Switching deals

Energy switching deals and promotions

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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.

New South Wales 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 3900kWh/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 3900kWh/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.

New South Wales energy deals

Energy customers in New South Wales have a wide variety of different sign-up incentives currently on offer. Here is a selection of some of the promotions, please note that most offers have terms and conditions attached.

These deals are current as of October 2024.

  • 1st Energy is offering a 10% guaranteed discount on its 1st Saver plan.
  • AGL is giving customers a one-off $100 bill credit when they sign up to the Netflix or Value Saver offers. Customers who do sign up to the Netflix Plan will also receive a Netflix Standard with ads subscription as part of the offer.
  • Ampol Energy is offering 10c off per litre of fuel when customers pay via the Ampol app.
  • CovaU is offering a $50 refer a friend credit. The $50 offer is available both to the referring customer and their friend after switching electricity to a CovaU plan. It is also offering a guaranteed discount of 15% off total usages.
  • Diamond Energy is offering a 2% discount off the entire bill when customers pay on time.
  • Energy Locals is crediting customers with $50 on their bill if they successfully refer a friend to the provider. After six months of membership, Online Member plan customers receive six months of membership fees back to their account. Customers on the Local Rewards plan enjoy a free membership to Entertainment (valued at $69.99) which provides you with access to a range of offers and discounts.
  • EnergyAustralia offers its customers an 18% guaranteed discount off its Flexi Plan and 6% guaranteed discount off its Rate Fix Plan.
  • Engie’s Perks plan includes a 12-month My NRMA membership, a $200 welcome credit off the first bill and an 11% guaranteed discount off electricity usage and supply charges. Its Saver Plus plan offers $100 off the first electricity bill and a guaranteed discount of 16% off electricity usage and supply charges. For NRMA customers, Engie offers $200 off the first bill and 11% guaranteed discount for its NRMA plan. NRMA customers also have access to the NRMA GreenPower plan, which matches 100% of used electricity with GreenPower, offers a $200 welcome credit and has a 6% guaranteed discount. Engie’s Saver Plan has a 10% guaranteed discount and a $200 welcome credit.
  • GloBird offers a range of conditional bill discounts for direct debit and paying on time on its Glosave, Green Light, Glogreen, Solar Plus and Ultrasave plans. Save up to 4% when paying on time with direct-debit or 1% without.
  • 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 $100 bill credit.
  • Momentum Energy’s Warm Welcome offer comes with a one-off $50 bill credit for new customers. This credit will be applied to your first electricity bill. Its Suit Yourself Electricity Plan offers 10% free GreenPower.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up to the 100% Clean offer. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer.
  • Origin is giving new customers who sign up to the Everyday Rewards Variable plan for electricity and/or gas up to 10,000 Everyday Rewards points to use at participating Woolworths group stores (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. Existing customers can earn 2,500 each for signing up to electricity and natural gas. Origin is also offering a $200 credit to Go Variable – New Customer Only plan and Everyday Rewards – New Customer Only plan customers still on their plan after the 28 February, 2025. Origin’s Home Support plan offers an Emergency Home Assistance Program membership provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
  • OVO Energy is paying 3% interest on credit balances (after all monthly charges are considered).
  • Powershop’s Switch Saver offer is giving new or moving customers a one-off bill credit worth $150.
  • Red Energy is awarding new customers with Qantas points through its Qantas Red Saver plan. New sign-ups will receive 10,000 Qantas points for electricity, 5,000 for gas as well as two points per $1 spent on energy bills that are paid on time. For each month that customers are on the Red BCNA Saver plan, Red Energy will contribute $5 to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Red Energy offer free electricity between 12PM and 2PM Saturday and Sunday for customers on the Red EV Saver plan. 
  • Sumo customers on its Sumo Assure Advantage plan will receive a 12% guaranteed discount.

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 New South Wales price comparison report.

Victorian 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.

Victorian energy deals

Households in Victoria have a similar list of promotional power deals as those in New South Wales, but with a few notable additions. Please note that most offers have terms and conditions attached.

These deals are current as of October 2024.

