Energy in Canberra (ACT) | Compare Plans & Providers

Unlike other parts of the energy market in Australia, Canberra has stricter regulations when it comes to the sale of residential electricity and natural gas. In the capital, electricity prices are regulated and while this means households usually don’t need to worry about paying exorbitant energy bills, this also means there are fewer energy retailers, leading to fewer choices for the consumer. However, in recent months, more providers have begun to enter the market, so if you’re interested in learning more about electricity in the ACT continue to read below.

Compare Electricity Plans in Canberra, ACT

When comparing and switching energy providers, finding the cheapest plan is often the first thing we look for. Below, you can find a selection of the cheapest electricity plans from energy providers in Canberra, on a single-rate tariff.

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The ACT, while part of the National Electricity Market, still regulates prices more strictly than other states. This means that not as many providers want to retail within the ACT. However, providers in the ACT still offer discounts and deals so you can take control of your energy bills and save money.

Electricity Providers Canberra

With so few energy providers in the ACT, it might seem like there aren’t many differences between them. However, if you live in Canberra there are plenty of energy plans to choose from. Below you can find the electricity providers available in the ACT, and some of the most popular plans they offer.

Energy Locals

Energy Locals is a membership-based energy provider, offering cheaper energy rates with a fixed monthly membership fee which Energy Locals usually waives the first four months of your contract. Choose either their Online Member electricity plan which requires direct debit and online-only customer support, or choose Local Member for phone-based customer service and flexible payment methods with no credit card fees.

ActewAGL

ActewAGL is the largest energy retailer in the ACT, coming together as a joint-venture between historic energy provider AGL and the ACT government, with over 90% of the market share. ActewAGL's main plan is their Simple Saver plan, with which you get the lowest usage rates when you sign up for automatic payments with EvenPay.

Amber Electric

Amber Electric offers wholesale electricity, with real-time wholesale pricing to alert you when the cost of electricity is low or when it spikes so you can adjust your energy usage accordingly. Due to the fluctuations of wholesale electricity pricing throughout the day, below you will find the average discount customers in Canberra get when they switch to Amber Electric, as well as the average usage rates, fixed daily supply charge, and the maximum average price that would ever be passed onto the customers. This maximum average price also includes Amber Electric’s $15/month subscription fee.

EnergyAustralia

EnergyAustralia has four energy plans available to residents of the ACT, their Flexi plan that is offered in most of their states, the Balance Plan, the Basic Home plan and the Solar Max plan. All plans come with interesting feed-in tariffs.

Origin Energy

Origin Energy has many different electricity plans available, depending on whether you want the lowest available rates, highest solar feed-in-tariff, or just want to set and forget your plan without needing to worry about renewing it.

• Origin Go: Get low, fixed rates for 12 months
• Origin Solar Boost: Get the highest solar feed-in-tariff available through Origin Energy
• Origin Basic: Set and forget your Origin Energy plan, and get Origin’s ongoing base rate without the need to renew

ReAmped Energy

In the past, ReAmped Energy offered many different, flexible, electricity plans for residents in the ACT. Due to the ongoing energy crisis, ReAmped Energy only offers one plan, their ReAmped Anytime plan with low rates:​​​​​​​

Red Energy

Red Energy only offers one plan, but it's one of the cheapest in the ACT market.

Nectr Energy

Nectr Energy offers two electricity plans, "The GreenPower Plan" and "The 100% Carbon Neutral Plan". 100% Carbon Neutral plan comes with 100% carbon neutral energy and with the GreenPower Plan energy, your energy is carbon offset and generating renewable energy.

CovaU Energy

CovaU is a 100% Australian-owned, Sydney-based energy retailer that offers two plans in ACT. The first one is the Freedom Residential Single plan and the second is the Residential Basics plan. Both plans have the option for Solar Fit, GreenPower and are smart meter compatible.

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Compare Gas Plans in ACT

Not all electricity providers in Canberra also offer gas, so if you’re looking to bundle both electricity and gas in the ACT your choices are limited. However, it is also possible to purchase your electricity from one provider and gas from another.

Gas can get very expensive, so when it comes to comparing gas prices in ACT is important to ensure you’re getting the best gas plan available. Below, you can compare gas prices, to find the cheapest gas plan and provider for you.

