article background

Energy Switching Deals & Promotions

Fact Checked Fact Checked

Canstar Blue explores what electricity sign-up incentives and promotions are currently being offered around Australia. These can be anything from online sign-up credits to frequent flyer points.

Power prices only ever seem to go in one direction, but the energy retailers will do almost anything to get you on board, which means there are opportunities to secure a better deal. While it’s always crucial to compare electricity plans on price, you may also find various other value-add incentives to sweeten a deal. It’s probably best not to be overly swayed by gimmicks, but if you find two comparable plans, these incentives can be a good point of difference.

So, what sign-up incentives and special deals are available in your state? Check by clicking the appropriate link below. Please note, this page may not cover all deals available in your area. Always check retailer websites before making a purchase decision.

Latest Switching Deals & Promotions:

NSW Electricity Prices

Here are some sponsored 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 energy 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.

NSW Energy Deals

NSW Energy Deals

Energy customers in NSW have a wide variety of different sign-up incentives currently on offer. Here is a selection of some of the promotions. These deals are current as of November 2023.

  • Origin is offering all new customers who sign up to the Go Variable or Everyday Rewards Variable plans $150 in bill credit, if they stay with the retailer until January 15, 2024. Additionally, customers who sign up to the Everyday Rewards Variable plan could earn up to 10,000 Everyday Rewards points to use at participating Woolworths group stores when signing up to both electricity and gas (5,000 per energy type). Customers will also receive one point for every $1 charged on their bill, with a further 2,000 points on the line for those that opt into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme.
  • Red Energy is awarding new customers with Qantas points through its ‘Qantas Red Saver’ plan. New sign-ups will receive 10,000 Qantas points as well as two points per $1 spent on energy bills going forward. If taking to the skies isn’t your thing, the retailer has a partnership with Taronga Zoo. The ‘Red Taronga Flex’ plan gives customers a Taronga Zoo Family Flex membership, which allows park access for one adult and any children under the age of 16 from the same household. 
  • Energy Locals is crediting customers with $50 on their bill if they successfully refer a friend to the provider. New customers who sign up to the Online Member plan in the state may also be eligible to have their membership fees waived for the first six months – a total saving of $98.94.
  • AGL is giving customers a one-off $75 bill credit when they sign up to the Value Saver or Netflix electricity plans. An additional $75 bill credit can be earned when customers sign up for a gas plan.
  • Kogan Energy is giving all new customers who sign up to its ‘Kogan Energy with Free First’ product a complimentary 12-month membership to Kogan First – a discount and reward system for shoppers. If you are already a Kogan First member and sign up to this deal, you can score yourself a one-off $99 bill credit. 
  • Diamond Energy is giving new customers in NSW a $35 credit if they sign up through a friend’s referral. This ultimately benefits both the referrer and referee as the existing customer scores an ongoing 2% discount on their bills as a result.
  • Simply Energy is giving a one-off $200 in bill credit to NSW customers who sign up to its market offers in the state. This credit will be bumped up tp $300 for eligible customers going onto its NRMA-specific offers.
  • OVO Energy is giving new customers $100 credit as part of its Welcome Credit. This is available across any of the retailer’s market offers and will be paid to customers over 12 months.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up using a valid refer a friend link. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer.
  • Powershop‘s new Switch Saver offer is giving customers in NSW a one-off bill credit worth $150. Households will need to be a new Powershop customer in order to be eligible for the credit.
  • CovaU is offering a $50 refer a friend credit to customers in NSW. The $50 offer is available both to the referring customer and their friend after switching electricity to a CovaU plan.

While these promotions sound tempting, it’s important to first compare plans based on standard prices and conditions. You can see how the retailers featured above compare to others on price with our NSW cost comparison report.

Victoria Electricity Prices

Here are some sponsored 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.

Victoria Energy Deals

Victoria Energy Deals

Households in Victoria have a similar list of promotional power deals as those in NSW, but with a few notable additions. These deals are current as of November 2023.

