Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of South Australian electricity providers compares Lumo Energy, Alinta Energy, Origin Energy, Simply Energy, EnergyAustralia and AGL on their customer service, bill & cost clarity, online tools & advice, ease of sign-up, environmental sustainability, value for money and overall satisfaction.
Lumo Energy has returned to the top of our customer satisfaction ratings for electricity providers in South Australia. Lumo achieved five-star reviews across most research areas, most notably customer service and value for money. Lumo leads the way from Alinta Energy, Origin Energy, Simply Energy, EnergyAustralia and AGL.
Everyone knows that South Australians pay a ridiculously high price for power, so if you pick up the bills, it’s all about making the best of a bad situation. That could mean negotiating an improved deal with your existing provider, or finding a new one. If you’re sick of paying the highest electricity rates in the country, Canstar Blue’s annual review and ratings can help. In this report, we list SA electricity providers based on customer satisfaction, while offering a detailed electricity buying guide for the state, and revealing which companies currently have the cheapest prices in our database.
Given the cost of electricity in South Australia, you’ll naturally want to find a cheap deal – and we can help you with that. However, we can also show you which SA electricity companies are rated highest based on the experiences of their customers. Paying a low price is good, but not if it comes at the expense of other factors, such as customer service. That’s why our ratings are designed to give you as much information as possible about your next electricity provider. This year, our review is based on the feedback of more than 700 bill-paying customers in South Australia. So, what did we find?
Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of electricity providers in South Australia saw six brands compared and rated in the following order for overall customer satisfaction:
Over recent years, our ratings have highlighted a clear divide in customer satisfaction between the biggest electricity providers and some of the smaller challengers, with Lumo Energy and Simply Energy dominating this category since we began comparing SA power companies in 2010. This year, Lumo Energy has proved a clear winner, scoring five-star reviews in most research areas, including customer service and value for money as it returned to the top of the table for the first time since 2015. Alinta Energy, Origin Energy and Simply Energy all scored four stars overall this year, with EnergyAustralia and AGL back on three stars.
Read on as we explain everything you need to know about these six electricity providers, 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 SA Power network in Adelaide 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 4000kWh/year, meaning the Reference Price is $1,941/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 |
Conditional Discounts
|
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,648 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
15% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,650 | Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
9% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,766 | Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
9% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,769 | Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
Conditional Discounts
|
2% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,822 incl. conditional discount |
Go To Site |
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
5% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,835 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Lumo Energy is one of two electricity providers owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro – the other being Red Energy. Based in Melbourne, Lumo Energy offers a diverse range of electricity products in SA, including a plan targeted at customers who rent their home and often move, plus a deal that includes 2 for 1 HOYTS movie tickets. Most of Lumo Energy’s plans come with modest pay on time discounts, with additional savings on offer if you sign up to direct debit payments. Discounts are applied to the whole bill rather than just usage charges. If you don’t like paying by direct debit and are concerned about paying bills on time, Lumo has another plan that provides competitive rates with no conditional discounts. All deals come on a no-contract basis, plus there are no exit fees. Rates are variable, and some plans bring access to Lumo’s ‘Lumo Ameego’ shopping program, which gives members a range of exclusive discounts on anything from groceries to petrol.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
5% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,835 | Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
3% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,884 | Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
3% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,990 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Alinta Energy has emerged as one of the biggest challengers to the big three electricity providers – Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia – in recent years. Now owned by Hong Kong’s Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, Alinta Energy is a major player in the Western Australia gas market and is now picking up customers all over the country, including in South Australia. Households seem to be drawn to its relatively simple approach, with just one retail market offer currently available in SA. While Alinta previously relied on big discounts to give customers low overall costs, its plan now comes with no discount at all, just competitive rates. It also offers a rewards programs that delivers various savings at retailers and on entertainment and activities. Alinta Energy may not be Australian-owned any more, but it has major offices in Perth and Sydney.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
9% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,766 | Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
7% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,809 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Energy giant Origin has completely relaunched its product offerings in recent times, following the introduction of new industry regulations designed to tighten up the way retailers market their plans, with a move away from large conditional discounts. The first plan has the lowest rates, but in order to be eligible, customers must agree to a range of conditions like setting up direct debit and agreeing to email 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. Origin’s third plan offers no credit card or late payment fees. The last has the same rates as the Reference Price and no conditional discounts. All plans come with no exit fees or lock in contracts. Origin is also one of Australia’s leading solar power retailers, with specific plans for customers who own solar panels. In addition, concession card holders in SA may be eligible for Origin’s SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer, with notable savings off the Reference Price. So here for further details.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Max Saver – Online Special No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
