Cheapest Gas & Electricity Canberra (ACT) | Compare Plans & Rates
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 Cheapest Energy 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.
Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Price | Discount off Reference Price | Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|
Origin Go Variable | $90 / month $1,160 / year | -54% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 80.27c/day |
ActewAGL Simple Saver Plan | $100 / month $1,200 / year | -53% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, Smart Meter Compatible & 12 Month Benefit Period Daily Supply Charge: 77.55c/day |
Red Energy Living Energy Saver | $100 / month $1,280 / year | -49% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, Smart Meter Compatible & Additional Discounts and Rewards Daily Supply Charge: 110.10c/day |
Amber Energy Variable Wholesale Prices | $120 / month $1,460 / year | -42% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 83.73c/day |
Energy Locals Online Member | $130 / month $1,560 / year | 38% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 59.00c/day |
Nectr 100% Clean Energy | $130 / month $1,560 / year | -38% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 98.54c/day |
CovaU Freedom Residential | $130 / month $1,640 / year | -35% | Benefits: E-Billing, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 103.13c/day |
ReAmped Energy Standard Plan | $130 / month $1,640 / year | -35% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 108.00c/day |
EnergyAustralia Basic Home | $130 / month $1,740 / year | -31% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 101.86c/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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with low usage of 4,344kWh/year. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Last Updated January 2024.
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Energy Providers in 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 energy 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.
Plan Name | Online Member | Local Member |
---|---|---|
Discount Off the Reference Price | -38% off | -36% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 59.0c / day | 59.0c / day |
Usage Rates | 26.50c / kWh | 26.50c / kWh |
Solar Feed-In | $7.1c / kWh exported | $7.1c / kWh exported |
Estimated Cost (*discounts included) | $1,560 / year | $1,620 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with a low usage of 4,344kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Last Updated January 2024.
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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.
Plan Name | Capital Electricity Plan | Direct Saver Plan | Simple Saver Plan | Battery Saver Plan | Home & Solar Saver Plans |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -34% off | -28% off | -27% off | -22% off | -15% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 100.10c / day | 97.35c / day | 103.40c / day | 108.00c / day | 108.00c / day |
Usage Rates | 21.17c / kWh | 23.86c / kWh | 24.20c / kWh | 28.80c / kWh | 28.80c / kWh |
Estimated Annual Cost | $1,660 / year | $1,810 / year | $1,850 / year | $1,980 / year | $2,150 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this 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 April 2024.
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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.
Plan Name | Standing Offer | Variable Wholesale Prices & Amber Plan + CBA | Amber Plan |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -15% off | -4% off | +25% higher |
Daily Supply Charge | 83.73c / day | 83.73c / day | 83.73c / day |
Usage Rates | 26.51c / kWh | 31.01c / kWh | 43.14c / kWh |
Estimated Cost |
$2,150 / year | $2,430 / year | $3,170 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid April 2024.
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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.
Plan Name | Basic Home, Flexi, Balance & Rate Fix Plan |
---|---|
Discount Off the Reference Price | -31% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 101.86c / day |
Usage Rates | 31.47c / kWh |
Estimated Annual Cost (discounts included) | $1,740 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with a low usage of 4,344kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Last Updated January 2024.
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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
Plan Name | Go Variable | Origin Basic & Standing | Home Support & Essentials Variable Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Discount Off the Reference Price | -54% off | -35% off | -35% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 80.27c / day | 114.68c / day | 114.68c / day |
Usage Rates | 16.56 - 22.12c / kWh | 28.39c / kWh | 28.39c / kWh |
Estimated Cost (*discounts included) | $1,160 / year | $1,650 / year | $1,650 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with a low usage of 4,344kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Last Updated Jauary 2024.
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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:​​​​​​​
Plan Name | ReAmped Anytime | ReAmped Handshake, Classic, Advance & Solar |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -26% off | +18% higher |
Daily Supply Charge | 52.80c / day | 76.90c / day |
Usage rates | 27.58c / kWh | 44.39c / kWh |
Solar Feed-In |
N / A | 0.0c / kWh |
Estimated Cost |
$1,880 / year | $2,990 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid April 2024.