  • Victorians who sign up to Origin’s ‘Everyday Rewards Variable’ plan can receive up to 5,000 points for each power type. This plan also gives customers an extra point for every dollar spent on their bill and a bonus 2,000 points for customers who join Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme.
  • Red Energy has a new deal for Victorians who love Qantas points. Bill-payers who sign up to the ‘Qantas Red Saver’ plan will receive 10,000 Qantas points when they first sign up, as well as two points per $1 spent on energy bills. Those who refer a friend to the retailer could also nab themselves an extra 1,500 Qantas points, or a $25 eGift Card, if they aren’t on the ‘Qantas Red Saver’ product. 
  • AGL is offering new customers in VIC at $25 credit when they sign up online.
  • Lumo Energy’s refer a friend program will earn Victorian customers a $25 eGift card for both the new sign up and the person who referred them. The eGift Card can be used at David Jones, Coles, JB Hi-Fi or Hoyts. 
  • Diamond Energy’s new customers can receive $35 off their first bill if they’ve been referred by a friend. This ultimately benefits both the referrer and referee as the existing customer scores an ongoing 2% discount on their bills as a result.
  • Kogan Energy is giving all new customers who sign up to its ‘Kogan Energy with Free First’ product a complimentary 12-month membership to Kogan First – a discount and reward system for shoppers. If you are already a Kogan First member and sign up to this deal, you’ll earn yourself a one-off $99 bill credit.
  • New customers who sign up to Energy Locals’ Online Member – Spring Special plan in Victoria, can earn themselves a $100 sign-up credit. They will however, have to commit to joining Energy Locals Insights Program, which uses customer surveys and feedback, to be eligible.
  • OVO Energy is giving new customers $100 credit when they sign up to any of the retailer’s market offers. This is called their Welcome Credit and will be paid to customers over 12 months.
  • Simply Energy has an interesting deal available for Victorians with its ‘Simply Movie Perks’ plan. This plan rewards customers with Village Cinema rewards points, to the total of 12,000 a year for electricity (1,000 each month) and another 12,000 Vrewards points a year for gas. This offer also comes with a guaranteed discount off usage charges. For those interested in becoming an NRMA member though, the retailer offers a 12-month complimentary My NRMA membership to eligible customers through its ‘Simply Blue Perks’ plan.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up using a valid refer a friend link. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer.
  • Powershop’s new Switch Saver offer is giving customers in Victoria a one-off bill credit worth $150. Households will need to be a new Powershop customer in order to be eligible for the credit.
  • Sumo is giving new customers $100 in bill credit when they sign up to the Sumo Lite or Sumo Assure plans. This credit will be paid in $25 increments over customers’ first four bills.
  • Arcline by RACV is offering new customers who sign up via refer a friend with a $50 credit. To receive this credit, customers will need to mention an exisiting Arcline by RACV customer’s name when signing up.

Victorians are well-accustomed to headline-grabbing energy promotions, but it’s still worth saying that consumers should compare plans based on price before thinking too much about extra incentives. However, some promotions will have a direct impact on costs, so it’s definitely worth paying attention to what’s on offer. Compare the providers mentioned above to others in the state with our Victoria price comparison report.

Queensland Electricity Prices

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.

QLD Energy Deals

Queenslanders have become spoilt for choice when it comes to electricity retailers, with some offering a little extra to sweeten the deal. Here is a selection of promotions. These deals are current as of November 2023.

  • New customers who sign up to Origin’s Go Variable or Everyday Rewards Variable and stay connected beyond January 15, 2024 will earn themselves $150 in bill credit. Origin’s ‘Everyday Rewards’ plan also gives new customers up to 10,000 rewards points when they sign up to both electricity and gas. In addition, customers will receive one extra point per dollar spent on their bill, with a further 2,000 up for grabs when customers opt into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme.
  • Red Energy is offering new sign-ups in Queensland the opportunity to earn Qantas frequent flyer points on its ‘Qantas Red Saver’ plan. All customers who sign up will not only receive 10,000 Qantas points, but a further two points per $1 spent on energy bills. A further 1,500 bonus Qantas Points can also be earned by those who refer a friend to the retailer. 
  • Kogan Energy’s latest product ‘Kogan Energy with Free First’ is awarding new sign-ups with a 12-month complimentary membership to Kogan First – a discounts and rewards system for shoppers. For those already a member of Kogan First, a $99 one-off bill credit will be awarded instead of the membership.
  • AGL is offering up to $150 in credit for customers who sign-up online for both electricity and gas plans.
  • Diamond Energy’s new customers can receive $35 off their first bill if they’ve been referred by a friend, benefiting the person on the referring end, as they receive a 2% ongoing discount on their bills.
  • New customers who sign up to any OVO Energy’s market offers will receive $100 credit as part of the retailer’s Welcome Credit. This will be paid over 12 months.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up through a valid refer a friend credit. This credit will be applied to customers’ second bill with the retailer.
  • For those interested in becoming an NRMA member, Simply Energy offers a 12-month complimentary My NRMA membership with one of its electricity plans. This is available to eligible customers through the ‘Simply Blue Perks’ plan.
  • Newly-launched Ampol Energy is helping households save at the bowser with a 10c off per litre discount for customers who sign up to its Powering On plan in the state. This discount is eligible on up to 1,500 litres of fuel each year.
  • Powershop’s new Switch Saver offer is giving customers in QLD a one-off bill credit worth $150. Households will need to be a new Powershop customer in order to be eligible for the credit.

