Cost of electricity rises by an average of 25 per cent as July 1 laws come into effect

Some ratepayers can expect bills up to 50 per cent more expensive than what they paid previously.

This comes after rates rose by up to 18 per cent in 2022.

Energy expert at comparison website Finder Mariam Gabaji said those coming off particularly good contracts were more likely to feel the pinch.

"I think we're seeing the long-term impact of the energy crisis that started last year, but it's now going to fully hit households that used to be on more competitive deals and weren't impacted as much by those price hikes in 2022," she said.

"So now when they're told by their retailer that bills are going up by another 40 or 50 per cent, that's probably because they're on these legacy deals."

Ms Gabaji said the rate rise would affect some residents worse than others, with households in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland to be hit the worst.

"There are changes happening, it just depends on what state you're in and who your provider is," she said.

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EnergyAustralia has hiked rates by 10-14.1 per cent on average, while Origin Energy will offer 21.1-25.5 per cent and fees from AGL will rise by 25.5-29.7 per cent for most.

Not everyone will be so lucky however, as Victorians on a low rate contract with EnergyAustralia will see an average increase of 25.9 per cent, or $482.

South Australians using AGL will see an even higher average price hike of 29.8 per cent, or $565.

Ms Gabaji said other utilities were likely to raise their rates in turn.

"It does follow that when electricity prices change, gas lines get renewed as well," she said.

To cope with these mounting fees, Ms Gabaji said the best thing ratepayers could do is check if they could be getting a better deal with a different energy provider.

"Your biggest indicator is looking at the Reference Price or the Victorian Default Offer and using that as a benchmark to compare plans," she said.

"Look at usage and supply charges as well, that's where your latest energy bills will be useful so you can see what you're getting charged at the moment and compare it to what you're being offered."

Residents should also speak with their current provider to see if they can offer a better deal.

"It's important to see if you're eligible for any rebates and concessions, especially ones that aren't automatically going to be applied to your quarterly bill because that will help you save a bit more down the line," Ms Gabaji said.

"Keep an eye out for government incentives. With the rising cost of living, various states are offering reductions on your power bill via government subsidies.

"A lot of the time haggling does pay off as well."