15% Less Than Reference Price^^ | $1,650 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Max Saver No Conditional Discounts |
14% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,669 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Flexi No Conditional Discounts |
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,708 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Freedom No Conditional Discounts |
10% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,747 |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Basic No Conditional Discounts |
EqualTo Reference Price^^ | $1,941 |
More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Simply Energy is typically a very price-competitive electricity provider in SA, while offering one of the most diverse product ranges around. The company is owned by French utilities giant Engie, but remains based in Melbourne. Simply Energy is well-known for offering a wide range of electricity products, including an exclusive deal for RAA members that brings additional bill credits, plus a plan that provides ‘free’ movie tickets. Simply Energy’s electricity products all previously included varying pay on time discounts off electricity usage charges, but the retailer now focuses more on lower rates and bill credits. Rates are variable and exit fees may apply with some plans.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
15% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,650 | Go To Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
12% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,700 | Go To Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
As you might expect from one of the big electricity retailers, EnergyAustralia also drastically changed its plan offerings following the intense scrutiny of the industry and subsequent rule changes. It now focuses on competitive, fixed pricing as its main selling point. The first fixed rate plan has no discounts but rates locked in for 12 months, while the other fixed rate plan comes with an unconditional discount. EnergyAustralia’s third offer simply matches the Reference Price for South Australia. All EnergyAustralia plans are said to be carbon neutral for those who opt in (you’ll need to check the EA website for details). The retailer helpfully publishes estimated monthly costs for all its plans online so you’ll have an idea of what you’ll pay before signing up.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
4% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,871 | Go to Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts Other Features:
|
3% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,875 | Go to Site |
Basic Plan Information |
No Conditional Discounts |
3% MoreThan Reference Price^^ | $1,991 | Go to Site |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
One of Australia’s biggest energy companies, AGL generally offers three market contracts to households in South Australia at any one time, with varying benefits and conditions based on different preferences. While AGL’s flagship products come with an online sign-up credit, it also comes with competitive rates. The Essentials Plus plan comes with fixed rates for 24 months as well as a $75 online sign-up credit and $40/year in bill credits. The Essentials Saver instead has variable rates and also offers customers a $75 credit when signing up online. 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 5,000 points when you sign up online. AGL also has a dedicated solar product, plus a rewards program.
| Brand | Features | Price(estimated**) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Basic Plan Information |
Essentials Saver Conditional Discounts
|
10% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,663 incl. conditional discount |
More Details |
Basic Plan Information |
Essentials Plus Conditional Discounts
Other Features:
|
9% LessThan Reference Price^^ | $1,682 incl. conditional discount |
More Details |
| View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
In addition to their market offers mentioned above, all six companies also have standard contracts in SA. These are default electricity products that customers may find themselves on if their old market offer has expired, or they have never switched to a new plan.
Here is a comprehensive list of electricity providers available in South Australia. Canstar Blue’s electricity comparison service includes pricing from all of these providers. The providers highlighted are partnered with Canstar Blue, meaning we provide links through to their websites.
These retailers all operate on the SA Power network, meaning prices are consistent across the network and the state.
The energy market went through a significant change in July 2019 when tough new industry regulations took effect, designed to cut power prices, but also make comparing plans easier. After years of big, often dodgy discounts, retailers must now compare their plans to a ‘level playing field’ tariff called the Reference Price. The idea is that, unlike before, there is now a consistent price from which all plans must now be compared, meaning you can now get a better feeling for which providers really offer the best value. The Reference Price also acts as a price cap for those customers who were previously paying the highest prices. Households on ‘standing offers’ have been automatically switched over to the Default Market Offer (DMO) and many will have saved heaps as a result.
Given the ridiculously high prices that South Australians often pay for electricity, you would be forgiven for thinking there wasn’t much competition between providers in the market. The price of any product or service generally gets higher when there is no competition. However, this is not the case in South Australia as there are many different electricity providers fighting hard for new customers. The problem is the cost of electricity generation, transmission and distribution, which these energy companies need to pass onto their customers. However, the extent to which these costs are passed on to households is the subject of much debate. South Australia is also heavily reliant on renewable energy generation, and during periods of very high demand – such as hot summer days – supply has occasionally failed to meet demand, resulting in blackouts.
