What's the Average Electricity Bill in Australia?
The average electricity bill across Australia is $1,645. See the average energy bill by state and city, gas/electricity rates, and daily supply charge. Wondering if your electricity bills match average bills for the rest of Australia? In this article, you will find what the average electricity bill is for all Australian states & major cities and the cheapest energy plans you can sign up for. Read on to keep your charges below the average electricity bill.
Average Electricity Bill in Australia - By State
The average electricity bill in Australia varies drastically from state to state.
Electricity bills in Australia are lowest in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland where we find the lowest electricity costs in Australia.
However, people living in the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia have the highest electricity costs in Australia.
Below, you can find a breakdown of the average annual electricity bill for Australians state-by-state according to the last official energy price trend report. Although prices can differ greatly amongst suburbs and household sizes, the table below can give you a good idea of whether or not you are paying above or below the average.
Here is how the average electricity bill looks like according to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) in their Annual Electricity Price Trend Report 2021:
State | Average Electricity Bill | Comparison to National Average |
|---|---|---|
National Average | $1,645 / year | National Average |
Sydney, New South Wales | $1,253 / year | 24% Lower than the average |
Canberra, Australia Capital Territory | $2,004 / year | 22% Higher than average |
Melbourne, Victoria | $1,290 / year | 22% Lower than average |
Brisbane, South-East Queensland | $1,226 / year | 25% Lower than average |
Adelaide, South Australia | $1,742 / year | 6% Higher than average |
Perth, Western Australia | $1,992 / year | 21% Higher than average |
Hobart, Tasmania | $2,004 / year | 22% Higher average |
Source: AEMC Annual Electricity Price Trend Report 2021. Western Australia report from Synergy Energy based on an average usage of a medium-usage customer with a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom household. The largest city has been taken as a reference point for average electricity bills in each state. Fact Checked & Valid December 2023.
IMPORTANT NOTICE! - Average Electricity Bill as of August 2022
Since June, Australia has begun to experience an energy crisis with bills climbing higher than normal for most households.
In July, all energy suppliers have re-evaluate their Default Market Offer (DMO) and increased the price of their energy plans. There is still time until the next official report, so you should consider updated researches that reflect July's rate increase!
This is how the average electricity bill looks like now according to a research by Canstar Blue:
- New South Wales: $1,424 / year
- Victoria: $1,272 / year
- Queensland: $1,244 / year
- South Australia: $1,516 / year
- Western Australia: $1,028 / year
Source: AEMC Annual Electricity Price Trend Report 2021 and Canstar Blue's Average Electricity Bill
The Australian Energy market is more volatile than ever, so we suggest you use the aforementioned numbers as reference and speak to an electricity retailer or a free advisor to compare the most updated plans and rates.
Did you know? At the beginning of the year new reports from the AEMC showed that electricity prices were to go down in the next few years as the government attempts to tackle inflating energy costs within the National Electricity Market. However, current trends point to a price increase instead.
Average Electricity Bill by State
When looking at the average energy bill for each location, it's important to remember that the costs listed above include both the highest and lowest prices paid in each state. Therefore, Despite the prices listed for the average energy bill for each state, it is possible to find cheaper deals and pay less.
In the next section, we compare the average energy bill in each state to the lowest offers on the market.
- Skip Ahead to Compare the Average Energy Bill per State:
- Average Electricity Bill Sydney
- Average Electricity Bill Canberra
- Average Electricity Bill Melbourne
- Average Electricity Bill Brisbane
- Average Electricity Bill Adelaide
- Average Electricity Bill Perth
(NSW) - Average Electricity Bill Sydney
The average electricity bill in Sydney is $1,253 per year, which is 24% lower than the national average.
While the average electricity bill in Sydney is $1253 per year, there are plenty of lower plans and NSW energy offers that can reduce your bill even more.
Below you can find the three cheapest electricity plans in Sydney, based on the reference price.
Provider & Plan | Lowest Electricity Bill (Annual) | Plan Details + Discover More |
|---|---|---|
$1,610 | Benefits: | |
$1,540 | Benefits: | |
$1,680 | Benefits: |
*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 Sydney (2000) with an average use of 3900kWh. 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 December 2023.
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(ACT) - Average Electricity Bill Canberra
The ACT tops the list of most expensive energy bills in Australia. The average electricity bill in Canberra is $2,004 per year, which is 22% higher than the national average.
As mentioned before this number represents the average electricity bill in Canberra, but cheaper offers can be found by simply taking a look around to compare and switch energy providers.
Below are the top three cheapest energy providers in Canberra, based on prices within the EvoEnergy distribution network.
Provider & Plan | Lowest Electricity Bill (Annual) | Plan Details + Discover More |
|---|---|---|
$2,030 | Benefits: |
*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 December 2023.
