What's the Average Electricity Bill in Australia?
The average electricity bill across Australia is $1,645. Are you looking for the average energy bill for your state? In this article you can find average electricity costs and usage by state and city, gas/electricity rates, and daily supply charge. You will also be able to compare your average energy bill to other & major cities and find the best energy plans you can sign up for to keep your charges below the average electricity bill.
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Average Electricity Bill in Australia
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.
Below you can find the average electricity bill according to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) in their Annual Electricity Price Trend Report 2021.
What State Do You Live In?
Please select your state below to see the average electricity price in your state
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!
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.
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.
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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 | $1,228 | $1,228 / person |
| 2 | $1,292 | $646 / person |
| 3 | $1,380 | $460 / person |
| 4 | $1,432 | $358 / person |
| 5 | $1,352 | $270 / 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 $1,228 per year.
As the Electricity bill is not shared with anyone else, the average cost per person works out to be $1,228 / 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 $1,292 per year.
As the Electricity bill is split between 2 people, the average cost per person works out to be $646/ 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 $1,380 per year.
If you split the electricity bill 3 ways, each person would contribute $460 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 $1,432 per year.
Each person in the 4 person household would contribute $358 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 | $1,344 |
| 30 to 39 Years | $1,504 |
| 40 to 49 Years | $1,464 |
| 50 to 59 Years | $1,432 |
| 60 to 69 Years | $1,236 |
| 70 Years + | $1,072 |
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 April 2024.
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 April 2024.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,220 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 66.00c/day | ||
| AGL Value Saver | $1,290 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 79.20c/day | |
| Origin Go Variable | $1,340 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 86.06c/day | |
| $1,380 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 57.00c/day | ||
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan | $1,520 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 95.70c/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 Sydney (2000) with a low usage of 3,103kWh. 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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Compare Electricity Rates in Australian Capital Territory
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Go Variable | $1,210 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 135.58c/day | |
| $1,560 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 59.00c/day | ||
| Energy Australia Flexi Plan | $1,740 / year | 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 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 Janaury 2024.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Victoria
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| $950 / year | Benefits: No Lock-In Contract Daily Supply Charge: 66.00c/day | ||
| $1,000 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 58.00c/day | ||
| Origin Go Variable | $1,030 / year | Benefits: No Lock-In Contract Daily Supply Charge: 89.89c/day | |
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $1,080 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, Variable Rate Plan & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 91.05c/day | |
| EnergyAustralia Balance Plan | $1,150 / year | Benefits: Carbon Neutral, 1 Year Benefit Plan & $50 Onlne Sign Up Credit Daily Supply Charge: 115.25c/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 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. Last Updated January 2024.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Queensland
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,270 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 92.84c/day | ||
| $1,410 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 78.00c/day | ||
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $1,420 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 120.02c/day | |
| Origin Go Variable | $1,420 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 120.59c/day | |
| EnergyAustralia Basic Home | $1,560 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 115.50c/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 Brisbane (4000) with low usage of 3,395kwh/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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Compare Electricity Rates in South Australia
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Value | $1,640 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 101.06c/day | |
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $1,640 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 102.26c/day | |
| $1,670 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 78.00c/day | ||
| $1,740 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 106.70c/day | ||
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan | $1,760 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 104.50c/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 low usage of 2,920kWh. 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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Compare Electricity Rates in Tasmania
Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| $170 / month $1,990 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 89.00c/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 Hobart (7000) with low usage of 5,986kWh/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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