Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of NSW electricity providers compares Red Energy, Alinta Energy, Click Energy, ActewAGL, AGL, Origin Energy, Dodo Power & Gas and EnergyAustralia on their customer service, bill & cost clarity, tools & advice, focus on environmental sustainability, ease of sign-up, value for money and overall customer satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
For the fifth year in a row, Red Energy has topped Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings for electricity providers in NSW. Red Energy achieved five stars across most research categories in 2019, including customer service, bill & cost clarity, and value for money.
The energy market is undergoing a period of change with new regulations set to make comparing power plans even easier. That’s good news for electricity customers in New South Wales who now pay some of the highest prices in the country. However, that’s not down to a lack of competition, with NSW residents able to pick from over 20 residential electricity providers. The state has become one of the most hotly-contested for the retailers, but with all this competition comes confusion. The electricity providers will all promise you a great deal, but which can you really trust? You’ll obviously want competitive rates, but what about good customer service, too? And maybe even some great rewards?
Finding the best electricity company and plan for your needs and preferences comes down to a lot more than just the cheapest prices, with sign-up incentives, bill credit and ongoing rewards programs all giving households plenty to think about. To help make the decision-making process a little easier, Canstar Blue conducts an annual review of electricity providers in NSW. This year, more than 2,700 bill-payers across the state have given us their feedback on their electricity provider, based on factors including customer service, bill & cost clarity, online tools & advice, ease of sign-up, and value for money. The idea is to give you as much information about the compared providers as possible, to help you make a more-informed decision.
Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of electricity providers in NSW saw eight brands compared and rated in the following order for overall customer satisfaction.
Red Energy tops the table for the fifth year in a row – that’s a remarkable endorsement of the company and a great sign that it generally gets things right by its customers. Remember, this is not to suggest that Red Energy is the cheapest provider, but that its customers are the most satisfied with the overall level of service they receive. Alinta Energy, Click Energy, ActewAGL and AGL all received four stars for overall customer satisfaction in out 2019 review, with Origin Energy, Dodo Power & Gas and EnergyAustralia on three stars overall. Like Red Energy, Click Energy also achieved top marks on value for money, suggesting the smaller retailers may be worth a closer look.
Read on as we explain everything you need to know about electricity providers in NSW, and how to get a better deal from them. But first, here is a selection of the cheapest published deals on our database.
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 costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. See here for further information on the Reference Price, which in this comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year, meaning the Reference Price is $1,467/year. Use our comparison tool for a specific comparison. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated˜) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
19% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,192 |
Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
Conditional Discounts
|
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,250 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,287 | Go to Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,295 | Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
Conditional Discounts
|
Equal To Reference Price^^ | $1,301 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
10% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,315 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro, Red Energy operates across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, keeping things fairly simple with only three electricity market offers for prospective customers to consider. All plans come with variable rates, meaning usage and supply charges can be changed at the retailer’s discretion. However, there are no contract terms or exit fees to worry about if you decide to leave. Aside from great customer service, Red Energy’s biggest selling point is its partnership with Qantas which sees customers pocket Frequent Flyer points for every dollar they spend on energy. One plan brings two points for every $1 spent – in addition to a 10% whole bill discount for paying bills on time – while the second Qantas plan delivers seven points per $1, but for this benefit there is no 10% discount. Red Energy’s third product brings a 10% whole bill discount but no Qantas points. All three plans come with access to Red Energy Rewards – the company’s loyalty program that can deliver discounts on various social activities, such as movie tickets, hotels and attractions.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Conditional Discounts
|
1% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,336 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
Conditional Discounts
Other Features:
|
1% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,336 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
1% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,483 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
A major gas and electricity retailer in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, Alinta Energy is one of the greatest challengers to the big three – AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia. Alinta Energy is owned by Hong Kong’s Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, but is still headquartered in Sydney. Alinta Energy has just one market offer for NSW households to consider. Where previously Alinta was known for its big discounts, its current offer has scaled back to offering no conditional discounts at all. This deal comes with no lock-in contract and rates are variable. Alinta additionally offers customers access to a rewards program, bringing potential savings on entertainment activities like movie tickets, as well as money off electronics from some major brands.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
10% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,315 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Click Energy could probably be described as one of the biggest ‘second tier’ electricity providers in NSW and other states. A serious challenger to established retailers, Click Energy claims that its online business model allows it to offer great value to customers. It typically offers one market offer in each state, in addition to some solar-specific products with seemingly generous feed-in tariffs. However, Click Energy has a habit of regularly switching products, so today’s promoted offer may be different to what you’re offered tomorrow. But a consistent theme is that Click’s electricity deals come with monthly e-billing and no contract term or exit fees. Click is also known to offer various sign-up incentives, including bonus credit or gift cards. Rates are variable. Click Energy is now owned by phone plan provider Amaysim – itself now an energy provider.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Banksia No Conditional Discounts |
7% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,368 | More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Banksia Solar No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,471 | More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Default Market Offer No Conditional Discounts |
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,471 | More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Part owned by AGL, ActewAGL is the primary electricity company in the ACT, while also servicing much of regional NSW, including Queanbeyan, Shoalhaven, and the south east corner of the state, covered by the Essential Energy network. ActewAGL was set up as an electricity and gas retailer in 2000 as a joint venture between the ACT-owned ACTEW and energy giant AGL. ActewAGL tends to offer one or two market plans in NSW, but these may or may not be available for new customers at any given time. ActewAGL’s rates and discounts vary between geographical areas, so be sure to use our comparison tool for a specific quote in your area.
AGL generally offers three market contracts to households in NSW, with varying rates, discounts and conditions based on different preferences. While AGL previously offered more variable rate plans, its current line up gives NSW customers a pick from a few fixed rate plans with a range of value-add incentives. What’s consistent across its market plans is that customers can receive a $25 EFTPOS gift card for signing up online. If you also have natural gas, AGL tends to offer ‘double up’ discounts for buying both power sources with the retailer. As an added bonus, AGL customers can collect flybuys reward points when they pay their bills, with one point for each dollar spent, in addition to 10,000 points when you sign up online. The company also offers its own rewards program called AGL Rewards which brings various discounts and savings on gifts cards, plus money off movie tickets and restaurant meals. AGL is also one of few retailers to offer a specific plan for both solar customers and seniors.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Essentials Plus No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
11% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,306 | More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Essentials No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
7% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,365 | More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Smart Saver No Conditional Discounts |
6% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,379 | More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Origin Energy has always been a retailer offering a comprehensive range of electricity options for NSW residents and after energy industry regulations took effect in July 2019, not much changes. The first plan in its line up packs the lowest rates, with a modest discount available for those that sign up online. In order to be eligible, customers must agree to a range of conditions including setting up direct debit and agreeing to e-billing and communications. The other main plan Origin is advertising is suited to those that want more flexibility in their billing and payments, carrying slightly higher rates in exchange. An additional option is a plan that holds a modestly smaller amount off the reference price, but comes with no credit card or late payment fees. Origin Basic is the last plan, which has the same rates as the Reference Price and has no conditional discounts. All plans come with no exit fees or lock in contracts, with the first two plans holding a 12 month benefit period and the last, unlimited. Origin is also one of Australia’s leading solar retailers, with specific plans for customers who own solar panels.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Max Saver – Online Special No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
13% Less Than Reference Price^^ | $1,279 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Max Saver No Conditional Discounts |
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,294 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Flexi No Conditional Discounts |
10% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,324 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Freedom No Conditional Discounts |
9% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,338 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Solar Boost Plus No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
1% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,448 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Basic No Conditional Discounts |
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,471 |