South Australia is home to more than 20 solar and wind farms, with a mix of private and public ownership. And while there are no more coal-fired power stations in the state, much of the electricity generated still comes from gas turbine power stations. AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia all own gas turbine power assets in South Australia.
Despite the increasingly competitive nature of the South Australian electricity market, recent figures from the Australian Energy Regulator show that about 75% of households in SA remain with one of the big three power companies – AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia. This is largely because many households have not switched electricity providers since the SA electricity market was deregulated back in 2012. Deregulation resulted in many new providers entering the local market, and means that they are now free to set their own prices, products and conditions. Previously, electricity prices in SA had to be agreed with the Essential Services Commission of South Australia. While the removal of price regulations has increased competition, the merits of it remain debated, especially considering the high prices South Australians pay.
There are two types of electricity contracts that a household in South Australia could be on – the Default Market Offer (DMO) or a market contract. Knowing which type you have is the first step to saving money.
Canstar Blue’s electricity database shows that households in SA stand to save hundreds of dollars a year by switching from a default contract to a market contract, even with the same provider, provided they stick to the conditions of their plan. Bigger savings could even be possible by switching providers. According to the AER’s latest report, one in ten households in SA remain on a default contract.
Once you’re settled on the type of electricity contract you want, the next thing you need to understand is the charges that you’ll face. Electricity prices can vary considerably between providers, so it literally pays to get to know these charges, and what cheap energy rates look like. The two charges that make up your electricity bills are fixed supply charges and usage charges.
It’s important to get to know these two charges, which can be found in the energy price fact sheet of your contract. Working out what represents ‘cheap’ rates can help you pick the plan that’s best for you. Keep in mind that households with low usage can expect supply charges to account for a higher proportion of overall costs, while high usage households can expect usage rates to account for a higher proportion.
With almost 20 different electricity providers now operating in South Australia, you won’t be surprised to discover that there are plenty of options to consider. In their most basic form, energy plans fall into two categories – those with variables rates and those with fixed rates.
While some energy retailers play it fairly straight with their electricity plans, it’s common to see various promotional offers or plans targeting a specific consumer segment to get new customers to sign up. Simply Energy, for example, has a specific product for RAA members in SA, bringing an additional discount. Simply Energy also boasts a plan for movie lovers, bringing up to 32 ‘free’ cinema tickets throughout the contract period. Lumo Energy, meanwhile, has a rewards program whereby customers can get money off at various retail outlets and theme parks, while AGL’s customers can collect flybuys points through their bills. While tempting, it’s important to compare electricity providers in SA on their supply and usage charges before taking any discounts and incentives into account.
Most electricity plans in South Australia come with a feed-in tariff for solar customers. However, feed-in tariffs in South Australia can vary hugely between providers. Despite SA enjoying one of the highest penetration rates of solar PV in the country, there are few solar-specific plans available. Nevertheless, the retailers are competing to offer the most attractive feed-in tariffs, with rates of up to 22c/kWh currently available to new customers.
While some electricity providers offer specific incentives in an effort to get you to sign up, most simply rely on attention-grabbing discounts to stand out from the crowd. It’s common to find electricity plans boasting discounts of more than 20% off, but it’s important not to automatically assume that the biggest discounts will mean the biggest savings. There are a few things you will need to know to get a good deal, including:
Whatever type of discount you decide is best for you, make sure you can meet the conditions. Failure to meet the conditions will result in much higher prices, and you may also be charged a fee.
Tariffs are often the subject of confusion for energy customers, but once you get to grips with what they are and how they work, you should realise that they can actually guide you towards cheaper bills. Across Australia, there are two main types of electricity tariffs – known as ‘single rate’ and ‘time of use’. Their difference is reflected by their names:
In South Australia, the majority of households have single rate tariffs, so the prices you pay for electricity will not depend on the time of day you use it. If you’ve been in the habit of using your washing machine, dishwasher or other major appliance late at night because you thought it would save you a few bucks, you are probably mistaken.
While some states have different single rate tariff options, in SA there is just one standard electricity tariff for all residential customers, but the way retailers use it can differ. This is called ‘Tariff 110’, but you may also see it called ‘peak’, ‘domestic’ or ‘anytime’ on your bills. Tariff 110 comes with ‘block rates’, meaning that the price you pay for electricity will depend on how much you actually use, rather than when you use it. This basically means your energy usage is split into daily blocks, with the first ‘block’ of power (typically 11 kWh) usually charged at the lowest rate (say, 40c per kWh). The following block could then be charged at, say, 43c/kWh, with the final block costing you 47c/kWh.