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(VIC) - Average Electricity Bill Melbourne
The average electricity bill in Melbourne is $1,290 per year, which is 22% lower than the national average.
The average electricity bill in Melbourne has come down in the last year and is now lower than the national average and other places across Australia.
See our table below where we have listed the three cheapest electricity plans based on the reference price for Melbourne, Victoria.
Provider & Plan | Lowest Electricity Bill (Annual) | Plan Details + Discover More |
|---|---|---|
$1,120 | Benefits: | |
$1,310 | Benefits: |
*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 Victoria (3000). Calculations are based on average usage of 4000kWh per year and the reference price for the Citipower Network in Melbourne. 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 December 2023.
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(QLD) - Average Electricity Bill Brisbane
The AEMC states that the average electricity bill for Brisbane is $1,226 per year, which is 25% lower than the national average.
While bills in Queensland tend to be lower than the Australian average, there are still plenty of energy providers offering even cheaper electricity rates.
Below are the three cheapest electricity plans and providers in Brisbane, based on the reference price for the city.
Provider & Plan | Lowest Electricity Bill (Annual) | Plan Details + Discover More |
|---|---|---|
$1,740 | Benefits: | |
$1,840 | Benefits: | |
$1,860 | Benefits: |
*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 Brisbane (4000) with average usage of 4600kWh/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. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2023.
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(SA) - Average Electricity Bill Adelaide
Energy bills have gone up in Adelaide in 2021. The average electricity bill in Adelaide is $1,742, which is 6% higher than the national average.
This means that residents of Adelaide in South Australia could be paying some of the highest electricity prices in the country.
As always, however, there are many providers in South Australia that offer cheaper electricity rates.
Below you can find the top three cheapest energy plans in Adelaide based on the reference price.
Provider & Plan | Lowest Electricity Bill (Annual) | Plan Details + Discover More |
|---|---|---|
$1,820 | Benefits: | |
$1,930 | Benefits: | |
$2,090 | Benefits: |
*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 4000kWh. 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 December 2023.
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(WA) - Average Electricity Bill Perth
According to Synergy Energy, the average electricity bill in Perth was reported to be 1,992 per year in 2021.
Perth is unique when it comes to energy in Australia. Unlike most of the rest of Australia, residents in Western Australia are unable to switch electricity providers due to the nature of the market.
Unfortunately, this means that Western Australians pay some of the highest electricity costs in the country!
Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce your electricity bill in Perth, implementing energy-saving techniques can help you to reduce your bill.
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Average Electricity Bill vs Household Size
Now that we have seen what the average electricity bills look like across Australia, let's take a look at the price-per-household size.
It makes sense that the larger your household, the larger your electricity bill will be. More people in a house usually means:
- A larger house with more rooms (more spaces to heat and cool)
- More devices are connected and plugged in at any one time (more energy consumption)
- More hot water used (if you have an electric water heater)
- More people in different rooms with the lights on
- More cooking, more opening of the refrigerator, etc..
- It's harder to take advantage of peak & off-peak electricity times
In the table below you can see the average annual electricity bill for each size household, and the breakdown of cost per person.
People in Household | Average Annual Electricity Bill | Electricity Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
1 | $932 | $932 / person |
2 | $1,136 | $568 / person |
3 | $1,344 | $448 / person |
4 | $1,516 | $379 / person |
5 | $1,596 | $319 / person |
Source: Canstar Blue Average Electricity Bill by Household Size Dec 2022.
According to a study by Canstar Blue which compared the average electricity bill by household size, across all states in Australia, adding another person to your household increases your electricity bill by a couple hundred dollars per year.
The smallest increase occurred within four-person households and five+-person households, where average annual electricity bills only increased by $80.
Average Electricity Bill for Families With Children Families with children pay on average significantly more than those without. According to a study by Finder about the average electricity bill by the number of children. Households pay $83 more per quarter or $332 per year!
Average Electricity Bill Per Person
What is the Average Electricity Bill for One Person in Australia?
As we have seen in the table above, the average electricity bill for one person in Australia works out to be $902 per year.
As the Electricity bill is not shared with anyone else, the average cost per person works out to be $902 / person.
What is the Average Electricity Bill for 2 Person Household?
As we have seen in the table above, the average electricity bill for a 2 person household in Australia works out to be $1,221 per year.
As the Electricity bill is split between 2 people, the average cost per person works out to be $610/ person.
What is the Average Electricity Bill for a 3 Person Household in Australia?
The average electricity bill for a 3 person household in Australia works out to be $1281 per year.
If you split the electricity bill 3 ways, each person would contribute $427 toward the cost of the energy bill.
What is the Average Electricity Bill for a 4 Person Household in Australia?
The average electricity bill for a 4 Person Household in Australia is $1,631 per year.
Each person in the 4 person household would contribute $408 toward the total cost of the bill.