More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Perhaps best-known as a phone and internet provider, Dodo completes the set of home services by also selling electricity and gas. Dodo operates in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, with a single variable rate market offer to its name that carries rates a decent amount less than the Reference Price. Dodo is now owned by Vocus Communications, the company behind lots of names in the telco industry, including iPrimus and Commander. Dodo’s big selling point is that customers have the convenience of dealing with just one company for all their home services. It also has double up discounts available for those who want to buy electricity and gas together.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Market Offer No Conditional Discounts |
4% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,415 | More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
After tough new energy industry regulations saw retailers switch up quite a few of their plans in July 2019, EnergyAustralia revamped its product range to provide customers in NSW with two fixed rate market plans to choose from. No longer offering conditional discounts on any of its plans, EnergyAustralia has moved toward ‘simplifying’ its offerings, with its most heavily marketed plan providing reasonable usage and supply rates. EnergyAustralia’s newest plan isn’t much different, coming instead with an unconditional discount that applies on a 12 month benefit period. Both plans avoid all exit fees or lock-in contracts. You’ll also find the Basic Home plan, which is EnergyAustralia’s offer that sits equal to the Reference Price. EnergyAustralia tends to offer online sign-up credit with some plans, but this is not always available.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,292 | Go to Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,287 | Go to Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
1% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,483 | Go to Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
In addition to the market offer plans mentioned above, all eight providers also have standard electricity contracts in NSW. These are ‘default’ plans that customers may be on if they have never switched energy retailers, or haven’t moved onto a new deal for several years. Standard contracts are usually significantly more expensive than the cheapest market offers.
Here is a comprehensive list of electricity providers available in NSW. Canstar Blue’s electricity comparison service includes pricing for most of these providers. Hit the links to learn more about each brand.
Note that some of these providers only operate in certain parts of NSW.
In July 2019, energy providers in NSW had to adapt to a range of new industry regulations designed to make electricity more affordable and make comparing plans easier. After years of often confusing, big discount plans that commonly didn’t result in the savings that they might suggest, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stepped in to introduce a new, regulated price cap for customers who were previously paying the most. These customers, on standing offers, were switched onto a new Default Market Offer (DMO) price determined by the Australia Energy Regulator (AER). This is a consistent price across all electricity retailers, unlike with the old standing offers. This resulted in notable savings for these customers, while the DMO also acts as a Reference Price for all market offers, including those with discounts. All plans must now be compared to the AER Reference Price, displaying a percentage ‘less than’ or ‘more than’, so consumers can see which plans really offer the best value.
There are many electricity providers in NSW now, but it wasn’t long ago that households in Sydney and the rest of the state were stuck with one of the big three energy companies – Origin, EnergyAustralia or AGL – with no other retailers able to challenge their dominance. It’s for this reason that they continue to supply more than 80% of customers in NSW, according to the Australian Energy Regulator’s latest industry report. If you don’t remember signing up to one of these companies, you were probably transferred over when one of them absorbed your old retailer.
The NSW electricity market began to change in 2002 when the state Government introduced ‘Full Retail Competition’, meaning that smaller electricity retailers could provide alternative options for consumers. However, while Victoria lifted its pricing restrictions way back in 2009 – and South Australia followed suit three years later – the NSW electricity market remained regulated by the state’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal until 2014, so there was little or no financial incentive for customers to switch before then. This was a story replicated in Queensland where price regulations were only lifted in 2016.
Electricity price deregulation means the electricity companies are free to set their own plans, prices and conditions – resulting in a plethora of new entrants into the market. The benefits of deregulation are still up for debate, but the fact is that households across NSW have never had so many providers to choose from, presenting the opportunity for consumers to save if they shop around, or just use new offers as leverage to negotiate a better deal with their existing supplier. However, in order to save, you must have at least a basic understanding of the different providers, contracts and plans available. Read on for details.
NSW is home to more than a dozen solar farms, contributing significantly to the state’s power supply. But NSW remains dependent on a handful of coal-fired power plants to meet its electricity demand. Most of these power stations are owned by the big three energy companies – AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia – and one of the most well-known (and controversial) is ‘Liddell’ in the Hunter Valley. Owned by AGL, the aging Liddell power station has been flagged for closure in the coming years. However, AGL has faced pressure from the state government to keep the plant open beyond its scheduled closure date to ensure adequate electricity supply for the region. AGL, which has committed to ‘getting out of coal’, has even turned down an offer from Alinta Energy to purchase the station. Meanwhile, like other old power stations, Liddell has become notoriously unreliable, frequently breaking down and putting pressure on the energy network.
