Canstar Blue’s annual review of NSW electricity providers compares Red Energy, Alinta Energy, Click Energy, AGL, Origin Energy, Dodo and EnergyAustralia on their customer service, bill & cost clarity, tools & advice, focus on environmental sustainability, ease of sign-up, value for money and overall satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
For the sixth year in a row, Red Energy has topped Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings for electricity providers in NSW. Red Energy achieved five stars for customer service, ease of sign-up, focus on environmental sustainability, value for money and overall satisfaction.
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 about 30 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 2,500 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.
Here are the best energy providers in NSW as rated by customers in Canstar Blue’s latest satisfaction survey:
Red Energy tops the table for the sixth 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 that they receive. Alinta Energy, Click Energy and Origin Energy all received four stars for overall customer satisfaction in our latest review, with AGL, EnergyAustralia and Dodo on three stars overall. Like Red Energy, Alinta 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 some of the cheapest published deals on our database.
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.
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25% Less than reference price |
$1,093 Price/year (estimated) |
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24% Less than reference price |
$1,114 Price/year (estimated) |
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25% Less than reference price |
$1,097 Price/year (estimated) |
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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.
Owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro, Red Energy operates across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, keeping things fairly simple with only two 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 two Frequent Flyer points for every dollar they spend on energy. One plan brings two points for every $1 spent. Both 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.
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 two market offers for NSW households to consider. Where previously Alinta was known for its big discounts, its current offers have scaled back to offering no conditional discounts at all. The Sports Pack, however, comes with a 12 month Kayo Basic subscription. These deals come with no lock-in contracts 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.
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 or two market offers 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.
Origin Energy has always been a retailer offering a comprehensive range of electricity options for NSW residents, and after strict new energy industry regulations took effect in July 2019, not much changed. The first plan in its line up packs the lowest rates, with a modest discount available for signing 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. Origin is also one of Australia’s leading solar retailers, with specific plans for customers who own solar panels.
AGL generally offers a couple of market contracts to households in NSW, with differing rates and conditions based on different preferences. While AGL previously offered more variable rate plans, its current line-up gives NSW customers the choice between a fixed rate plan and one variable rate offer, both with a range of value-add incentives. If you also have natural gas, AGL tends to offer ‘double up’ discounts for buying both power sources with the retailer (only with some plans). As an added bonus, AGL customers can collect flybuys reward points when they pay their bills, with up to 5,000 points over 15 months when you sign up online. The company also offers its own rewards program called AGL Rewards which brings various discounts and savings on gift 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.
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, as well as one ‘basic’ product. 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.
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. Dodo typically has the same pricing as the other energy retailer in the Vocus group, Commander.
In addition to the market offer plans mentioned above, all seven 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 full list of energy providers in NSW:
Find out which energy providers are available in your area by using our free comparison tool. Whether you’re in Newcastle or Sydney, Wagga Wagga or Wollongong, you’re likely to find a suitable energy plan for your circumstances. Please note that some of these energy 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’, ‘equal to’ 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 Market Commission’s 2019 Retail Energy Competition Review. 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 some 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 21c/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 only has one residential market offer in NSW, while Red Energy, Alinta Energy and Click Energy have two or 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, some 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. Alinta Energy has a plan that brings a basic subscription to Kayo Sports during the life of the contract, while AGL customers can earn flybuys points and those with Red Energy can collect Qantas Frequent Flyer points for paying their bills on time. 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!
This page was originally published by Canstar Blue Editor-in-Chief Simon Downes. He’s been writing about energy prices in NSW for more than five years, covering the initial deregulation of the market in 2014, the subsequent influx of new retailers, the confusion around dodgy discounts, and more recently the fallout from new industry regulations designed to make energy plans more transparent. Simon also acts as spokesperson for Canstar Blue and is one of Australia’s most prominent energy industry commentators.
Our electricity provider ratings for NSW saw a number of brands perform well in different areas. These ratings are based on the feedback of more than 2,500 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 a few subscription-based plans. 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.
