Expert Picks: Best Value Energy Plans VIC (November 2023)

Fact Checked

When it comes to the ‘best’ energy plans in Victoria, we try to be as objective as possible. Each of the best value plans are based on our expert methodology which assess many factors of a product and energy provider, such as price, features, customer service and billing. All of these aspects calculate what’s known as a ‘Value Score’, which varies from one to 10.

Our expert researchers have spent years crafting this methodology, giving you greater peace of mind when you’re on the hunt for a new energy deal. Here are the best value plans on our database for Victoria, including the best offers from the ‘big three’ power providers. Hit each link below to jump ahead to a suitable plan type.

The pricing shown below is based on the Citipower network in Melbourne, Victoria. This serves as a helpful guide but we’d encourage jumping into our energy comparison tool for an accurate quote in your area.

Overall Best Value Plan, PacificBlue [BlueFirst]

Value score: 9.7

Here is PacificBlue’s plan on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower electricity 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• 100% of energy use is offset through the purchase of carbon offset certifications
• Monthly billing option
• No exit fees

What to look out for:

• Energy rates may change in the future
• Direct debit payment required
• Connection, disconnection and reconnection fees may apply

Best Value Fixed Rate Plan, Nectr [100% Clean]

Value score: 9.4

Here is Nectr’s plan on our database for Victoria. 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• $50 refer a friend credit offered
• Base rates are fixed for 12 months
• Carbon offset options available

What to look out for:

• After the fixed period, this plan’s rates may change
• No paper bills
• Must pay by direct debit

Best Value Variable Rate Plan, PacificBlue [Blue First]

Value score: 9.7

Here is PacificBlue’s plan on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower electricity 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• 100% of energy use is offset through the purchase of carbon offset certifications
• Monthly billing option
• No exit fees

What to look out for:

• Energy rates may change in the future
• Direct debit payment required
• Connection, disconnection and reconnection fees may apply

Best Value Plan with Entertainment, Simply Energy [Simply Blue Perks]

Value score: 9.5

Here is Simply Energy’s plan on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower energy 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• Receive complimentary 12-month membership to NRMA Blue
• Guaranteed discount usage and supply charges
• Monthly billing options available

What to look out for:

• Rates are variable and may change at any time
• Credit card and paper billing fees may apply
• No green energy options available

Best Value Plan with No Discount Conditions, PacificBlue [BlueFirst]

Value score: 9.7

Here is PacificBlue’s plan on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower electricity 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• 100% of energy use is offset through the purchase of carbon offset certifications
• Monthly billing option
• No exit fees

What to look out for:

• Energy rates may change in the future
• Direct debit payment required
• Connection, disconnection and reconnection fees may apply

Best Value AGL Plan [Value Saver]

Value score: 8.6

Here is AGL’s plan on our database for Victoria. This is a product from a referral partner†. 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• No lock-in contracts or exit fees
• Monthly and quarterly billing options
• Green energy options available

What to look out for:

• Energy rates may change in the future
• Credit card fees may apply
• Reconnection and disconnection fees may apply

Best Value Origin Plan [Go Variable]

Value score: 8.6

Here is Origin’s plan on our database for Victoria. This is a product from a referral partner†. 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• No lock-in contracts
• Green energy options
• Paper bills available

What to look out for:

• Energy rates may change in the future
• Some credit card fees may apply
• Minimum solar feed-in tariff

Best Value EnergyAustralia Plan [Flexi Plan]

Value score: 8.8

Here is EnergyAustralia’s plan on our database for Victoria. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower energy 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.

What’s good about the plan:

• Guaranteed discount off whole bill (usage and supply charges)
• Green energy and carbon offset options available
• Paper billing available

What to look out for:

• Rates are variable and may change at any time
• Some credit card payments charges apply
• Disconnection and reconnection fees may apply

What to look for in an electricity plan

1. Usage rates: Lower usage rates that cover the cost of using electricity (per kWh) and gas (per MJ)
2. Supply charges: Competitive fixed daily fees for supplying your home with electricity or gas
3. Discounts: Conditional or guaranteed discounts off your bills can help save on annual energy costs
4. Bill credits: Like a discount but offers a credit off your bill, either as a standalone amount or ongoing
5. Sign-up incentives: Access to rewards programs, frequent flyer points or entertainment services
6. Fixed rates: Some plans comes with energy rates locked in for a set period meaning no rate rises
7. Variable rates: Look out for low variable rates on plans but keep in mind they can change over time
8. Customer service: Compare call centre hours and satisfaction ratings of energy providers
9. Online tools and support: Does the company have an app and can you access your account online?

Our Value Score & Methodology Explained

This page breaks down the best value energy plans on our database for Victoria, but defining what we mean by ‘best’ can be a little confusing. With this in mind, we dig a little deeper than price alone as a deciding factor. Our expert methodology enables you to compare electricity plans based on our unique ‘Value Score’.

The Value Score is a rating (out of 10), containing a Price Score, as well as a Features Score. In assessing the Value Score, factors that are considered include:

Feature Score:

• Billing & Payments
• Customer Service & Support
• Plan Flexibility

Price Score:

• The estimated lowest price a representative customer would be charged in a year for this plan, using the Victorian Government’s annual reference consumption for domestic customers in your distribution region as shown at the top of the table and assuming all conditions of discounts offered (if any) have been met. If you have provided usage data from your electricity bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan will be based on your individual circumstances
• The Price score includes applicable discounts assuming all conditions have been met
• The Price score may factor in the VDO for your distribution region where you have not provided usage data from your electricity bill

Canstar Blue considers plan features most relevant to customers in the calculation of Value Score. However, not every feature is included in the Value Score, nor every feature that is relevant to you. For further details on how the Value Score works, you can read .

Frequently Asked Questions