The first step in saving money on electricity costs is to understand what type of energy contract you are on. There are two types of electricity contracts:
Canstar Blue’s electricity database shows that customers still stand to save hundreds of dollars a year simply by switching from their provider’s Default Market Offer to its cheapest market contract, provided they stick to the terms and conditions. The latest figures from the Australian Energy Regulator show that about one in five households across NSW remain on the default price, and while this is much lower than they were previously paying on standing offers, more significant savings could still be made. The DMO is not designed to be a great energy deal, but a fairer price ‘safety net’ for those who do not engage in the market.
NSW may be behind other parts of the country when it comes to the uptake of solar power, but electricity providers in the state still offer some of the most generous feed-in tariffs. Rates of up to 25c/kWh are on offer for exported energy in NSW, but be aware that the highest feed-in tariffs do not necessarily translate to the cheapest overall bills. When comparing solar plans, it’s important to pay as much attention to the usage and supply charges as the feed-in tariff being offered.
Whether you’re on a standard contract or a market offer, your electricity bill will be made up of two main costs – usage charges and supply charges.
For most households, usage charges will make up the majority of overall costs. However, you should still pay close attention to supply charges which can vary significantly between providers and plans. For small households, supply charges will generally make up a higher proportion of overall electricity costs. But for homes with high usage requirements, usage charges will be the main culprit of large bills.
You may not realise that there are three different electricity distribution networks covering NSW. This is important to know because the network you live on could have a big impact on your bills, with distribution costs accounting for as much as 50% of your overall bills. The three distribution networks are:
Electricity retailers will have different prices for their plans on each network, meaning that the amount an Origin customer (for example) pays on the Ausgrid network will be different to what an Origin customer will pay on the Endeavour network, even if their electricity plans are the same. As a homeowner, there is little you can do about this. However, if you are renting a home and take energy costs seriously, you could look into different prices before deciding which suburb to move to, because it could save you a significant amount.
Given that distribution costs are passed on to the electricity providers, who then pass the costs onto their customers, it makes sense that households in the most hard-to-reach places will pay the most for power as there are more poles and wires involved in transmitting the energy to them. This is the case in NSW where electricity customers on the Essential Energy network typically pay more than those who live on the Ausgrid or Endeavour networks.
To get the best deal on your electricity supply, you will need to understand how different tariffs work and how they can impact your overall costs. Some tariffs, however, will only be available if you have a smart meter installed at your property. Tariffs available in NSW are:
If you have a single rate electricity tariff, you will pay the same usage charges no matter what the time of day, up to a point. This is because ‘block rates’ are usually applied to single rate tariff usage charges, with households charged differently depending on how much power they consume. In most cases, customers will pay the highest prices for the first ‘block’ of power they use during the day (usually around 10kWhs) and then less for each following block. There is usually only a marginal difference between the costs of these blocks, but they are still worth being aware of.
Regardless of whether a household has a single rate tariff or time of use tariff, they will still be able to benefit from having a ‘controlled load’. A controlled load, or ‘dedicated circuit’ as it is often called, is effectively a separate circuit that allows you to meter selected high-usage appliances independently from the rest of your home. A controlled load will usually be used to power the electric hot water system in your home. Pool pumps could also be powered this way to reduce swimming pool costs. Controlled load prices will be much lower than normal usage rates, but are only applicable for a few hours each day (between 6 and 8). Households can also add a second controlled load with other big appliances. These can be applied for up to 16 hours per day, but the usage rates will be higher than the first controlled load.
The electricity providers in NSW bring a wide variety of different market contracts, usually differentiated by headline discounts or other sign-up incentives, such as ‘bonus credit’ when you sign up online. While some electricity providers offer multiple market contracts for NSW households to choose from, others have a far more concise range. Dodo Power & Gas and Alinta Energy have only one residential market offer each for NSW, while Red Energy and Click Energy have three. The big three retailers, Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia, provide three or four market contracts each. These could include both variable and fixed rate plans.
