Compare Electricity & Gas in South Australia | SA Electricity Rates
Looking for information about the SA Energy Market? You are in the right place! SA is the most Australian estate with the most expensive energy rates and one with no shortage of electricity providers, which is why it can be a bit overwhelming to delve into it. With this guide, we bring you the key aspects you should look for when choosing the best energy provider in South Australia right from the start.
Compare Cheapest Electricity South Australia
How much you pay for electricity will ultimately boil down to your energy plan and type of tariff, so you must stay up to date with the best offers in the market as you could be paying more than your neighbour for the same energy usage! If you don't know what type of tariff you are in, the easiest way to find out is reading your bill.
| Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Price | Discount off Reference Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
 Energy Locals Online Member |
$120 / month $1,820 / year |
20% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 78.00c/day |
 Ovo Energy The One Plan |
$140 / month $1,930 / year |
15% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 148.50c/day |
 SUMO Lite Residential |
$110 / month $2,090 / year |
8% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 121.00c/day |
Other Cheapest Electricity Plans in South Australia, December 2023
| Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Price | Discount off Reference Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| SonnenFlat Economy | $60 / month $710 / year |
-69% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible *Sonnen Battery Customers Only Daily Supply Charge: 0.00c/day |
| Arcstream Standard Plan | $65 / month $880 / year |
-61% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible *Qcell Battery Customers Only Daily Supply Charge: 0.00c/day |
| GloBird Energy BOOST Residential | $145 / month $1,740 / year |
-24% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 99.00c/day |
| Lumo Basic | $155 / month $1,790 / year |
-21% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 92.57c/day |
| Red Energy Living Energy Saver | $155 / month $1,830 / year |
-20% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 93.50c/day |
| The People's Grid Zero Member Fee Anytime | $155 / month $1,840 / year |
-19% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 110.00c/day |
| CovaU Freedom Residential Single | $155 / month $1,840 / year |
-19% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 103.60c/day |
| Zen Energy Standing Offer | $113 / month $1,840 / year |
-19% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 100.00c/day |
| Origin Value | $160 / month $1,890 / year |
-17% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 108.67c/day |
| Amber Energy Amber Plan Variable Wholesale Prices | $165 / month $1,900 / year |
-17% | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 104.48c/day |
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $180 / month $2,110 / year |
-7% off | Benefits: Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 106.66c/day |
| Dodo Residential Standing Offer | $180 / month $2,140 / year |
-6% off | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 157.69c/day |
| Simply Energy Simply Members | $185 / month $2,160 / year |
-5% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, Smart Meter Compatible & Additional Discounts and Rewards Daily Supply Charge: 120.77c/day |
| ReAmped Advance | $185 / month $2,170 / year |
-5% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 123.67c/day |
| Kogan with Free Kogan First | $185 / month $2,180 / year |
-4% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 147.03c/day |
| Momentum Energy Nothing Fancy Electricity | $185 / month $2,180 / year |
-4% OFF | Benefits: E-Billing, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 169.29c/day |
| Powershop 100% Carbon Neutral | $185 / month $2,180 / year |
-3% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 147.03c/day |
| Alinta Priority Plus | $130 / month $2,200 / year |
-4% OFF | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 98.74c/day |
| EnergyAustralia Basic Home | $195 / month $2,270 / year |
Same as reference price | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 104.50c/day |
| Nectr Standing Offer | $195 / month $2,270 / year |
Same as reference price | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 142.12c/day |
| 1st Energy Standing Offer | $195 / month $2,280 / year |
Same as reference price | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 110.00c/day |
| Diamond Energy Everyday Renewable Saver | $195 / month $2,280 / year |
Same as reference price | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 88.00c/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 Adelaide (5000) with an average use of 4,000kWh/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. Valid December 2023.
See important information close
Now that you’ve seen the cheapest electricity plans in SA, and understand what to look for when comparing cheap electricity plans, let's talk about some of the providers that offer the best electricity in NSW.
EnergyLocals SA
Energy Locals offers multiple electricity plans with steep discounts.
Their cheapest electricity plan in new south wales is the EnergyLocals Online Member Plan which offers an 11% discount and a flat rate.
This plan doesn’t require a lock-in contract, and offers a $12.99/month membership fee credited back if you stay with Energy Locals for 6 months. You must pay via direct debit for this plan, but the prices make it worth it!
