Cheapest Electricity: 2022 Prices by State & How to Compare
Perhaps the single biggest factor when it comes to switching energy providers in Australia is cost. The price of energy is on the rise and by comparing energy plans and switching to a better deal, you can save money on your energy bills. It can be overwhelming to try and compare electricity plans from the 30+ energy providers in Australia, however, but with Selectra you can easily find the best electricity provider in your state and switch today.
Cheapest Electricity Plans by State
Each state has their own rules and regulations meaning that finding cheap electricity plans depends on the state in which you live.
In the sections below we cover information about the status of the electricity market in each state and detail the cheapest electricity plans that Selectra has found in each state.
Select your state from the drop-down list below to see electricity rates.
Cheap Electricity Plans NSW
Since the energy market was deregulated in 2014 in NSW, energy providers in New South Wales offer different electricity prices discounts.
This is actually good news for customers as it means you are likely to find cheap electricity plans available on the market. When comparing energy prices in New South Wales, you’ll want to pay attention to the discount off the reference price.
This discount shows how much less a provider’s electricity plan is, compared to the reference price for your energy distributor network.
Below, you will find a list of energy providers in New South Wales, along with their cheapest electricity plan and how much of a discount off the reference price they offer. We have calculated the estimated annual cost based on the average annual electricity usage for your network.
| Energy provider | Plan name | % off the reference price | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mojo Power | All Day Breakfast | 31% discount | $967 / year |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 29% discount | $994 / year |
| Alinta Energy | Home Deal | 25% discount | $1,044 / year |
| Energy Locals | Online Member | 24% discount | $1,054 / year |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 23% discount | $1,075 / year |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 23% discount | $1,079 / year |
| Nectr | Online | 22% discount | $1,081 / year |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | 22% discount | $1,084 / year |
| Elysian Energy | Power Maximiser | 22% discount | $1,089 / year |
| Simply Energy | Simply Blue Perks | 20% discount | $1,114 / year |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 20% discount | $1,115 / year |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure | 18% discount | $1,138 / year |
| Powershop | 100% Carbon Neutral | 18% discount | $1,140 / year |
| AGL | Super Saver | 18% discount | $1,15542 / year |
| Origin Energy | Origin Go | 18% discount | $1,142 / year |
| GloBird Energy | UltraSave | 16% discount + 1% direct debit discount |
$1,162 / year |
| CovaU | Freedom Plus | 6% discount | $1,164 / year |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | 16% discount | $1,170 / year |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 13% discount | $1,206 / year |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver | 10% pay-on-time discount | $1,224 / year |
| Enova Energy | Community Plus | 11% discount + 3% pay-on-time discount |
$1,237 / year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 11% discount | $1,240 / year |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve | 9% discount | $ 1,267 / year |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 8% above the reference price + 10% pay-on-time discount with direct debit |
$1,355 / year |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | Wholesale rates - discounts vary | $1,462 / year |
Source: Energy providers basic plan. Rates valid within Ausgrid Distribution Network on a single-rate tariff. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost includes conditional discount and are based on average usage of 3,900kWh/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid July 2021.
We also recommend taking a look to see if you qualify for discounts and rebates in NSW such as the low-income energy rebate, solar energy rebate, and the family energy rebate.
Cheap Electricity Plans VIC
The energy market in Victoria has been deregulated since 2009 allowing enough time for the market to fully embrace comparisons and switching.
In fact, according to Selectra's study on the average energy bill in Australia, residents of Victoria have the lowest bills in Australia. This is thanks to the 22 different energy suppliers operating in the state and competing on price.
If you’re interested in finding the cheapest electricity plans in Victoria, pay attention to the discount off the reference price. This discount shows how much less (or in some instances more) you will be paying compared to the government-set Victorian Default Offer. Keep in mind some households with solar panels could qualify for a solar rebate in Victoria and help reduce your electricity bill.
