Electricity and Gas State by State in Australia
The Australia energy market is not uniform across the country, and the state you live in will affect everything from energy prices, to providers you can choose, to the rebates and concessions you might be eligible for from the government. While some of the general rules and regulating bodies within the energy market are the same, it’s important to know what the electricity and gas market is like in your state, so you can make informed decisions to keep your energy bills low and choose the best electricity and gas provider for your household.
Summary:
- The energy market in Australia
- Electricity and gas in South Australia
- Electricity and gas in New South Wales
- Electricity and gas in Queensland
- Electricity and gas in the ACT
- Electricity and gas in Victoria
- Electricity and gas in Tasmania
- Electricity and gas in Western Australia
- Electricity and gas in Northern Territory
The energy market in Australia
Australia is divided into two distinct energy regions: the National Electricity Market (NEM) where your choice in provider is contestable and you can switch providers as you want, and the areas where the energy market is still regulated by the government and you don’t have a choice (or less of one) in your energy provider.
The NEM is the deregulated energy market within Australia and is the aggregate of regulating bodies, rules, infrastructure, and actors that make up the energy market. The NEM stretches across:
- South Australia
- New South Wales (and the ACT)
- South-East Queensland
- Tasmania
- Victoria
With some aspects of the market adopted in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Within the NEM, the government has put in place rules and regulations to not only protect consumers but ensure competition within the market, in order to keep energy prices from rising exponentially.
One of the biggest features within the NEM is the Default Market Offer or Victorian Default Offer (DMO and VDO respectively). The DMO and VDO, also known as the reference price, are the government-set energy rates, dependent on energy distribution zones, which have two main functions:
To help consumers make informed decisions about their energy provider, by requiring providers to state how much of a discount their plan is compared to the reference price
To protect consumers who do not wish to engage with the energy market, or who have never switched providers,, by allowing them to remain on the Standing Government Offer while avoiding exponential price increases.
Electricity and gas in South Australia
While South Australia might be part of the National Electricity Market, customers in the state have some of the highest energy prices across the country which is all the more reason to remain informed about the state of the energy market in SA.
Energy providers in South Australia
There are more than 24 different energy providers that retail in South Australia including some of the cheapest and greenest small energy retailers, as well as the well-known larger energy providers. Here we show a selection of different energy providers available in the state, and their annual average cost as well as how much their plan is compared to the reference price.
Provider + plan name | Lowest average annual cost* | Percentage off the reference price | |
---|---|---|---|
Green energy provider | Diamond Energy | $1,715 / year | Conditional discounts: 7% pay on time discount 3% direct debit discount |
Community-driven initiatives | Energy Locals | $1,772 / year | Conditional discount: 4% pay on time discount |
Wholesale energy | Powerclub | $1,414 / year | 23% discount off the reference price |
Big Three | Origin Energy | $1,539 / year | 16% discount off the reference price |
*Rates based on postcode 5000 within SA Power Networks distribution zone for a single-rate tariff. Rates subject to change and may vary based on distributor
Energy distributors in South Australia
The whole of South Australia has their electricity distributed to them through SA Power Networks, who maintain and repair the power lines. While your energy retailer is who you pay for your energy, it’s the distributor who actually supplies it to your home. If you’re ever experiencing an electricity or gas emergency or outage, it’s your energy distributor that will come out and fix the issue.
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 |
Average electricity costs in South Australia
South Australian’s pay some of the highest energy rates in the country, with the average annual electricity cost reaching over $1,750 per year, while households with pools shouldn’t be surprised if they pay over $2,000 per year on electricity alone. However, by utilizing energy-saving techniques, you can reduce your electricity and gas usage to lower your energy bills.