There are other electricity providers doing things a little differently in NSW. Pooled Energy, for example, offers specific electricity plans for households with swimming pools, combining its license as an energy retailer with its pool maintaining services – so your electricity retailer is also responsible for cleaning your pool! Meanwhile, Energy Locals gives customers an opportunity to donate to charity via their power pills.
To make them stand out from the crowd, most electricity plans come with headline-grabbing discounts, usually off usage charges for either paying bills on time, paying by direct debit, getting bills via email, or for signing up online. Discounts of more than 20% were common in NSW before new regulations took effect, and while several retailers still offer various discounts, they now look much more modest and are generally easier to understand. Many retailers have ditched discounts altogether, replaced by bill credits or other incentives.
If conditional discounts don’t really appeal to you, you will find a range of other sign-up incentives offered by the electricity retailers in NSW. Simply Energy has a plan that brings 32 ‘free’ movie tickets during the life of the contract, while AGL customers can earn flybuys points, those with Red Energy can collect Qantas Frequent Flyer points for paying their bills on time, and EnergyAustralia is on board with Virgin Australia for Velocity points. It’s also common for retailers to throw $50-$100 in sign-up credit at new customers, especially if they sign up online.
The following electricity providers offer some form of rewards program to customers in NSW, bringing savings on various leisure and social activities, including eating out, accommodation and even theme park tickets.
Given that NSW is one of the most competitive energy markets for the retailers, some of these sign-up incentives and rewards programs are not available in other areas.
To help reduce electricity costs, there are a range of different energy rebates available for households in NSW. Customers with low incomes, dependent children and certain medical conditions could be eligible for financial support towards their gas and electricity costs.
To get the cheapest possible deal for your household, you will need to take into consideration all of the factors previously mentioned, including:
When you spell everything out like this, it’s easy to see why many consumers find the subject of energy so confusing. However, in an effort to simplify matters, Canstar Blue’s price comparison report for NSW shows overall estimated prices for the electricity providers mentioned in this report. Based on average energy usage figures and market contract pricing for single rate tariff households on the Ausgrid network, we show that customers could save hundreds of dollars by switching to one of the cheapest offers available. The ‘cheapest’ electricity provider doesn’t automatically mean ‘best’, but if the bottom line is all you worry about then our report is certainly worth a look.
Ultimately, it’s all about educating yourself on the options that are available to you. The energy retailers are required by law to publish all of their price fact sheets online, so use the information gathered in this report and check out the facts and figures with your own eyes. Our NSW customer ratings also offer you an insight into how the big providers in the state are performing in the eyes of those paying the bills, so be sure to keep these details in mind too. Good luck finding a better deal!
Our electricity provider ratings for NSW saw a number of brands perform well in didn’t areas. These ratings are based on the feedback of more than 2,700 bill-payers in the state.
While you might know Amaysim best as a mobile phone provider, it’s now working on its rapport in the energy space, providing electricity and gas to not only NSW households, but those in Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland, too. Worth mentioning is that Amaysim already owns Click Energy, but Amaysim Energy operates independently. Amaysim Energy offers one market offer in NSW, as well as a solar plan, gas plan and naturally, a standing offer. Its market offer has no lock-in contract or exit fees, and is billed monthly. All plans include no ‘confusing’ discounts, replaced with the promise of everyday low prices.
Commander operates in Victoria, South Australia and NSW. It’s primarily a business energy retailer, but has added on a residential offering in these states. Currently, Commander is offering a single market contract that comes with a pay on time discount which applies to usage charges only. The discount is ongoing rather than just an introductory offer like with many other providers.
CovaU is a relatively small energy retailer offering both electricity and gas in NSW and Victoria. Depending on your state, you’ll find different energy plans on offer, with NSW households given a single product to consider for electricity, plus a specific offer for solar customers. CovaU offers a seemingly generous pay on time discount that applies to the whole bill and is ongoing.