  • 1st Energy will add $275 credit to the first bill after 11 months on its 1st Super Saver Plan, as well as offer a 15% guaranteed discount off usage rates. 1st Energy’s 1st Saver Plan offers a 23% guaranteed discount.
  • AGL is offering new customers a $100 credit when they sign up to the Value Saver or Netflix Plan. Customers who sign up for AGL’s Netflix Plan will also receive a Netflix Standard with ads subscription as part of the offer.
  • Arcline by RACV is offering new customers who sign up via refer a friend with a $50 credit, the customer’s friend will also receive a $50 credit. To receive this credit, customers will need to mention an existing Arcline by RACV customer’s name when signing up.
  • CovaU claims to offer a 27% guaranteed discount on total usages for its Super Saver plan, excluding the GreenPower component. The retailer is also offering a $50 refer a friend credit.
  • Diamond Energy has an ongoing discount of 2% to daily supply and consumption charges for customers who pay on time and receive invoices via email. Diamond Energy also offer an additive 2% discount for any customer who refers a friend, discount remains throughout period referee stays connected.
  • Energy Locals’ Online Member plan currently offers $100 in credit for customers who stay with the retailer for six months (must join by November 30, 2024). Customers can also be eligible for an additional $50 credit at sign-up on all market offers if they mention an existing customer by name.
  • EnergyAustralia offers its customers an 12% guaranteed discount off its Flexi Plan and 8% guaranteed discount off its Rate Fix Plan.
  • Engie Perks plan includes a 12-month My NRMA membership and a 30% guaranteed discount off electricity usage and supply charges. Its Saver Plus plan offers a guaranteed discount of 11% off electricity usage and supply charges. Engie’s GreenPower plan offers a guaranteed discount of 29% off electricity usage and supply charges and 100% of your electricity to be matched with GreenPower. For NRMA customers, Engie offers $200 off the first bill and 11% guaranteed discount for its NRMA plan. NRMA customers also have access to the NRMA GreenPower plan, which matches 100% of used electricity with GreenPower, offers a $100 welcome credit and has a 6% guaranteed discount. Engie’s Saver plan has a 9% guaranteed discount and a $200 welcome credit. The Movie Perks plan rewards customers with 12,000 Village Cinema rewards points per year of electricity (1,000 each month), a $200 welcome credit and an 8% guaranteed discount off electricity usage and supply charges.
  • GloBird offers a range of conditional bill credits for direct debit and paying on time on its Glosave, Green Light, Glogreen and Suresave plans.
  • 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 $100 bill credit.
  • Momentum Energy’s Warm Welcome offer comes with a one-off $50 bill credit for new customers. This credit will be applied to your first electricity bill. Momentum’s EV Does It Plan comes with a $100 Evie public charging voucher.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up to the 100% Clean offer. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer. An additional $50 credit can also be scored by signing up to the retailer through a valid refer a friend link.
  • Origin’s Everyday Rewards plan offers up to 5,000 Everyday Rewards points for each power type, and an extra point for every dollar spent on a customer’s bill. With a further 2,000 points on the line for those that opt into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme. Origin is offering account credit of $150 for Go Variable and Everyday Rewards plans still active after 28 February, 2025. Origin’s Home Support Plan offers an Emergency Home Assistance Program membership provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
  • OVO Energy is paying 3% interest on credit balances (after all monthly charges are considered).
  • Powershop’s Switch Saver offer is giving customers a one-off bill credit worth $150. Households will need to be a new Powershop customer in order to be eligible for the credit.
  • Red Energy is awarding new customers with Qantas points through its Qantas Red Saver plan. Those who pay their first bill in full will receive 10,000 Qantas points for electricity and two points per $1 spent on energy bills that are paid on time. For each month that customers are on the Red BCNA Saver plan, Red Energy will contribute $5 to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Red Energy offer free electricity between 12PM and 2PM Saturday and Sunday for customers on the Red EV Saver plan. Red Energy will donate $5 to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia for each month a customer is connected to the Red Wildlife Saver plan.
  • Sumo customers on its Sumo assure plan are offered a 10% guaranteed discount off daily supply and usage charges.

It is worth comparing 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 Victorian 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 4600kWh/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 4600kWh/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.

Queensland 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. Please note that most offers have terms and conditions attached.

These deals are current as of October 2024.

  • 1st Energy is offering a guaranteed 5% discount off its 1st Saver plan’s usage rates and a $150 sign-up credit on its Smart Saver plan, applied to the second month of billing.
  • AGL is offering $100 in credit for customers who sign-up for Value Saver or Netflix plans. Customers who sign up to AGL’s Netflix Plan will also receive a subscription for Netflix Standard with ads as part of the offer.
  • 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. This discount is eligible on up to 1,500 litres of fuel each year.
  • CovaU is offering a $50 refer a friend credit. The $50 offer is available both to the referring customer and their friend after switching electricity to a CovaU plan. It is also offering a guaranteed discount of 15% of total usages on its Freedom plan.
  • Diamond Energy customers on the Everyday Renewable Saver plan receive a 2% ongoing discount on their bills when they pay on time.
  • Energy Locals’ customers can be eligible for a $50 credit at sign-up on all market offers if they mention an existing customer by name. Online Member plan currently offers $100 in credit for customers who stay with the retailer for six months.
  • EnergyAustralia offers its customers an 5% guaranteed discount off its Flexi plan and 3% guaranteed discount off its Rate Fix plan.
  • Engie offers a 12-month complimentary My NRMA membership with its Engie Perks plan, a $200 one-off welcome credit as well as a 11% guaranteed discount. Its GreenPower plan has a guaranteed discount of 10% and a $200 welcome credit.
  • GloBird offers a range of conditional bill credits for direct debit and paying on time on its Glosave, Green Light, Glogreen and Ultrasave plans.
  • 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 $100 one-off bill credit will be awarded instead of the membership.
  • Momentum Energy’s Warm Welcome offer comes with a one-off $50 bill credit for new customers. This credit will be applied to your first electricity bill.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up to the 100% Clean offer. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer.
  • Origin’s Everyday Rewards plan offers up to 5,000 Everyday Rewards points for each power type, and an extra point for every dollar spent on a customer’s bill. With a further 2,000 points on the line for those that opt into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme. Origin is offering account credit of $300 for Go Variable – New Customer Only and Everyday Rewards – New Customer Only plans still active after 31 December, 2024, customers must sign-up online. Origin’s Home Support plan offers an Emergency Home Assistance Program membership provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
  • OVO Energy is paying 3% interest on credit balances (after all monthly charges are considered).
  • Powershop’s Switch Saver offer is giving new customers a one-off bill credit worth $150.
  • Red Energy is offering new customers 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. For each month that customers are on the Red BCNA Saver Plan, Red Energy will contribute $5 to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Red Energy offer free electricity between 12PM and 2PM Saturday and Sunday for customers on the Red EV Saver plan. Red Energy will donate $5 to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia for each month a customer is connected to the Red Wildlife Saver plan.
  • Sumo customers on its Sumo Assure Advantage plan will receive an 11% guaranteed discount off daily supply and usage charges and a 10% guaranteed discount is offered to customers on the Assure Residential Plan.

