Nowadays it isn’t unusual to check out a company’s app before signing up to a product or service. With new providers popping up all the time, a solid app can provide that X factor to help separate one retailer from the next. If managing your electricity account in the palm of your hand sounds appealing, then you’re in the right spot. Canstar Blue reviews several energy apps from some of Australia’s largest power companies, including Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Powershop and Simply Energy.
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What can you do with energy provider apps?
Some energy providers have apps that give customers access to a range of features and energy monitoring tools. Depending on the power company and if the property is connected to a smart meter, most apps will:
- Allow customers to pay their bills
- Show insights of energy usage habits (smart meter required)
- Include historical electricity consumption data
- Send notifications of bill due dates
- Enable customers to manage their account details
Best Electricity Provider Apps
- Origin Energy App
- AGL Energy App
- EnergyAustralia App
- Powershop App
- Simply Energy App
- Mojo Power App
- Amber Electric App
- Kogan Energy App
Origin Energy App
The Origin Energy app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. If you do not have a smart meter, you won’t be able to view your daily energy usage data, but you’ll still have access to historical data from previous billing periods.
Key features:
- Monitor electricity and gas usage
- Pay bills securely with debit or credit card
- Manage account information
- Set reminders for bill due dates
- Self-meter reads
AGL Energy App
The AGL Energy app is packed with a lot of tools for customers who have either an Apple or Android smartphone. Again, you’ll unlock more features of the app if your property has a smart meter installed.
Key features:
- Download and pay bills via credit card or PayPal
- Manage multiple property accounts
- Review periodic energy usage if you have a smart meter
- Update account details, including payment methods
- Submit your own meter reads to check accuracy
EnergyAustralia App
The EnergyAustralia app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. You will need to register your details via the My Account portal on the EnergyAustralia website before using the app. A smart meter will be needed to view real-time usage in the app.
Key features:
- Make secure bill payments by credit or debit card
- View previous bills and payment history
- Analyse up-to-date usage data
- Receive high energy usage alerts
Powershop App
The Powershop app includes a range of insights and tools to please even the most tech-savvy customer. Like the other energy apps, you’ll need to a smart meter to access live usage data, but still has plenty of useful features if you have a traditional meter.
Key features:
- Purchase suitable ‘Powerpacks’ in advance
- Enter a meter reading and refer friends to switch
- View account history and rates
- Monitor electricity usage per kilowatt hour
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Simply Energy App
The Simply Energy app has a variety of functions for customers to navigate. It’s free to download in the App Store or the Google Play Store. However, customers will need to have a smart meter to take advantage of all the real-time electricity insights.
Key features:
- Pay and view bills safely and securely
- Monitor energy consumption history
- Update contact details and account information
- Track live electricity usage and costs
Mojo Power App
With the Mojo Power mobile app, customers can access a range of energy insight features, such as advanced solar monitoring, energy usage of particular appliances’ and real-time energy usage costs. This app is completely free to download off the App Store or the Google Play Store. All customers can use this app for their energy monitoring, however, Mojo Power claims that those with a Mojo smart meter will have the greatest user experience.
Key features:
- Pay and view bills safely and securely
- Update contact details and account information
- Track live electricity usage and costs
- Solar exports management
- Usage information displayed in visual graphs
Amber Electric App
Using the Amber Electric app, customers can maximise their wholesale value with live wholesale prices and forecast, price notifications and daily use insights. However, it does not offer in-app payment and is more for monitoring wholesale prices and energy usage than managing your account. This app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store for free.
Key Features:
- View your daily usage history
- Track live electricity usage and costs
- Solar Feed-in Tariff tracking
- Custom price notifications
Kogan Energy App
Last but not least is the Kogan Energy app, that allows customers to manage their electricity account, from usage information to billing. As with the other energy apps, the Kogan Energy app will work best for those with a smart meter. Without a smart meter, bill-payers will not have access to the live usage information.
Key features:
- View outstanding payments and pay for bills
- Update contact details and check your account history
- Track live electricity usage and costs
- Usage information displayed in visual graphs
Cheap electricity plans in Australia
If you’re looking to reduce your electricity costs, it may also be of benefit to seek out a cheaper plan. Here are some of the cheapest electricity plans across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia right now, some of which that are offered by the retailers mentioned in this article!
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
What other tools can help monitor electricity usage?
Aside from apps provided by the energy retailers themselves, there are many other power saving apps and online tools that can help reduce household utility costs. Whether it’s a home energy monitoring device or an electricity efficiency app, reducing your power bills doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get started is by logging into your account online, whether it’s through your retailer’s app or on its website. This way you can keep on top of your usage habits and identify areas where you can save.
Image credits: panuwat phimpha/Shutterstock.com, Google Play, Apple, Origin Energy, Simply Energy, Mojo Power, Amber Electric, Kogan Energy
Original Author: Jared Mullane
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