Where retailers differ is that some split usage up into just two daily blocks (the second resulting in higher prices), while others split their usage charges into multiple daily blocks, with rates getting gradually higher. You will find plans with as many as five different block usage rates during the day. There are pros and cons to this way of charging. And this means it’s important to understand your household energy consumption, to find the best plan for your needs. If you’re a large household with high energy usage, pay close attention to the price of power in the latter blocks. If you’re a small household with modest usage, you’ll likely be better off finding a plan with the cheapest first block of power, for example.
While the majority of electricity plans in South Australia come with single rate tariffs and block rates, you may still find some offering time of use tariffs. However, to access any time of use tariffs, you will need to have a smart meter installed at your property. Momentum Energy seems to be the most prominent in SA when it comes to time of use tariffs. You will also find block rates applied to time of use pricing, meaning that you could be charged different rates depending on when you use power and how much you use!
In addition to your primary tariff (single rate or time of use), you may also have a controlled load tariff. A controlled load is a separate metred circuit to the rest of your property, which means that you can be charged a different, lower rate for major appliances, usually your electric hot water system or pool pump. A controlled load tariff (also known as Tariff 116 in SA) should be much cheaper than your primary tariff, often costing less than 30c per kWh. The catch is that power is only supplied for a few hours each day.
Also, be sure to check your retailer’s energy price fact sheet for ‘demand’ charges. This new type of tariff is designed to ‘better reflect customer needs and the impact this may have on the network’. Essentially, customers are charged a low flat rate for electricity usage, plus the standard supply charge. In addition, they will need to pay a ‘demand charge’. This is a daily charge that reflects peak electricity usage within a 30-minute period during peak hours (typically 4pm – 9pm).
Some providers adjust their pricing between summer and winter, meaning you could be charged higher rates in summer – when there is greater demand for energy – and lower rates in winter. AGL is the most prominent retailer for seasonal pricing.
If you haven’t worked it out yet, finding the best electricity provider and plan for your requirements can be extremely tricky. The fact is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to energy costs in South Australia. Instead, you will need to work out which offer best meets your needs based on primarily:
You should also keep in mind that the ‘cheapest’ electricity provider doesn’t necessarily mean the ‘best’. Our ratings are based on customer satisfaction, rather than just the cheapest rates. Our cost comparison report for SA electricity providers, however, is a useful guide to which retailers offer the cheapest deals. Ultimately, you will want an electricity provider that has competitive rates, but also delivers reliable bills and good customer service when you need to.
Realistically, if you haven’t switched electricity providers for two years or more, you are almost certainly paying more for power than you need to. This is because the cheapest offers are often made possible by the conditional discounts we discussed previously. Furthermore, the best deals are generally reserved for new customers. Even if you’re satisfied with your existing provider, it’s worth reviewing your options from time to time and challenging them to match the discount they offer new customers. The power is typically with new customers, or those who threaten to leave. So if you’re ready to save some money on your bills, it’s time to get proactive.
Our electricity provider ratings for SA saw a number of brands perform well in different areas. These ratings are based on the feedback of more than 700 bill-payers in the state.
On top of its mobile phone plans, you may not know that Amaysim also offers electricity and gas in South Australia, NSW, VIC and QLD. The company previously acquired existing retailer Click Energy, but the two brands compete independently. In South Australia, you’ll find two market offers from Amaysim Energy, one with a higher feed-in tariff catered towards those with solar panels. With the provider’s current offers you’ll avoid big headline discounts, lock-in contracts and exit fees, and have the choice of monthly billing. This is a change from when the provider first launched electricity plans in the aforementioned states, where it mirrored Click Energy in boasting big discount plans.
Owned by telco and energy company Amaysim, Click Energy has made a name for itself in the South Australian electricity market by offering relatively competitive usage and supply rates. It’s often described as one of the largest ‘second tier’ energy providers, falling short to the big three. Click has one market offer in SA, on top of its dedicated solar plan, offering quite a generous feed-in tariff. It is important to reassess the value of your plan fairly often, as Click Energy has a habit of changing its plan’s features and rates more regularly than most.