There is often not much difference in price between retailers in Queensland, meaning any extra incentives can prove a helpful point of difference when comparing plans and providers. Nevertheless it is still important to review standard prices to get an idea of what you can expect to pay long after the promotion has gone. See what the providers mentioned above are offering in the state with our QLD price comparison report.  

South Australia Electricity Prices

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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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 the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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 the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.

SA Energy Deals

South Australians get a bad energy deal when it comes to standard prices. They also currently have few extra incentives to consider when comparing plans. Here is a selection of what’s available. These deals are current as of November 2023.

  • Origin is giving South Australians who sign up to the Everyday Rewards Variable or Go Variable plan and stay connected beyond January 15, 2024 $150 in bill credit. Customers on the Everyday Rewards Variable plan will also receive up to 10,000 rewards points upon sign up to a gas and electricity plan (5,000 points per plan). They can also expect to receive one extra point for every dollar spent on their bill and a further 2,000 points for opting into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme.
  • AGL is giving new customers who sign up to its Value Saver and Netflix plans online a $75 credit.
  • Lumo Energy customers can earn a $25 eGift card for signing up with a referral code. This applies to both the new sign up and the person who referred them. SA Lumo customers also have access to the retailer’s Lumo Rewards program, which awards discounts on everything from dining to travel.
  • Simply Energy is giving a one-off $100 bill credit to SA customers who sign up to select its market offers in the state. This is applicable on the Simply Energy Solar, Simply Energy Saver, Simply Smarter and Simply For Good plans.
  • Red Energy is a provider offering great sign-up incentives to those who can’t resist rewards points. All customers who sign up to the ‘Qantas Red Saver’ plan will receive 10,000 Qantas points, as well as two points per $1 spent on energy bills. Those who refer a friend to the retailer could also earn themselves a further 1,500 Qantas points. 
  • Kogan Energy is giving all bill-payers who sign up to the retailer’s latest product ‘Kogan Energy with Free First’ a 12-month complimentary membership to Kogan First – a discounts and rewards program for shoppers.
  • SA residents looking to switch to Diamond Energy can cop a $35 credit off their first bill by signing up with a referral code. Once successful, the friend who supplied the referral will receive an ongoing 2% discount off their bills.
  • Energy Locals is crediting $50 to customers who successfully refer a friend to the retailer.
  • OVO Energy is giving new customers $100 credit when they sign up to any of the retailer’s market offers. This is the retailer’s Welcome Credit and will be paid over 12 months.

We all love a bonus, but don’t let that allure you into a bad energy deal. See how South Australia electricity retailers compare with our price comparison table.

What’s the deal with energy promotions?

Energy promotions

Perhaps the most obvious trend to emerge from this review is that most promotions are only available online. While this is great for web-savvy consumers looking to compare the best deals, it’s not such good news for those who aren’t able to go online, or find the idea of comparing plans too daunting.

For those engaged in the energy market, there are certainly some interesting offers to consider. Red Energy arguably stands out for offering plans tailored to frequent flyers, which appear to bring a tangible value add, while Energy Locals’ refer a friend deals could prove profitable if you can persuade enough people to follow your lead. That said, you should be open with them about your intentions…

It’s hugely important not to get too carried away with promotions and to compare plans based on their standard pricing and conditions first. If you find two similar products and can’t decide between them, then incentives are worth considering to sweeten the deal.

Compare Electricity Providers

Kelseigh Wrigley
Energy Specialist
Kelseigh Wrigley covers Australia's retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last 2 years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter & Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.

Share this article