Amber Electric is a new retailer offering a different pricing model which gives customers access to wholesale energy prices. Instead of discounts or bill credits, Amber’s main draw-card is low rates, however there is a small monthly subscription fee charged. While the the electricity provider is still in its infancy, Amber Electric claims to offer customers a more ‘honest’ approach to pricing.
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 without any discounts, instead opting for low variable rates.
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.
Discover Energy is a new retailer on the block, servicing customers in New South Wales. Queensland and South Australia. Claimed to be a 100% Australian-owned energy company, Discover Energy claims to “put green at the forefront of the business”. Discover Energy offers highly competitive electricity rates along with a guaranteed discount off usage rates. Discover Energy boldly states it’s a “disruptor of traditional energy supply chain”, promising no lock-in contracts, an app and many other technological feats that sets it apart from its competitors.
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.
Enova Energy claims to be Australia’s first community-owned energy provider, originally only operating on the Essential Energy Network in NSW. Now the retailer has expanded into other parts of NSW. It’s a company that says it 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.
Online retail giant, Kogan, has ventured into the energy market by way of its partnership with Powershop. Kogan is currently retailing in Victoria, New South Wales, south east Queensland and South Australia, offering one plan fittingly called ‘Market Offer’. Kogan Energy has a handy app which allows customers to pay bills and check power usage, as well as other useful insights. With such a renowned reputation in the retail space, Kogan Energy aims to “flip the switch on amazing value” in the energy world.
In order to sign up to Mojo Power, you’ll need to be a customer in SE Queensland, NSW or South Australia. 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 its two standard offers available in NSW. Its plans are best suited to customers with smart meters.
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.
While OVO Energy may be better known in the UK, it has landed its way into the Australian energy retail scene, bringing with it a plan that boasts unusual benefits. With OVO, customers can expect carbon neutral electricity supply, with the added benefit of 10% GreenPower by default. This provider’s single market offer relies on bill smoothing, rewarding customers with modest interest when their credit is in balance.
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.
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 guaranteed discounts (excludes Victoria) off the entire bill (usage and supply charges). These discounts are available for paying on time and generally have a benefit period of 24 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.
Boasting more than 700,000 electricity customers in NSW, QLD, SA and VIC, Simply Energy is gaining traction for its sometimes unusual electricity offers. In NSW, you’ll find one straight-shooting energy plan called ‘Simply Low Rates’ and another that offers an anniversary credit for members of certain motoring clubs. In fact, if you’re a member of NRMA, Simply Energy is offering a generous bill credit on the first anniversary of your supply date. The retailer has also been known to offer a power plan that brings free movie tickets throughout the contract period.
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 large bill credits available for customers who bundle electricity, gas and internet. When it comes to electricity, it only operates in NSW and VIC, with one market offer promoted, which also has a bill credit attached. Sumo also retails gas in Victoria and NSW.
Tango Energy is a new entrant in the New South Wales electricity market, bringing its signature plan to Sydney (and many other) shores. The company is owned by Pacific Hydro, a company with a large portfolio of renewable energy investments. Customers who are interested in Tango can expect to pay fixed energy rates for 12 months, with open options for payment methods. This plan doesn’t come with any conditional discounts, rather offering reasonably low rates.