Another great choice for the best electricity plans in SA is the EnergyLocals Local Member Plan. With this plan you can enjoy flexible payment methods, no exit fees, and the $17.99/month membership fee credited back if you stay with Energy Locals for 6 months.
Both of the EnergyLocals plans offer 100% carbon offset, making EnergyLocals a great energy provider for those interested in helping the environment.
| Plan Name | IO Sustainable Home Plan | Energy Locals Online Member | Energy Locals Local Member |
| Discount Off the Reference Price | -25% off | -20% off | -18% off |
| Daily Supply Charge | 145.00c / day | 78.00c / day | 78.00c / day |
| Usage Rates | 12.0c to 53.0c / kWh | 27.0c to 42.0c / kWh | 27.0c to 42.0c / kWh |
|
Solar Feed-In |
4.0c to 20.0c / kWh exported | 6.0c / kWh exported | 6.0c / kWh exported |
|
Estimated Annual Cost |
$1,720 / year | $1,820 / year | $1,880 / year |
Source: EnergyLocals. Rates based on electricity distributor for postcode 5000 in Adelaide with an average usage of 4000kWh/year. December 2023.
OVO Energy SA
OVO Energy is a well-known UK energy provider that has recently expanded into Australia. They offer only one electricity plan that's very cheap in South Australia. The OVO Energy "The One Plan" comes with a discount of up to 24% off the reference price, depending on where you live in NSW. In addition, OVO Energy offers 10% GreenPower automatically, but for an additional cost can be bumped up to 100% GreenPower.
| Plan Name | The One Plan | The Basic Plan | Standing Offer Plan | The EV Plan | The Basic EV Plan |
| Reference Price Discount | -15% off | -11% off | -10% off | +6% higher | +11% higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Supply Charge | 148.50c / day | 155.39c / day | 156.53c / day | 148.50c / day | 155.93c / day |
| Usage Ratese | 27.61c to 45.21c / kWh | 28.99c to 47.47c / kWh | 29.04c to 47.52c / kWh | 33.13c to 54.25c / kWh | 34.79c to 56.96c / kWh |
| Estimated Annual Bill (discounts included*) |
$1,930 per year | $2,030 per year | $2,040 per year | $2,410 per year | $2,530 per year |
Source: OVO Energy. Rates based on electricity distributor for postcode 5000 in Adelaide with an average usage of 4000kWh/year. Valid December 2023.
SUMO Energy SA
SUMO Energy consistently ranks among the cheapest electricity in SA. Their SUMO Assure comes with a whopping 15% discount off the reference price.
| Plan Name | Sumo Light Residential | Sumo Standing Offer |
| Discount Off the Reference Price | 8% discount | Same as reference price |
| Daily Supply Charge | 121.00c / day | 116.27c / day |
| Usage Rates | 36.41c to 50.93c / kWh | 46.20c / kWh |
| Estimated Annual Cost | $2,090 / year | $2,270 / year |
Source: SUMO Energy. Rates based on electricity distributor for postcode 5000 in Adelaide with an average usage of 4000kWh/year. Valid December 2023.
- In Summary, The Cheapest Electricity Providers in South Australia Are:
- Energy Locals
- GloBird Energy
- Lumo Energy
- Red Energy
- CovaU Energy
While these companies represent the best electricity deals in South Australia, this doesn't necessarily mean they are the best energy provider in Adelaide.
The "best energy provider in Adelaide" is a tough nut to crack as "best" can mean many things, including customer service, solar deals, green energy, etc. Therefore, it really depends on what you are looking for. However, you can count on us to get to the bottom of this question.
Read on as we dive into these topics a bit further.
Need Energy Advice ?
Selectra's energy experts are available to help you free of charge
(Free Selectra Service - Currently open)
Greenest Energy Providers SA
When you go to compare electricity in SA, price likely won't be your only deciding factor. One thing we commonly see that's high on people's list is finding green energy providers in South Australia. For that, look no further!
- The 3 Greenest Energy Providers Operating in South Australia Are:
- Diamond Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Energy Locals
Diamond Energy
According to the most recent Green Electricity Report put forth in the annual Green Energy Report by GreenPeace, Diamond energy ranks as the greenest energy provider operating in South Australia!
Diamond Energy received a 10/10 score for its green activities and is special because it generates more renewable electricity than its customers use.
It was also touted as one of the top 2 suppliers in Australia that is having the most significant impact on the Australian renewable energy market.