Below you’ll find a list of electricity providers in Victoria, along with their cheapest available electricity plan, the discount off the reference price, and estimated annual cost for the average energy usage for that postcode.
| Energy provider | Plan name | % off the reference price | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 21% discount | $1,008 / year |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 20% discount | $1,011 / year |
| Alinta Energy | Home Deal | 20% discount | $1,013 / year |
| Elysian Energy | Power Maximiser | 17% discount | $1,059 / year |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 16% discount | $1,069 / year |
| ReAmped Energy | Handshake | 16% discount | $1,071 / year |
| Energy Locals | Online Member | 16% discount | $1,072 / year |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve - Online only | 14% discount | $1,095 / year |
| Tango Energy | Home Select | 14% discount | $1,089 / year |
| Simply Energy | Simply Blue | 14% discount | $1,092 / year |
| Lumo Energy | Value | 13% discount | $1,094 / year |
| AGL | Super Saver | 13% discount | $1,105 / year |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | 13% discount | $1,105 / year |
| Diamond Energy | Eeryday Renewable Saver | 2% discount + 10% conditional discounts |
$1,117 / year |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 12% discount | $1,117 / year |
| Origin Energy | Origin Go | 12% discount | $1,120 / year |
| 1st Energy | 1st Saver Plus | 6% discount | $1,185 / year |
| Powershop | 100% Carbon Neutral | 8% discount | $1,168 / year |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure | 7% discount | $1,175 / year |
| CovaU | Super Saver Plus | 6% discount | $1,188 / year |
| GloBird Energy | SureSave | 1% direct debit discount | $1,257 / year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 1% discount | $1,257 / year |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | Wholesale rates - discounts vary | $1,270 / year |
Source: Energy providers basic plan. Rates valid within Citipower distribution network on a single-rate tariff. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost includes conditional discount and are based on average usage of 4,000kWh/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid July 2021.
Cheap Electricity Plans QLD
While those living in regional or rural Queensland don’t have the ability to choose their energy provider, with their electricity both retailed and supplied by Ergon Energy, those who live in South-East Queensland enjoy full retail contestability. This means you are free to compare electricity providers and switch whenever you like.
If you live in South-East Queensland, you can choose your energy provider, allowing you to find the cheapest electricity rates in Queensland so you can make sure you’re saving as much as you can on your energy bill. Here you can find the cheapest electricity providers and plans in South-East Queensland.
Electricity providers are listed alongside their cheapest electricity plan, as well as the discount off the reference price, and estimated annual cost based on the reference price and average annual usage for those in the distribution network.
| Energy provider | Plan name | % off the reference price | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 26% discount | $1,080 / year |
| Mojo Power | All Day Breakfast | 26% discount | $1,083 / year |
| Elysian Energy | Power Maximiser | 18% discount | $1,189 / year |
| AGL | Super Saver | 8% discount | $1,193 / year |
| Nectr | Online | 18% discount | $1,196 / year |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 17% discount | $1,200 / year |
| Sumo | Sumo Assure Advantage | 17% discount | $1,201 / year |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 17% discount | $1,205 / year |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home FlatSimply NRMA | 17% discount | $1,205 / year |
| Simply Energy | Simply Blue Perks | 16% discount | $1,222 / year |
| Enova Energy | The One Plan | 16% discount + 3% pay-on-time discount |
$1,235 / year |
| GloBird Energy | UltraSave | 8% discount + 7% conditional discounts |
$1,239 / year |
| Alinta Energy | HomeDeal Energy | 14% discount | $1,244 / year |
| AGL | Essential | 17% discount | $1,251 / year |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | 14% discount | $1,251 / year |
| Origin Energy | Origin Go | 14% discount | $1,251 / year |
| CovaU | Freedom Plus | 14% discount | $1,252 / year |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 14% discount | $ 1,257 / year |
| Powershop | 100% Carbon Neutral | 12% discount | $1,282 / year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | 10% discount | $1,302 / year |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve | 10% discount | $1,309 / year |
| 1st Energy | Living Energy Saver | 7% pay-on-time discount | $1,342 / year |
| Energy Locals | Online Member | 6% discount | $1,361 / year |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 6% above the reference price + 10% conditional discounts |
$1,389 / year |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | Wholesale rates - Discounts vary | $1,508 / year |
Source: Energy providers basic plan. Rates valid within Energex distribution network on a single-rate tariff. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost include conditional discount and are based on average usage of 4,600kWh/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid July 2021.