Commander typically offers just one market plan in each state, with South Australia being no exception. You can expect to see a fairly competitive usage and supply rates, as well as no exit fees. What’s different about Commander that it primarily operates as a business electricity retailer rather residential, which is what you’ll see advertised on its website. The Commander brand is owned by Vocus Communications, which also includes iPrimus and Dodo.
Diamond Energy is among the ‘greener’ electricity retailers on the SA market, in fact, ranking second in Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide. This is perhaps deserved as the retailer owns several renewable energy generators and supports environmentally-minded Australians through energy products that help solar customers make the most of their investments. On offer in South Australia is one market offer that boasts a modest discount for the first two years. This discount applies to the whole bill, and is only applied when you pay on time, through direct debit and sign up to email billing.
Discover Energy is a relatively new retailer, supplying customers electricity in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. The retailer claims to be an Australian-owned electricity company that has an emphasis on green energy. Offering competitive usage and supply rates, Discover Energy claims to disrupt the traditional energy supply chain.
Dodo (yes, the one that popped up on the telly in the early 2000s selling internet deals) is in the present-day retailing electricity and gas through Vocus Communications, using the name Dodo Power & Gas. It is considered one of the larger ‘second tier’ energy retailers in most areas due to its relatively large customer base. Within SA, NSW, VIC and QLD, you’ll find just one market contract from Dodo, typically coming with somewhat competitive rates and an ongoing benefit period.
Energy Locals is an electricity provider that only came into the market within the last few years. It prides itself on being environmentally conscious, claiming that all of the power you use will be carbon offset through the purchasing of relevant renewable certificates. Another interesting fact about Energy Locals is that you can opt-in to having a portion of energy bill donated to a charity or cause of your choice. Something else that’s slightly unusual is that the retailer’s plans require you to pay a weekly fee as well as your normal rates to become a ‘member’, and in some cases to gain access to wholesale prices. But if that doesn’t suit you, you’ll also find a simple offer that offers reasonable rates with no exit fees.
Online retail company, 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 known simply as the ‘Market Offer’. Kogan Energy also has an app which allows customers to pay bills and check power usage, as well as other useful insights. Being such a big name in the online retail world, Kogan will surely make an impact in the energy space.
Owned by Hydro Tasmania, which claims to be Australia’s largest renewable energy producer, Momentum Energy retails electricity to customers in South Australia, NSW and Victoria. In SA, you’ll find one market offer which comes without conditional discounts and with variable rates. On this plan, Momentum claims that through its parent company, it will contribute the equivalent amount of wind, solar and hydro power that customers consume back to the grid. This plan also comes with no exit fees.
Powerclub follows many other electricity providers in aiming to ‘simply’ the energy market, and is available across SA, NSW and QLD. After paying an annual membership fee to ‘join the club’, you’ll gain access to wholesale electricity rates which are published every 30 minutes. In order to smooth out any spikes in the wholesale electricity market, and ensure you won’t be met with bill shock, the retailer has implemented a personal ‘Powerbank’, with which you place a one-off deposit for your own benefit down the track. Remember that on top of these fees you’ll still have to pay the wholesale electricity rate, as well as a daily operational fee.
Backed by Aussie energy giant AGL, Powerdirect is offering electricity plans in South Australia, NSW, Queensland and Victoria. It generally markets itself as a business electricity retailer, but also has competitive residential offerings available. This provider is advertising just one plan in SA, which comes with a seemingly generous pay on time discount off electricity usage charges. There is a 12-month benefit period.
According to Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide, Powershop is Australia’s most sustainable energy company, owing to its investments in renewable generation and for carbon offsetting its customers’ electricity usage through the purchase of renewable energy certificates. Powershop has recently come to the South Australian market, offering up its signature ‘prepaid’ power plans to those living in Adelaide and surrounds. With Powershop’s ‘power packs’, you can purchase between one-and three-months’ worth of electricity ahead of time, or settle for a more straight-shooting ‘lite’ product, which comes with reasonable rates and works like most common plans. For those who like to engage with their energy retailer fairly often, Powershop also has various promotional packs that are offered from time to time that are typically more heavily discounted.
Whilst QEnergy has in the past placed a heavier focus on its business energy offerings, it has in recent years expanded to reach residential customers within South Australia, VIC, NSW and Queensland. It currently only has one market offer available in SA, which carries no discount. And whilst this brand follows a range of energy retailers in its crack at ‘simplifying the energy industry’, it does change its electricity rates and plans more often than most other providers.