Momentum Energy
Momentum Energy ranks as the second greenest energy supplier in South Australia with a score of 8.6/10.
Momentum is part of the green energy producer Hydro Tasmania. The majority for energy produced by Hydro Tasmania comes from hydroelectric power plants.
Momentum continually invests in renewable energy and also supports the movement toward residential solar PV systems.
Energy Locals
Energy Locals ranks as the third greenest energy provider in South Australia with a score of 7.6/10.
Energy Locals stands out thanks to its innovative model that helps local communities take ownership of their energy usage and become independent from the electricity grid. Energy Locals operates on a wholesale membership basis.
Customers pay a monthly membership fee in exchange for access to cheaper wholesale energy prices. All energy sold by Energy Locals is 100% carbon neutral.
Did you know?If you find yourself in a dispute with your energy provider, the South Australia Energy Ombudsman can help mediate and resolve your dispute for free.
Gas Providers SA
SA doesn't have many gas suppliers to choose from compared to other states like NSW, VIC or QLD, but it has some interesting rates and offers you should consider.
Cheapest Gas in SA
These are the cheapest gas rates in SA:
| Provider & Plan Name | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Rates | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GloBird Energy BOOST Residential |
71.50c / day | 2.50c to 4.88c / Mj | $920 / year |
| Lumo Energy Basic |
90.20c / day | 2.51c to 4.60c / Mj | $950 / year |
| AGL Residential Basics |
81.30c / day | 2.90c to 4.70c / Mj | $960 / year |
| CovaU Freedom Residential Gas |
90.33c / day | 2.96c to 4.80c / Mj | $980 / year |
| Origin Energy Value |
92.13c / day | 2.91c to 5.64c / Mj | $980 / year |
| Red Energy Living Energy Saver |
101.20c / day | 2.52c to 4.61c / Mj | $990 / year |
| Alinta Energy Priority Plus Gas |
71.19c / day | 3.99c to 5.85c / Mj | $1,070 / year |
| Simply Energy Simply Members |
68.88c / day | 3.14c to 8.10c / Mj | $1,160 / year |
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan |
99.33c / day | 3.25c to 6.85c / Mj | $1,170 / year |
Source: Energy providers basic plan. Valid within AGN distribution network. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost includes conditional discount and is based on average usage of 10,986.5Mj/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid December 2023.
Overview of The South Australian Energy Market
South Australians report the highest average annual electricity bills within the National Electricity Market.
The average electricity bill in South Australia typically costs households over $1,700 annually with average usage rates at about 36c/kWh. For this reason, it is not surprising that SA energy providers are especially keen on promoting their cheap rates, as it's what most SA Aussies look for when comparing SA electricity & gas plans.
If you are either living or looking to move to South Australia, you should get a grasp of its particular energy market to ensure you get the cheapest electricity prices.
South Australia Default Market Offer (DMO)
When comparing energy plans and providers, you’ve probably seen the reference price or Default Market Offer mentioned. The DMO is the electricity tariff set by the Australian government, used to cap energy prices and help consumers compare energy plans. While the DMO was first introduced to help those paying the historic Standing Offer, it is not always the cheapest offer available.
The Default Market Offer helps energy consumers in two ways:
To protect consumers from exponential energy prices if they choose not to engage with the energy market and instead remain on the DMO. While the DMO doesn’t necessarily offer the cheapest energy rates on the market it does prevent energy providers from charging you more if you don’t qualify for, or choose not to subscribe to, a discounted Market Offer.
To inform consumers about energy plan prices and how much less (or in some instances more) expensive an energy retailers market offer is, compared to the standard offer. This is often shown as “X% off the Reference Price” in the details about an energy providers electricity plan.
In South Australia, the Default Market Offer for residents connected to the SA Power network on a single rate tariff is $2,279 as of July 2023
Need Energy Advice ?
Selectra's energy experts are available to help you free of charge
(Free Selectra Service - Currently open)
SA Energy Providers
Thanks to South Australia’s deregulation of the energy market, and implementation of full retail contestability, residents of the state have many choices in energy providers and the ability to compare and switch energy providers and find the best plan for their household.