DC Power Co is a new energy retailer owned by Powershop, that promises energy savings for customers with solar panels. It’s available in SE QLD, NSW and VIC. The company is currently only offering one market plan in NSW, which comes with the option of a single rate or time of use tariff. The catch is that to be on a DC Power Co plan, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee. According to the provider, this charge allows it to offer cost price electricity and a helpful plan to optimise your solar system. DC Power Co wants to stand out from the crowd of solar retailers based on providing advice on how to get the most out of your solar system, rather than just giving you a seemingly generous feed-in tariff.
Passionate about renewable energy, Diamond Energy has emerged as a small retailer offering green swinging plans in NSW, QLD, SA and VIC. The retailer owns a few renewable assets and ranks second in Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide. While perhaps not the most abundant energy plan provider, its single market offer in NSW will get you a modest discount off your whole bill for combining paying on time, direct debiting and setting up email billing, over a benefit period of two years.
Another relatively new retailer, Energy Locals operates in NSW, QLD, SA and ACT. It’s different in that it offers an option for customers to support a worthy cause of their choosing through their power bills. Energy Locals offers a straight-shooting electricity plan which doesn’t have any “confusing discounts”, as well as some more unique offers. Its membership-based electricity plan requires you to pay a weekly fee on top of regular charges to unlock ‘wholesale’ rates. The retailer also has a specific offer for solar customers.
Enova Energy claims to be Australia’s first community-owned energy provider, operating on the Essential Energy Network in NSW. It’s a company that focuses on putting local investment back into the community, as well as reducing its carbon footprint. In terms of its energy plans, Enova offers modest pay on time discounts and there are no exit fees for switching.
A new electricity retailer in NSW and south-east Queensland, Future X Power has entered the energy market with its one market offer, called the Flexi Saver. In NSW it carries a generous discount that’s only applied if you pay your bill on time, however since it comes with an ongoing benefit period, customers can expect to receive the discount for the entire time they’re on the plan. Something else unique about this provider is that it currently only offers its market plan on a single rate tariff, meaning those on the plan will be charged the same rate regardless of the time of day.
In order to sign up to Mojo Power, you’ll need to be a customer in SE Queensland or NSW and have a smart meter. Mojo Power apparently prides itself on being a company supporting less reliance on the energy grid, offering some of the biggest feed-in tariffs on the market. Mojo has a standard energy plan in addition to a membership-based offer that sees customers pay upfront to access cheaper rates.
Momentum Energy is owned by Hydro Tasmania, one of Australia’s largest renewable energy producers. It operates primarily in NSW and VIC, and all products are free from conditional discounts. Momentum has actively criticised big energy discounts for some time and instead focuses on offering competitive rates. While Momentum offers specific deals for renters and solar customers in Victoria, it only offers its most basic electricity plan in NSW.
Powerclub is a new electricity retailer operating in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, offering access to wholesale energy rates for a fee. This energy provider aims to offer ‘what you see is what you get’, simplified energy, whereby customers can monitor their usage and adjust their habits to ultimately save on their power bills. In order to smooth out unpredictable wholesale price spikes, Powerclub asks you to deposit money into a Powerbank, that replenishes itself when wholesale prices are particularly low.
Backed by energy giant AGL, Powerdirect operates across NSW, QLD, VIC and SA. Its priority has historically been business energy, and that’s what you’ll usually see it marketed as, but it still offers competitive electricity deals, including large conditional discounts. These discounts are available for paying on time and generally have a benefit period of just 12 months.
Australia’s greenest energy company according to Greenpeace, Powershop is a carbon-neutral electricity and gas retailer operating in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA. Powershop is a little bit different to other energy providers in that it offers energy in pre-purchased Powerpacks, rather than just charging you at the end of your billing period. Customers can purchase power months ahead of time at reduced prices, with standard packs offered in addition to occasional special promotions. However, for those who don’t like the idea of pre-purchasing power, Powershop also provides a basic plan.