Energy rebates and concessions in South Australia
The price of electricity and natural gas has been increasing exponentially in recent years and it can be hard to keep up with your energy bills as a result. Thankfully, the government of South Australia offers multiple energy rebates and concessions to help struggling households. . Rebates and concessions in South Australia include:
- Energy Bill Concessions SA:Up to $226.67 per year
- Medical Heating and Cooling:Up to $226.67 per year
- Cost of Living Concession SA:Between $105.40 and $210.70 per year
- SA Concession Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) through Origin:Ongoing discount rate of 20% off electricity bill and ongoing discount rate of 11% off gas bill
Electricity and gas in New South Wales
As a state, New South Wales offers residents the greatest choice in energy providers, with over 30 retailers consumers can choose from. This is great news for those living in the state, as they pay some of the highest energy bills within the NEM. With a little information, customers can better understand the energy market in New South Wales and thus make better and more informed decisions on their energy provider and usage to help them save money and reduce their energy consumption.
New South Wales has among the largest number of energy providers residents can choose from. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest electricity retailer, the greenest, or most innovative, we outline some of the energy providers in the state below, along with their best plan and the percentage discount offered.
Provider + plan name | Lowest average annual cost* | Percentage off the reference price | |
---|---|---|---|
Green energy provider | Powershop Mega Packs |
$1,176 / year** | 18% discount off the reference price |
Community-driven initiatives | DC Power Co DC Power Plus |
$1,313 / year | 10% discount off the reference price |
Biggest discount | ReAmped Handshake |
$1,093 / year | 25% discount off the reference price |
Wholesale energy | Amber Electric Wholesale plan |
N / A Wholesale rates vary |
13% average discount off the reference price |
Big Three | AGL Essentials |
$1,214 / year | 17% discount off the reference price |
*Rates based on postcode 2000 within Ausgrid distribution zone for a single-rate tariff. Rates subject to change and may vary based on distributor
**Powershop savings depend on Powerpacks purchased and used
Energy distributors in NSW
NSW is covered by three gas and three electricity distributors, who not only supply energy to your home but also maintain and repair the electrical grid and gas pipelines. If you’re ever experiencing a gas or electricity emergency, such as an outage or the smell of gas, you’ll need to call your energy distributor’s emergency number to have the problem resolved.
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Endeavour Energy | Southern & western metropolitan Sydney | 131 003 | 131 718 |
Essential Energy | Country & regional NSW & some ACT | 132 080 | 132 391 |
Ausgrid | Inner, northern & eastern metropolitan Sydney and surrounds | 131 388 | 131 535 |
Evoenergy | ACT | 131 093 | 132 386 |
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Central Ranges Pipeline | Tamworth | 1800 676 300 132 771 131 909 |
(02) 6761 5522 |
Jemena Gas Networks (NSW) | Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong and parts of country NSW | 131 909 | 1300 137 078 |
Wagga Wagga Gas Distribution Network (Australia Gas Networks) | Wagga Wagga | Gas leak:1800 GAS LEAK Fault1800 898 220 |
1300 001 001 |
Evoenergy | ACT | 131 909 | 132 386 |
Average electricity costs NSW
It’s no secret that energy costs are on the rise in Australia, with places like South Australia and New South Wales getting hit with the highest energy prices in the country. After South Australia, NSW comes in second in terms of electricity costs, with an average of $1,627 per year for households without a pool.
These numbers might look scary but the best way to combat these rising costs is to utilize energy-saving measures, from small tips and tricks such as unplugging appliances you aren’t using, to larger total-home renovations to increase your total energy efficiency.
Energy rebates and concessions in NSW
The government of New South Wales offers multiple energy rebates and concessions to eligible residents in the state. If you’re struggling with your energy bills, or have been hit with sudden economic hardship, these rebates and concessions in NSW can help make sure you stay on top of your bills and keep the lights on.
- Family Energy Rebate: Up to $180 per year
- Gas Rebate NSW: Up to $110 per year
- Low Income Household Rebate: Up to $285/year
- Senior Energy Rebate: Up to $200/year
- Pension Supplement NSW: Combines multiple concessions including the utilities concession
- Life Support Rebate NSW
Electricity and gas in Queensland
Queensland residents are divided into two parts of the state; those in South-East Queensland where the energy market is deregulated and customers can switch energy providers, and those in rural and regional Queensland where their energy is provided to them by government-owned and regulated Ergon Energy.
