These days, there’s an app for everything, including monitoring and managing your energy account. In a competitive market, an app can provide that special quality to help separate one retailer from the next, especially for customers who want more control over their energy plan.
In this article, Canstar Blue reviews some of the best energy apps from Australia’s largest power companies, including Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia. So, which energy provider has the best app?
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What can energy provider apps do?
Energy provider apps give customers access to a range of features and energy monitoring tools. Depending on the power company, most apps will:
- Allow customers to pay their bills
- Show insights of energy usage habits*
- Include historical electricity consumption data
- Send notifications of bill due dates
- Enable customers to manage their account details.
*Requires smart meter connectivity.
Best electricity provider apps
Cheap electricity plans in Australia
For those wanting to reduce electricity costs, below are some of the cheapest electricity plans across New South Wales, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia.
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 3900kWh/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 4600kWh/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 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.
Origin app
The Origin app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. If you don’t 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 app
The AGL app has tools for customers with either an Apple or Android smartphones. More features of the app will be unlocked for properties with 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. Customers will need to register their details via the My Account portal on the EnergyAustralia website before using the app. A smart meter will be required 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 for managing energy accounts. Customers will need a smart meter installed to access live usage data. Customers with traditional meters will also have access to some helpful features.
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
Engie app
The Engie 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 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
Amber app
By using the Amber app, customers can maximise their wholesale value with live wholesale prices, price forecasts, 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
The Kogan Energy app allows customers to manage their electricity accounts, from usage information to billing. The Kogan Energy app will work best for customers with a smart meter. Without a smart meter, bill-payers will not have access to live usage information.
Key features:
- View outstanding payments and pay for bills
- Update contact details and check account history
- Track live electricity usage and costs
- Usage information displayed in visual graphs
What other tools can help monitor electricity usage?
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 power bills doesn’t have to be difficult.
One of the easiest ways to begin 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: Julie Tim/Shutterstock.com, Google Play, Apple, Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Powershop, Engie, Amber, Kogan Energy
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