Average Electricity Bill Based on Household Income
According to research done by Canstar Blue, lower income households tend to pay less for electricity than higher income households on average, though there could be other contributing factors as well. For instance, larger homes with higher energy requirements appear to be the norm for households with higher incomes. These results don't necessarily imply that families with lower incomes obtain better power arrangements.
Below are the average electricity bills per household income:
Household Income | Average Annual Electricity Bill |
|---|---|
Less than $30,000 | $1,000 |
$30,000 to $49,999 | $1,068 |
$50,000 to $79,999 | $1,124 |
$80,000 to $119,999 | $1,292 |
$120,000 + | $1,404 |
Source: Canstar Blue Average Electricity Bill by Household Income Dec 2022.
Average Electricity Bill Based on Age Group
Generally speaking, younger Australians pay the highest average bills, while older customers typically pay significantly less. This is primarily due to the fact that some electricity retailers give senior citizens with cards additional discounts, and pensioners may qualify for government rebates on their electricity bills.
But don't forget to take into account other variables that might affect these prices. For instance, younger people might live in larger homes with higher electricity consumption requirements, and older energy users are more likely to own solar energy systems. Additionally, younger Australians are more likely to rent their homes, where they might not be as concerned with getting a good power deal.
Here are the average power bills by age group across the country:
Age Group | Average Annual Electricity Bill |
|---|---|
18 to 29 Years | $1,308 |
30 to 39 Years | $1,384 |
40 to 49 Years | $1,308 |
50 to 59 Years | $1,232 |
60 to 69 Years | $1,080 |
70 Years + | $972 |
Source: Canstar Blue Average Electricity Bill by Age Group Dec 2022.
Average Electricity Cost in Australia
Knowing the average electricity cost per kWh in Australia can be a help immensely when comparing and switching electricity providers. Looking at price per kwh is the best way to compare the true cost of electricity as the price is not dependent on the amount of energy consumed.
Average electricity cost is highest in South Australia, while the cost of electricity is lowest in South-East Queensland and Victoria.
State | Average Electricity Usage Rates per kWh |
|---|---|
South-East Queensland | 24.72c / kWh |
New South Wales | 28,79c / kWh |
Victoria | 20.83c / kWh |
South Australia | 36.23c / kWh |
Source: Calculated average usage rates between leading electricity retailers within the NEM: AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia and Alinta Energy. Valid December 2023.
Your daily supply charge is how much your energy provider charges you to supply energy to your property. This is a fixed daily amount, in c/day, that is not affected by how much energy you use and applies to both electricity and gas supply. If you live in the National Electricity Market (Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, and South Australia), your energy provider is free to set their own daily supply charge.
State | Average Daily Supply Rate |
|---|---|
New South Wales | 87.83c / day |
South Australia | 96.79c / day |
Queensland | 113.06c / day |
Victoria | 111.58c / day |
Supply charges based on average rates for six energy providers in Australia: Origin Energy, AGL, EnergyAustralia, Alinta Energy, Red Energy, and Simply Energy. Rates vary depending on location. Valid December 2023.
Average Electricity Bill FAQ
Why is My Electricity Bill So High Australia?
There are various reasons why your bill was higher than you anticipated, even if you haven't made any significant adjustments to your way of life or how you use electricity at home. Let's examine the list below that highlights the top reasons why your electricity bill may be so high:
- Rising Rates
- Incorrect Usage Estimates
- Charges from Previous Billing Period
- New or Faulty Appliances
Which State Has the Highest Average Electricity Costs?
Average electricity cost is highest in South Australia, while the cost of electricity is lowest in South-East Queensland and Victoria.
What is the Average Electricity Bill in Australia?
The average electricity bill across Australia is $1,645.
Find a Better Than Average Electricity Plan
In searching for the best electricity plan, it is important to compare electricity rates to those from other top energy retailers. Below we have compared the rates, per state, for Selectra's top choices for energy retailers.
Compare Electricity Rates in New South Wales
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,540 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,610 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,640 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,640 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,680 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,730 / year | Benefits: |
*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 Sydney (2000) with an average use of 3900kWh. 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.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Australian Capital Territory
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,550 / year | Benefits: | ||
$2,030 / year | Benefits: | ||
$2,050 / year | Benefits: |
*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 December 2023.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Victoria
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,120 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,170 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,170 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,190 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,310 / year | Benefits: |
*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 Melbourne (3000) 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.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Queensland
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,740 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,740 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,840 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,860 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,870 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,960 / year | Benefits: |
*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 Brisbane (4000) with an average use of 4,600kwh/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.
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Compare Electricity Rates in South Australia
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,820 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,890 / year | Benefits: | ||
$1,930 / year | Benefits: | ||
$2,090 / year | Benefits: | ||
$2,110 / year | Benefits: | ||
$2,270 / year | Benefits: |
*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 4000kWh. 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.
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