Gas Rates in ACT

Rank	Energy Provider + Plan	Estimated Yearly Price	Additional Information
	Origin Energy Go Variable   1300 560 964 Sign Up Now Sign Up Now	$1,380 / year	Benefits: 12 Month Benefit Period     Daily Supply Charge: 59.32c/day
	Red Energy Living Energy Saver   1300 560 964 Sign Up Now Sign Up Now	$1,380 / year	Benefits: No Lock-In Contract     Daily Supply Charge: 68.20c/day
	ActewAGL Energy Capital Gas Plan   1300 560 964 Sign Up Now Sign Up Now	$1,680 / year	Benefits: 12 Month Benefit Period     Daily Supply Charge: 65.21c/day
	EnergyAustralia Standing Offer   1300 560 964 Sign Up Now Sign Up Now	$2,030 / year	Benefits: No Lock-In Contract     Daily Supply Charge: 88.88c/day
	CovaU Energy Freedom Residential Single	$2,350 / year	Benefits: No Lock-In Contract     Daily Supply Charge: 86.13c/day

*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don’t compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on gas distributor for postcode 2600 in ACT with an average usage of 42,078MJ / year. Calculations are based on the reference price for each area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid November 2024.

Important Information Show Less

Average Electricity Bill Canberra

While all households consume different amounts of energy every year, and their energy bills differ based on this usage, their provider, and plan, knowing if you’re above or below average in your energy usage habits and bills can tell you whether you need to make some changes to your energy consumption. Here you will find the average energy usage and energy bill for Canberra, based on data from different sources. 

Solar Energy in the ACT

Renewable energy, as a whole, is having a moment in the ACT. In 2020, the ACT achieved its 100% renewable energy target and is continuing to ensure it stays there as its population grows. However, when it comes to solar energy, Canberra is still lagging behind. While nationally, 1 in 4 households are benefiting from solar PV systems, only 20.7% of homes in Canberra have invested in solar panels.

Cost of Solar Panels in Canberra

If you’re interested in investing in solar energy for your home in Canberra, you’re in luck. The average cost of solar panels in the state is lower than the national average, according to SolarChoice June 2021 solar price report, which takes into account solar rebates available through the Renewable Energy Target small-scale certificates, and includes GST.

Solar Feed-In-Tariff Canberra

If you’re interested in investing in solar panels, or you already have solar panels, you’ll need to consider the solar feed-in tariff of your energy plan in order to get the most out of your investment. A solar feed-in tariff is the rate your energy provider pays you for the solar energy you generate which is sent back to the grid.

Below you will find some of the solar feed-in tariffs available to households with solar power in Canberra. It’s always best to consider all parts of your energy plan when comparing and switching, as a higher solar feed-in tariff often means more expensive energy rates or other eligibility requirements you will need to meet in order to access them.

Energy Distributors in ACT

If you’re experiencing a power outage in Canberra, or another energy supply issue, you’ll want to contact your energy distributor to let them know. While you purchase your electricity and gas from your energy provider, it’s the electricity and gas distributors who manage the actual infrastructure of the energy grid including any power outages, fallen lines, or the smell of gas.

In the ACT, most electricity and gas is supplied by Evoenergy, managed by ActewAGL, though some customers might find their energy is supplied by Essential Energy or another company in remote areas. If you have any doubts, you can find your energy distributor on your latest energy bill.

Did you know?You can find help resolving your disputes with your energy supplier with the ACT Ombudman. See the full guide to filing a complaint with the ombudsman.

Energy Rebates & Concessions in ACT

The ACT offers two energy rebates to residents who might need a little extra help with their energy bills:

1. The Utilities Concession
2. The Life Support Rebate

The Utilities Concession covers up to $700 annually for electricity, gas, and sewage.

The Life Support Rebate covers up to $128 annually for those who have medically necessary electronic life support equipment and have their energy sold to them through ActewAGL, Origin Energy, or EnergyAustralia.

Residents in the ACT have three energy concessions available for them.

Energy Rebates in the ACT include:

• Utilities Concession
• Life Support Rebate
• Medical Heating & Cooling Rebate

Continue reading for detailed information regarding these rebates and concessions available in the ACT below.