While QEnergy has previously focused more on its business energy offerings, residential customers in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA can sign up to at least one plan. Offering no conditional discounts on any of its products, QEnergy joins the ranks of both big and small retailers trying to ‘simplify the energy industry’. However, it has a habit of changing prices more regularly than most.
ReAmped Energy is a new electricity retailer operating in NSW and QLD, with a mission to be the cheapest, or at least one of the cheapest, options around. With one market contract, the company is promising to ‘simplify’ the energy industry by removing all conditional discounts and instead giving its customers low rates. ReAmped claims to be 100% online, so is best for those comfortable with signing up and asking any questions online, as well as receiving bills electronically.
As its name suggests, Pooled Energy specialises in catered energy plans for swimming pool owners. Only available in NSW, customers with a pool are offered a comprehensive electricity and pool maintenance package, so you pay the same company for cleaning your pool as you do your power bills.
Sanctuary Energy has been purchased by Mojo Power. Existing customers should have been notified and switched as a result.
Sanctuary Energy is an electricity retailer that offers both residential and business plans in NSW, VIC and QLD. It describes itself as ‘specialising in renewable energy initiatives’, which includes encouraging customers to use energy in a more environmentally sustainable way by helping them reduce their carbon footprint. Sanctuary Energy is only offering customers within the aforementioned states standing contracts.
Boasting more than 500,000 electricity customers in NSW, QLD, SA and VIC, Simply Energy is a retailer that most would probably describe as quirky. In NSW, you’ll see anything from plans offering free movie tickets, to discounts for AFL fans. Most products come with modest pay on time discounts, with the biggest discount reserved for NRMA members in an exclusive deal. Most plans come with two-year benefit periods and exit fees may apply.
Sumo is a relatively new energy retailer that also doubles up as an NBN provider. This means it offers specific bundles for your home services, with additional discounts available. When it comes to electricity, it only operates in NSW and VIC, with a single, big discount market offer promoted. Sumo also retails gas in Victoria.
1st Energy offers plans in NSW, VIC, QLD, and most recently became the first residential retailer to move into Tasmania, where the state-owned Aurora Energy previously enjoyed a monopoly. Claiming to be a ‘customer-focused retailer’, 1st Energy offers plans with large discounts that it says genuinely reflects business costs. Discounts are often some of the biggest in each state, but of course the biggest discounts don’t always mean the cheapest prices.
The table below shows the annual costs of the providers on our database. We show one product per retailer, listed from the lowest priced estimate first. See here for information on the AER Reference Price, which in this comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year, meaning the Reference Price is $1,467/year. Use our comparison tool for a specific comparison. Our database may not cover all deals available in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
| Electricity Provider | Electricity Plan | Difference from Reference Price^ | Conditional Discounts | Price Estimate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Handshake | 19% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,192 |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | Equal To Reference Price | 15% Less Than Reference Price for Pre-Payment | $1,250incl. conditional discount |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 13% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,279 |
| EnergyAustralia | No Frills | 12% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,287 |
| Future X Power | Flexi Saver | 11% More Than Reference Price | 27% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,288incl. conditional discount |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 12% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,295 |
| Energy Locals | Super Saver | Equal To Reference Price | $165/year bonus credit for paying bills on time | $1,301incl. conditional discount |
| AGL | Essentials Plus | 11% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,306 |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 11% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,306 |
| Alinta Energy | No Fuss | 10% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,315 |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 1% More Than Reference Price | 10% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,336incl. conditional discount |
| CovaU | Freedom | 23% More Than Reference Price | 25% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,356incl. conditional discount |
| Simply Energy | Simply Plus | 7% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,367 |
| Click Energy | Click Banksia | 7% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,368 |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver | 1% More Than Reference Price | 7% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,374incl. conditional discount |
| Commander | Market Offer | 4% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,415 |
| Dodo Power & Gas | Market Offer | 4% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,415 |
| Diamond Energy | Diamond Power | 7% More Than Reference Price | 7% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time, 3% Less for Direct Debit | $1,417incl. conditional discount |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | Equal to Reference Price | No conditional discounts |
$1,465 |
| Amaysim Energy | Default Market Offer | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,471 |
| Pooled Energy | Market Offer | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,471 |
| Mojo Power | Energy Pass | 12% More Than Reference Price | Price includes $480/year bill credit | $1,642 |
| Basic Plan Information Documents | ||||
The following table shows the general usage rates and daily supply charges of the New South Wales electricity providers on our database. We list the rates of the cheapest published deal from each retailer. Rates are for single rate tariffs only. Use our comparison tool for specific rates in your area.