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Red Energy
Red Energy only offers one plan, but it's one of the cheapest in the ACT market.
Plan Name | Red BCNA Saver, Living Energy Saver, Qantas Saver & EV Saver | Red Standing Offer |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -30% off | -18% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 115.50c / day | 103.13c / day |
Usage Rates | 22.00 to 24.20c / kWh | 27.68c / kWh |
Solar Feed-In |
6c / kWh exported | 6c / kWh exported |
Estimated Cost |
$1,760 / year | $2,070 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid April 2024.
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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.
Plan Name | GreenPower & Standing Offer | 100% Clean |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -15% off | -15% off |
Daily Supply Charge | 103.84c / day | 103.84c / day |
Usage Rates | 29.04c / kWh | 29.04c / kWh |
Solar Feed-In |
N / A | 4.4c / kWh exported |
Estimated Cost |
$2,150 / year | $2,150 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid April 2024.
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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.
Plan Name | Freedom Residential Single | Residential Basics |
Discount Off the Reference Price | -26% off | +51% higher |
Daily Supply Charge | 103.13c / day | 103.13c / day |
Usage Rates | 29.04c / kWh | 56.54c / kWh |
Solar Feed-In |
5.5c / kWh exported | 5.5c / kWh exported |
Estimated Cost |
$1,880 / year | $3,830 / year |
*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 electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid April 2024.
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Selectra's Energy Experts are Available to Help You Free of Charge
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Gas Providers Canberra
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. Below you will find the cheapest gas plans in Canberra, for the providers available in the territory.
Provider & Plan Name | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Rates | Estimated Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
ActewAGL Capital Gas Plan |
62.70c / day | 2.53 to 3.85c / day | $960 / year |
Energy Australia Basic Home |
82.98c / day | 3.30 to 4.17c / Mj | $1,100 / year |
RedEnergy Red BCNA Saver |
96.80c / day | 3.17c to 4.31 / Mj | $1,170 / year |
Origin Energy Origin Basic |
83.09c / day | 3.79c to 4.89 c / day | $1,230 / year |
CovaU Freedom Residential Gas |
86.13 / day | 4.84 to 5.91c / Mj | $1,280 / year |
*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 April 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.
Average Annual Electricity Consumption* | Average Annual Gas Consumption* | Average Annual Electricity Bill^ | Average Quarterly Gas Bill†|
---|---|---|---|
6,407kWh | 34,927Mj | $1,967 / year | $295 / quarter |
Sources: *AER Residential Energy Consumption Benchmarks December 2020. ^AEMC Annual Electricity Price Trend Report 2020. †Canstar Blue Average Gas Bill by State Feb 2021. Valid April 2024.
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.
3kW | 5kW | 7kW | 10kW | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canberra, ACT | $4,790 | $5,340 | $7,200 | $8,990 |
National | $4,270 | $5,640 | $7,440 | $10,390 |
Valid April 2024.
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.
Provider | Minimum FiT (c/kWh) | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) |
---|---|---|
ActewAGL | 7c | First 8kWh/day: 12c After: 7c |
Amber Electric* | 0c | N/A |
EnergyAustralia | 9.5c | 9.5c |
Energy Locals | 9.5c | 9.5c |
Origin Energy^ | 7c | 20c |
Powerclub | 0c | 7c |
Radian Energy | 6c | 6c |
ReAmped Energy | 0c | First 5kWh/day: 13c |
Red Energy | 9.4c | 9.4c |
Social Energy | 9c | First 300kWh/quarter: 40c After: 9c Must have solar + battery |
*Amber Electric solar FiT is based on the wholesale market and will fluctuate during the day. The average solar FiT is around 6.7c/kWh. ^Must purchase solar PV system through Origin Energy to qualify for 20c/kWh solar FiT. Valid April 2024.
ACT Energy Distributors & Power Outage Information
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.
Electricity Emergency | Natural Gas Emergency | Electricity Theft or Vandalism (Investigations team) |
---|---|---|
13 10 93 | 13 19 09 | 13 23 86 |
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.
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