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 Queensland price comparison report.

South Australia 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 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 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 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 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.

South Australia 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. Please note that most offers have terms and conditions attached.

These deals are current as of October 2024.

  • AGL is giving new customers who sign up to its Value Saver and Netflix plans a $100 credit. Customers who sign up for the Netflix Plan will also receive a subscription to Netflix Standard with ads.
  • CovaU is offering a $50 refer a friend credit. The $50 offer is available both to the referring customer and their friend after switching electricity to a CovaU plan. It is also offering a guaranteed discount of 5% off total usages on its Freedom Plan.
  • Diamond Energy customers on the Everyday Renewable Saver Plan receive a 2% ongoing discount on their bills when they pay on time.
  • EnergyLocals is offering customers a $50 credit when they sign up using a refer a friend link from an existing customer.
  • EnergyAustralia offers its customers an 7% guaranteed discount off its Flexi Plan and 1% guaranteed discount off its Rate Fix Plan.
  • Engie’s GreenPower Plan has a guaranteed discount of 5% as well as a $100 welcome credit to new customers.
  • GloBird offers a range of conditional bill credits for direct debit and paying on time on its Glosave, Green Light, Glogreen and Ultrasave plans.
  • Kogan Energy is giving all bill-payers who sign up to Kogan Energy with Free First a 12-month complimentary membership to Kogan First – a discounts and rewards program for shoppers. For those already a member of Kogan First.
  • Lumo Energy customers on the Lumo Plus plan can earn $25 bonus Lumo Rewards credits, plus $50 for three consecutive monthly bills that are paid by the due date. SA Lumo customers also have access to the retailer’s Lumo Rewards program, which awards discounts on everything from dining to travel.
  • Momentum Energy’s Warm Welcome offer comes with a one-off $50 bill credit for new customers. This credit will be applied to your first electricity bill.
  • Nectr is giving $50 credit to new customers who sign up to the 100% Clean offer. This credit will be applied to the customer’s second bill with the retailer. An additional $50 credit can also be scored by signing up to the retailer through a valid refer a friend link.
  • Origin’s Everyday Rewards plan offers up to 5,000 Everyday Rewards points for each power type, and an extra point for every dollar spent on a customer’s bill. With a further 2,000 points on the line for those that opt into Origin’s Go Zero Electricity carbon offset scheme. Origin is offering account credit of $50 for Go Variable and Everyday Rewards plans still active after 31 December 2024. Origin’s Home Support Plan offers an Emergency Home Assistance Program membership provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
  • OVO Energy is paying 3% interest on credit balances (after all monthly charges are considered).
  • Powershop’s Switch Saver offer is giving customers a one-off bill credit worth $150. Households will need to be a new Powershop customer in order to be eligible for the credit.
  • Red Energy is offering new customers 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. For each month that customers are on the Red BCNA Saver Plan, Red Energy will contribute $5 to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Red Energy offer free electricity between 12PM and 2PM Saturday and Sunday for customers on the Red EV Saver Plan. Red Energy will donate $5 to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia for each month a customer is connected to the Red Wildlife Saver Plan.

Don’t let bonuses lure you into a bad energy deal. See how South Australia electricity retailers compare with our South Australia price comparison table.

What’s the deal with 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.

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Image credits: greenbutterfly/Shutterstock.com

Katrina Hasdell
Energy Content Producer
Katrina Hasdell is an Energy Content Producer at Canstar Blue, where she covers Australia’s retail energy market. Katrina is dedicated to providing consumers with easy-to-read information on their energy options so they can get better deals on electricity, solar power and more.

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