| Electricity Provider | Electricity Plan | General Usage Rate | Daily Supply Charge | Important |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGL | Essentials Plus | 26.33¢/kWh | 82.98¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Alinta Energy | No Fuss | 24.98¢/kWh | 92.40¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Amaysim Energy | Default Market Offer | 28.35¢/kWh | 99.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Click Energy | Banksia | 26.36¢/kWh | 92.07¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Commander | Market Offer | 25.63¢/kWh | 97.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| CovaU Energy | Freedom | 34.38¢/kWh | 122.10¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Diamond Energy | Diamond Power | 29.03¢/kWh | 96.25¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 25.63¢/kWh | 97.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| EnergyAustralia | No Frills | 25.30¢/kWh | 78.10¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Energy Locals | Super Saver | 24.00¢/kWh | 144.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Future X Power | Flexi Saver | 32.82¢/kWh | 92.62¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Mojo Power | Mojo Energy Pass | 27.89¢/kWh | 180.20¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 24.73¢/kWh | 88.26¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 29.52¢/kWh | 86.38¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Pooled Energy | Market Offer | 29.52¢/kWh | 86.38¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 29.15¢/kWh | 90.20¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | 27.35¢/kWh | 109.70¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | 29.54¢/kWh | 84.70¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Handshake | 22.13¢/kWh | 85.87¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 28.45¢/kWh | 97.90¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Simply Energy | Simply Plus | 26.51¢/kWh | 90.29¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Sumo | Standing Offer | 27.28¢/kWh | 110.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver | 27.24¢/kWh | 108.90¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
Rates from Ausgrid network in Sydney. Rates last updated July 2019. Use our comparison tool for specific details in your area.
Due to its sheer size and population, the city of Sydney is supplied by two electricity distribution networks – Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy. Ausgrid covers a large part of Sydney’s households and major city area, while Endeavour takes care of the city’s west. Electricity rates can vary between the distribution networks, so you could be paying more or less for power than your friends two streets away on the other network. Outside of Sydney, many areas are covered by the Essential electricity network.
Sydney suburbs on the Ausgrid electricity network include:
Sydney suburbs on the Endeavour electricity network include:
Like other highly-populated parts of NSW, if you live in Newcastle or the surrounding areas, you’ll have quite a few electricity providers to choose from. Like Sydney, Newcastle is on the Ausgrid electricity network.
Here are the main suburbs covered by the Ausgrid network in Newcastle:
The Ausgrid network also covers the NSW Central Coast, which includes the following suburbs:
Wollongong falls on the Endeavour electricity network, including the following suburbs:
Coffs Harbour is on the Essential electricity network. Suburbs in this area include:
Wagga Wagga is on the Essential electricity network. Here are the major suburbs in Wagga Wagga and the surrounds:
Maitland is on the Ausgrid electricity network, covering the following suburbs and surrounds:
The Essential Energy electricity network covers Bathurst, including the following suburbs:
The Shoalhaven region falls on the Endeavour Energy electricity network. Here are the major towns and suburbs in Shoalhaven:
Famous for its country music festival, Tamworth is situated on the Essential Energy electricity network. Here are the main suburbs covered by the Essential Energy network in Tamworth:
Port Macquarie falls on the Essential Energy electricity network. Some of the suburbs and neighbouring towns include:
Canstar Blue surveyed 12,000 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who live in New South Wales, have an electricity account, and pay the bills – in this case, 2,774 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
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