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 $1,462/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. 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* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mojo Power | All Day Breakfast | 27% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,063 |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 27% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,074 |
| GloBird Energy | GloSave | 20% Less Than Reference Price | 26% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time by Direct Debit | $1,078incl. conditional discount |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 25% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,097 |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 24% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,114 |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 24% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,115 |
| Click Energy | Flora Plus | 23% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,126 |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure | 22% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,138 |
| Simply Energy | Simply NRMA | 21% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,151 |
| Bright Spark Power | No Contract Electricity | 21% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,158 |
| CovaU | Freedom Plus | 20% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,164 |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | 14% Less Than Reference Price | 20% Less Than Reference Price for Pre-Payment | $1,175incl. conditional discount |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | 19% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,180 |
| Discover Energy | Smart Saver | 18% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,196 |
| Commander | Market Offer | 18% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,206 |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 18% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,206 |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 17% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,211 |
| AGL | Essentials | 17% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts |
$1,213 |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan Home | 17% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,213 |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 17% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,213 |
| Future X Power | Flexi Saver | Equal To Reference Price | 17% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,218incl. conditional discount |
| Nectr | Friends | 17% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,220 |
| Alinta Energy | Home Deal | 16% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,232 |
| Elysian Energy | Simple Plan | 12% Less Than Reference Price | 16% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,235incl. conditional discount |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 15% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,243 |
| Energy Locals | Online Saver | 8% Less Than Reference Price | $84/year bonus credit for paying bills on time | $1,256incl. conditional discount |
| Locality Planning Energy | Principal Offer | 14% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,260 |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver | Equal to Reference Price | 13% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,266incl. conditional discount |
| Amaysim Energy | Post-paid Electricity | 12% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,286 |
| Enova Energy | Community Plus | 8% Less Than Reference Price | 11% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time | $1,308incl. conditional discount |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 10% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,320 |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 3% More Than Reference Price | 7% Less Than Reference Price for Paying on Time by Direct Debit | $1,354incl. conditional discount |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | Equal to Reference Price | No conditional discounts |
$1,462 |
| Pooled Energy | Market Offer | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,462 |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,467 |
| Basic Plan Information Documents | ||||
*Price assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year. Estimated price includes any conditions discounts that may be available. Pricing based on Ausgrid network in Sydney, but prices differ between distribution areas. August 2020.
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 | 24.02¢/kWh | 75.67¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Alinta Energy | Home Deal | 23.77¢/kWh | 83.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Amaysim Energy | Post-paid Electricity | 24.83¢/kWh | 87.12¢/kWh | Basic Plan Information |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | 27.41¢/kWh | 109.05¢/kWh | Basic Plan Information |
| Bright Spark Power | No Contract Electricity | 22.45¢/kWh | 77.40¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Click Energy | Flora Plus | 21.73¢/kWh | 76.23¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Commander | Market Offer | 21.79¢/kWh | 97.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| CovaU Energy | Freedom Plus | 29.37¢/kWh | 84.70¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 28.49¢/kWh | 91.74¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Discover Energy | Smart Saver | 29.48¢/kWh | 85.25¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 21.79¢/kWh | 97.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Elysian Energy | Simple Plan | 23.07¢/kWh | 104.27¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan Home | 25.17¢/kWh | 113.09¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Energy Locals | Online Saver | 23.50¢/kWh | 116.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Enova Energy | Community Plus | 26.00¢/kWh | 89.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Future X Power | Flexi Saver | 28.94¢/kWh | 92.62¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| GloBird Energy | GloSave | 20.79¢/kWh | 99.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 19.02¢/kWh | 97.37¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Locality Planning Energy | Principal Rate | 23.61¢/kWh | 92.90¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Mojo Power | All Day Breakfast | 19.80¢/kWh | 79.72¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 22.18¢/kWh | 94.89¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Nectr | Friends | 22.77¢/kWh | 91.08¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 29.43¢/kWh | 86.10¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 22.22¢/kWh | 67.65¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Pooled Energy | Market Offer | 29.52¢/kWh | 86.38¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 20.05¢/kWh | 80.44¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 28.95¢/kWh | 91.18¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | 21.90¢/kWh | 108.60¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | 27.76¢/kWh | 103.81¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 18.96¢/kWh | 91.55¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 25.60¢/kWh | 88.11¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Simply Energy | Simply NRMA | 28.61¢/kWh | 93.61¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure | 20.90¢/kWh | 88.55¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | 22.77¢/kWh | 79.97¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver | 27.13¢/kWh | 108.90¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
Rates from Ausgrid network in Sydney. Rates last updated August 2020. 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, 2,529 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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