We also recommend seeing if you qualify for the Queensland government energy rebate or a solar energy rebate in Queensland.
Cheap Electricity Plans SA
South Australia has some of the highest electricity costs in the country, which makes finding the cheapest electricity plans all the more important.
Here, you can find some of the cheapest electricity plans available, helping you save money on your energy bills. Electricity plans in South Australia are compared using the discount off the reference price, which is set by the government and based on your distribution network.
Below, you will find the cheapest electricity providers and plans in South Australia, along with the estimated annual cost for the average electricity usage in your area, and the discount you can expect with that electricity plan.
| Energy provider | Plan name | % off the reference price | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elysian Energy | Power Maximiser | 31% discount | $1,180 / year |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 19% discount | $1,384 / year |
| OVO Energy | The One Plan | 18% discount | $1,409 / year |
| Energy Locals | Online Member | 13% discount | $1,488 / year |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | 18% discount | $1,414 / year |
| Kogan Energy | Market Offer | 17% discount | $1,432 / year |
| Powershop | 100% Carbon Neutral | 15% discount | $1,459 / year |
| Alinta Energy | HomeDeal Energy | 14% discount | $1,476 / year |
| Origin Energy | Origin Go | 14% discount | $1,476 / year |
| Nectr | Online | 14% discount | $1,482 / year |
| Simply Energy | Simply RAA Members | 12% discount | $1,510 / year |
| 1st Energy | First Saver | 10% pay-on-time discount | $1,510 / year |
| AGL | Super Saver | 6% discount | $1,610 / year |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | 6% discount | $1,613 / year |
| GloBird Energy | UltraSave | 4% conditional discounts | $1,644 / year |
| Momentum Energy | Self Serve | 3% discount | $1,664 / year |
| Dodo | Market Offer | 3% discount | $1,670 / year |
| Lumo Energy | Lumo Plus | 1% discount | $1,683 / year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Save | 1% discount | $1,698 / year |
| Diamond Energy | Everyday Renewable Saver | 11% above the reference price + 10% conditional discounts |
$1,698 / year |
| Mojo Power | Standing Offer | Equal to reference price | $1,716 / year |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | Wholesale rates - Discounts vary | $1,716 / year |
Source: Energy providers basic plan. Rates valid within SA Power Networks on a single-rate tariff. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost includes conditional discount and are based on average usage of 4,000kWh/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid July 2021.
Keep in mind, some household could reduce their energy bills with a concessions energy discount or a solar rebate from the South Australian government,
Cheap Electricity Plans Canberra, ACT
The government still regulates the energy market in the ACT which means that all energy providers will have the same prices.
However, there are a few residential electricity providers who have special electricity rates and offers in and around Canberra. This means that you could save money by switching to a cheaper electricity plan, so it's a good idea to compare electricity providers.
To help you with this, below we have compiled a list of the cheapest electricity plans for providers in the ACT. We have categorised them by their usage rates and supply charges, as well as the estimated annual cost based on an average usage of 6,533kWh per year.
| Provider | Energy plan name | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| ActewAGL | Simple Saver plan | $1,920 / year |
| Amber Electric | Amber Plan | $2,170 / year |
| Elysian Energy | Power Maximiser | $1,440 / year |
| EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | $1,905 / year |
| Energy Locals | Online Member | $1,685 / year |
| Origin Energy | Origin Go | $1,540 / year |
| Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | $1,880 / year |
| Radian Energy | Grid to Go | $1,530 / year |
| ReAmped Energy | ReAmped Advance | 1,480 / year |
| Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | $1,730 / year |
| Social Energy | Basic Plan | $1,670 / year |
Rates valid for postcode 2600 within EvoEnergy distribution network on a single-rate tariff. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost based on average usage of 6,533kWh/year. Actual plans and rates vary depending on location. Valid July 2021.
Need Help Switching Electricity or Gas Provider?
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How to Find the Cheapest Electricity
Finding cheap electricity requires patience and some knowledge of the energy market in your area and how to read and compare electricity rates.
The main things to look at when trying to find cheap electricity are:
- Look for the plan with the lowest usage rates.
- Look for low supply charges, but keep this as a second priority.
- Compare electricity plans to the Reference Price.