Below, we list some of the providers available in the state, as well as the fuel types they offer:
| SA Electricity Provider | Electricity | Gas |
| AGL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alinta Energy | ||
| Amaysim Energy | ||
| Amber Electric | ||
| Click Energy | ||
| Diamond Energy | ||
| Dodo | ||
| EnergyAustralia | ||
| Energy Locals | ||
| Lumo Energy | ||
| Momentum Energy | ||
| Origin Energy | ||
| OVO Energy | ||
| Powerclub | ||
| Powershop | ||
| ReAmped Energy | ||
| Red Energy | ||
| Simply Energy |
If you’re paying too much for your energy bills and want to switch energy providers, you can do so easily and for free in South Australia.
Simply sign up to the new plan or provider you want, and they’ll get in touch with your old provider and let them know you’ve switched. After your final meter read and final bill, you’ll start getting charged your new provider’s energy rates.
Should you run into any issues when switching or have a dispute with a supplier, the South Australian energy ombudsman will help you resolve your dispute.
Who Are the Biggest Energy Suppliers in South Australia?
Here is a list of the biggest electricity providers in SA and their % of market share:
- AGL Energy - 38%
- Origin Energy - 29%
- Simply Energy - 10%
- EnergyAustralia - 7%
- Alinta Energy - 5%
Together AGL and Origin Energy supply around 67% of the energy in South Australia.
Cost of Solar Panels in Adelaide
If you’re interested in investing in solar energy for your home in Adelaide, SA, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide, SA | $3,350 | $4,420 | $6,010 | $8,670 |
| National | $4,270 | $5,640 | $7,440 | $10,390 |
Valid December 2023.
SA Solar Feed-In Tariffs
South Australia is one of the most popular estates to get into solar. In 2021, SA set a world record in managing to generate more than 100% of the electricity demand only with solar.
For this reason, multiple providers are looking to promote their SA solar feed-in tariffs as many SA households have solar panels.
This is a list with the best SA solar feed-in tariffs:
| Provider Name | Minimum Solar FiT (kWh) | Maximum Solar FiT (kWh) |
| Energy Australia | 8.5c | 10.0c |
| Origin Energy | 6.0c | 20.0c |
| AGL | 6.0c | 12.0c |
| Energy Locals | 6.5c | 9.0c |
| Sumo Energy | 8.0c | 8.0c |
| Alinta Energy | 8.0c | 8.0c |
| 1st Energy | 8.0c | 8.0c |
| Simply Energy | 5.5c | 6.0c |
| CovaU Energy | 5.5c | 5.5c |
Usually, energy providers will offer a higher feed-in tariff rate for a lower discount off the reference price and vice versa. Choosing a feed-in tariff rate depends on the size of your solar PV system, and your lifestyle.
For this reason, it's best to compare the feed-in tariff rate versus the overall discount offered from the reference price. We recommend using the table below to compare rates with the table above.
Solar Rebates in South AustraliaYou may qualify for a solar rebate if you add solar panels to your property. See all South Australia Solar Rebates here.
Need Energy Advice ?
Selectra's energy experts are available to help you free of charge
(Free Selectra Service - Currently open)
Energy Distributors in SA
Despite its size, South Australian residents have their electricity and gas supplied to them by one electricity distributor and one gas distributor. While you pay your energy provider for the electricity or gas you use, it’s the energy distributor that actually supplies your house. In cases of power outage, electric or gas emergency, or any other disruption to the supply, it’s your energy distributor who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the gas and power lines. For any emergency or disruption, you’ll need to contact your energy distributor to get it fixed.
| Energy Distributor | Service District | Emergency Number | General Number |
| SA Power Networks (electricity) | All of South Australia | 131 366 | 131 261 |
| Australia Gas Networks (SA)(gas) | All of South Australia | Gas leak:1800 GAS LEAK Fault1800 898 220 |
1300 001 001 |
Energy Concessions in SA
To help residents with the rising cost of electricity in the state, the South Australian government offers a few energy concessions and rebates to assist households. However, if you’re having difficulty paying your energy bills, it’s best that you first call your energy provider to discuss all your options.
Some of the rebates in South Australia include:
- Energy Bill Concessions SA: Up to $226.67 per year
- Medical Heating and Cooling Concession SA: Up to $226.67 per year
- Cost of Living Concession SA: Between $105.40 and $210.70
- Energy Concession Discount Offer through Origin (South Australia): 20% off their electricity bill and 11% off their gas bill
If you are interested in renewable energy and transitioning your home to solar, South Australia also offers a solar rebate.
Click below to find a better deal for your home!