is reported to operate transparently on this front. Clients are usually told how they’re charged, and services are often tailored for commercial energy users who value data insights over discounts alone.

⚠️ Loss Aversion Bias in play:
Customers may resist paying a broker directly, fearing cost without visible benefit. But if that small fee leads to smarter procurement and thousands saved over the year, it’s a classic case of penny wise, pound foolish thinking.

What Kind of Clients Use Brokers Like Positive Energy?

Here’s the behavioural science lens: default settings are sticky. So unless you’re nudged or incentivised, most businesses won’t bother switching.

That’s why brokers are often hired by:

  • Strata managers juggling multiple meter types

  • Retail chains needing consistent pricing across sites

  • Manufacturers with high-load demands and seasonal spikes

  • Property developers seeking embedded network solutions

  • Schools and councils chasing sustainability targets

They don’t just want cheap power. They want predictability, simplicity, and compliance—three huge friction points in energy buying.

How Do Brokers Like Positive Energy Save Money?

Savings come not just from price, but from optimisation.

Here’s how brokers unlock value:

  • Load profiling: Matching your usage to peak/off-peak tariffs

  • Retailer timing: Contracts are locked in during market lows

  • Data visibility: Smart meters and dashboards identify waste

  • Contract layering: Combining fixed and floating rates

And the real kicker? Emotional relief. Not having to think about your energy contract each year is a win most small business owners will happily pay for.

Are There Risks to Using an Energy Broker?

Let’s not sugar-coat it: yes.

Some brokers:

  • Only push retailers who pay commissions

  • Lock you into contracts that are hard to exit

  • Don’t follow up after the initial deal

  • Have outdated pricing data or poor market knowledge

That’s why credibility cues matter. Look for:

  • Testimonials or case studies

  • Licensing and compliance info

  • Transparent fee structures

  • Referrals from others in your industry

📚 For further reading on choosing brokers wisely, check out this ACCC report on energy comparison services . 

Is Positive Energy Right for Small Businesses?

If you’re running a local café or hair salon, Positive Energy might seem like overkill. But once you hit a certain usage threshold or complexity level—say, multiple sites or solar integration—it starts to make real sense.

Their value lies in removing friction, identifying inefficiencies, and negotiating at scale.

And frankly? For a lot of Aussie SMEs, having someone "on your side" in the energy game beats spending hours on hold with retailers.

Real Talk: What Do Clients Say?

Some positive cues:

  • “They actually listened to what we needed.” (Liking + Consistency)

  • “We cut 15% off our annual energy spend without switching providers.” (Authority + Social Proof)

  • “The advice on solar sizing saved us from overcapitalising.” (Reciprocity)

These aren’t just fluffy testimonials—they show deep understanding, bias disruption, and clear ROI.

So… Is Positive Energy Just a Broker?

In a literal sense, yes—they broker energy deals.

But if we think strategically? They’re really more like a cost engineer meets energy coach. Their role sits at the intersection of trust, strategy, and technology.

They’re not just helping you compare—they’re helping you decide.

And in a landscape full of noise, that kind of clarity is surprisingly rare.

FAQ: Energy Brokers in Australia

Q: Do brokers work with residential customers too?
Some do, but most (including Positive Energy) focus on business clients due to higher usage and complexity.

Q: Can a broker help with solar decisions?
Yes, especially those offering end-to-end solutions. They often help assess sizing, return on investment, and integration into grid supply.

Q: How much can I really save?
Varies. Some save 5%, others 25%+. But the real value is often in time saved, risk reduced, and smarter decisions.

Ultimately, energy is more than a utility cost—it’s a strategic lever.

And this breakdown of what an energy broker actually does gives a solid foundation if you're weighing up who to trust in the process.

The real question isn’t if Positive Energy is a broker.

It’s whether they’re the kind of broker who moves the needle for your business.

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