Usage Rates, Supply Charge & Reference Price
The most important point on this list is to prioritise finding a plan with the lowest usage rates.
Usage rates are prices you are charged for each unit of energy that you use.
The key to finding a cheap electricity plan is to keep your usage rates low. Since your usage rates get multiplied by the amount of energy you use, this is where the bulk of your energy bill will come from.
The other charge you should look out for is the supply charge, which is the price you pay for simply having the property connected to an energy supply.
Therefore, the supply charge, usually a few cents per day, gets multiplied by the number of days in the billing cycle. Therefore, the supply charge will only represent a fraction of your monthly bill. This is why we suggest keeping a low supply charge a second priority when looking for cheap electricity.
Lastly, the reference price is set by the government and can be used as a quick and easy way to know how much cheaper a plan is overall. It's useful to look at because it's a relative summary of the usage rates and the supply charges you can look at without having to do any math.
Other things to consider when looking for cheap electricity are:
- The type of tariff (variable or fixed)
- Keep in mind how long you plan on staying in the contract.
- Look for a contract with little to no exit fees.
- Paying with direct debit is often cheaper.
- Search for extra energy rebates & discounts to help you save more.
- Check how long the discount will last versus the contract length and exit fees.
- Ask around for deals for new customers or dual fuel discounts.
Contract, Exit Fees & Type of Tariff
You will also want to consider how long the contract is for.
This is important as sometimes you may be locked into a contract and be charged a fee if you leave early. Generally, as a rule of thumb, it will be cheaper for you to have a contract with exit fees than to have a contract without exit fees. However, some newer companies do not charge exit fees.
Check and see if the energy tariff is variable or fixed.
With a variable tariff, the usage rates can fluctuate based on changes in the price of energy on the wholesale market. Therefore, you could start out with cheap electricity only to have your electricity rates go up in a few months. This could leave you spending more than if you have been on a fixed tariff, also known as a flat-rate tariff.
A fixed tariff means that the energy company guarantees your electricity rates will stay the same for the duration of the contract. Having a fixed tariff can insulate you from price jumps.
Selectra recommends looking for a fixed rate tariff as they are generally cheaper and can protect you from volatile price rises. Generally paying with direct debit is also cheaper, and an easy way to get a discount on already-cheap electricity.
Lastly, take a look around for discounts and energy rebates. You may be entitled to solar rebates, senior discounts, low-income support, or Centrelink energy assistance payments.
Need energy advice?
Our Energy Experts can help you Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.
Are Energy Prices Rising?
Energy prices are rising in Australia thanks to a few different factors:
- Lack of investment in energy infrastructure
- Volatile prices in the gas market
Energy producers and distributors have slowed investments in energy infrastructure across Australia in recent years and claim that it is due to conflicting policy in renewable energy plans.
Unclear objectives, plans and regulations regarding energy suppliers and the future green energy transition targets means that many energy companies are hesitant to invest in infrastructure that could potentially be useless as a result of new green energy transition regulation.
On a similar note, the fossil fuel industry is also experiencing volatility in wholesale market prices due to factors such as supply and demand, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicting policy on renewable energy plans as mentioned before.
Despite these two factors affecting energy prices, most of Australia benefits from a deregulated energy market meaning that competition between energy suppliers abounds making it easier for customers to find deals on energy as energy companies try to undercut their competitors on price.
There are several things you will need to know before being able to compare electricity plans and find the cheapest electricity for you. Below we explain how to find cheap electricity and gas in Australia.
Why Should I Switch Energy Provider?
If you haven't already been convinced by the information we have shared about finding cheap electricity, perhaps you should reconsider, as you may be on an expensive energy plan.
Looking to compare gas providers? Compare the best gas providers and cheapest gas providers in Australia
Most energy plans are on what is called a benefit period, which refers to the amount of time you'll receive discounts or incentives on your energy bill. The benefit period usually lasts a year, though some providers have benefit periods of up to three years, and once it expires you'll often be put on the Default Market Offer, which usually means more expensive electricity rates.
By comparing energy plans regularly, and switching to a cheaper energy provider, some customers have saved hundreds of dollars per year on their electricity and gas bills.
- Not sure which energy provider is best? Compare energy providers and discover:
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