The retail brand of Snowy Hydro, one of Australia’s best-known renewable energy generation companies, Red Energy operates in SA, NSW, VIC, QLD and the ACT. Red Energy’s plans are fairly consistent across states, and in SA you’ll find its signature 10% discount plan, a similar offer with the addition of bonus Qantas Frequent Flyer points, and a final Qantas plan with a higher point earning per dollar spent. All of these plans offer discounts off the whole bill and have an ongoing benefit period. These are variable rate products. Red Energy also has its own rewards program called Red Energy Rewards.
Sanctuary Energy has been purchased by Mojo Power. Existing customers should have been notified and switched as a result.
Sanctuary Energy is offering both residential and business plans in South Australia, NSW and Queensland. For the time being this retailer is only making available standard contracts, which can be non-competitive when compared with market plans offered by other energy providers. Sanctuary does, however, have a commitment to environmental sustainability, helping all of its members through energy efficiency initiatives, with the goal of reducing its customers’ carbon footprint.
In the table below, we compare prices on the SA Power network in Adelaide. 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 4000kWh/year, meaning the Reference Price is $1,941/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* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 15% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,642 |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | Equal To Reference Price | 15% Less Than Reference Price for Pre-Payment | $1,648incl. conditional discount |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 15% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,650 |
| Simply Energy | Simply RAA | 15% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,650 |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 14% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,661 |
| AGL | Essentials Saver | 10% Less Than Reference Price | $75 bill credit for online sign-up |
$1,663incl. conditional discount |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 10% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,750 |
| Alinta Energy | No Fuss | 9% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,766 |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 9% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,769 |
| Energy Locals | Online Saver | 2% Less Than Reference Price | $84/year credit for paying on time | $1,822incl. conditional discount |
| Dodo Power & Gas | Market Offer | 5% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,835 |
| Lumo Energy | Basic | 5% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,835 |
| Commander | Market Offer | 5% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,837 |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 4% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,864 |
| EnergyAustralia | No Frills | 4% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,871 |
| Diamond Energy | Diamond Standard | 1% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,914incl. conditional discount |
| Click Energy | Banksia | 1% Less Than Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,921 |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,933 |
| Amaysim Energy | Electricity As You Go | Equal To Reference Price | No conditional discounts | $1,950 |
| Basic Plan Information Documents | ||||
The table below shows the general usage rates and daily supply charges of the South Australian 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 Saver | 35.12¢/kWh | 77.52¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Alinta Energy | No Fuss | 33.17¢/kWh | 91.30¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Amaysim Energy | Electricity As You Go | 40.49¢/kWh | 76.74¢/kWh | Basic Plan Information |
| Click Energy | Banksia | 39.02¢/kWh | 98.66¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Commander | Market Offer | 35.65¢/kWh | 97.68¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Diamond Energy | Diamond Power | 36.59¢/kWh | 95.65¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Discover Energy | Ultimate Offer | 38.72¢/kWh | 87.33¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 35.65¢/kWh | 97.68¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| EnergyAustralia | No Frills | 38.50¢/kWh | 77.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Energy Locals | Online Saver | 35.00¢/kWh | 125.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 31.54¢/kWh | 95.66¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Lumo Energy | Basic | 35.39¢/kWh | 101.20¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Momentum Energy | SmilePower Flexi | 33.45¢/kWh | 104.49¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Origin Energy | Max Saver – Online Special | 40.24¢/kWh | 90.81¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 30.66¢/kWh | 103.22¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powerdirect | Discount Saver | 40.38¢/kWh | 89.10¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Powershop | Shopper Market Offer | 37.60¢/kWh | 119.12¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| QEnergy | Home Your Way | 40.30¢/kWh | 88.00¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 36.41¢/kWh | 97.90¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
| Simply Energy | Simply RAA | 36.00¢/kWh | 98.63¢/day | Basic Plan Information |
Rates from SA Power network in Adelaide. Rates last updated October 2019. Use our comparison tool for specific details in your area.
If you live in Adelaide, you’re supplied energy through the SA Power network. The suburbs listed below fall within this electricity distribution network:
Those living outside of Adelaide are also provided with electricity by the SA Power network. Here are the broad areas and largest suburbs on this distribution network outside Adelaide:
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 South Australia, have an electricity account, and pay the bills – in this case, 734 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.
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2018)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2016)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2015)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2014)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2013)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2012)
Electricity Providers – South Australia (2010)
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