Energy providers in QLD
As stated, Queensland is divided into two distinct regions when it comes to the energy market. For those living in Brisbane and the surrounding area, full retail contestability has been implemented, allowing residents to choose their energy provider. However, for those in regional and rural Queensland, electricity is provided and supplied through Ergon Energy. Here, we outline a selection of the over 20+ energy providers retailing in South-East Queensland, along with their best plan and discount off the reference price.
Provider + plan name | Lowest average annual cost* | Percentage off the reference price | |
---|---|---|---|
Green energy provider | OVO Energy The One Plan |
$1,248 / year | 17% discount off the reference price |
Biggest discount | ReAmped Handshake |
$1,138 / year | 25% discount off the reference price |
Wholesale energy | Powerclub Powerbank Home |
$1,208 / year | 20% discount off the reference price |
Big Three | EnergyAustralia Total Plan |
$1,297 / year | 14% discount off the reference price |
*Rates based on postcode 4000 within Energex distribution zone for a single-rate tariff. Rates subject to change and may vary based on distributor
Ergon Energy in rural and regional QLD
Ergon Energy is the historic energy provider in Queensland, and still the only provider and distributor available to residents living outside of South-East Queensland. Ergon Energy’s rates are set by the Queensland government, to keep rising electricity prices manageable for the residents of the area.
Since Ergon Energy isn’t only the historic energy provider, but also the supplier, meaning they are who you call for any power outage, electricity emergency, or other problems with the supply of energy to your home.
- Ergon Energy power outage numbers
- 13 22 96 general emergencies or outages
- 13 60 70 if you’re experiencing any shocks or tingles from an appliance or water tap
Energy distributors in QLD
Queensland energy customers have their energy supplied to them by two electricity distributors and two gas distributors. As stated, those in the regional and rural areas of the state live within the Ergon Energy distribution network for electricity while those in South-East Queensland have their electricity distributed to them through Energex. For natural gas customers, Allgas Energy and Australian Gas Network QLD supply the state.
If you’re experiencing an electric or gas emergency such as the smell of gas, outage, or fallen lines, you’re going to need to call your energy supplier as they are the ones who maintain and repair the electricity grid and gas supply.
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Ergon Energy (owned by Energy Queensland Limited) | Country & regional QLD | 132 296 | 131 046 |
Energex | Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & surrounds | Faults: 136 262 Emergencies: 131 962 |
131 253 |
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Allgas Energy | South of the Brisbane River, South Coast, Toowoomba & Oakey | 1300 763 106 | 07 3215 6600 |
Australian Gas Networks (QLD) | Queensland | Gas leak:1800 GAS LEAK Fault1800 898 220 |
1300 001 001 |
Average energy costs QLD
Queensland residents, on average, spend less on electricity costs than other states. While the average annual electricity bill is around $1,370 for those living in the state, younger households can spend over $1,600 a year on their electricity. To combat these rising energy costs, there are many energy-saving tips and tricks you can implement to keep your bills low.
- Small energy saving tips: Unplug appliances when not in use
- Bigger energy saving tips: Replace old and worn out appliances with more energy efficient models
- Biggest energy saving tips: Replace old single-pane windows with double-or-triple-glazed windows (and don’t forget your insulating curtains!)
Energy rebates and concessions in QLD
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, or having trouble keeping up with your energy bills, the Queensland government offers rebates and concessions for electricity and gas. While eligibility might differ between rebates and concessions, if you’re experiencing financial difficulties, it’s best to first contact your energy provider to discuss your options.
- Life Support Rebate QLD
- : Up to $694.18 per year for each oxygen concentrator or $464.88 per year for each kidney dialysis machine
- Electricity and Gas Rebate QLD
- : Up to $340.85 per year for electricity and $73.60 per year for gas
- Medical Heating and Cooling QLD
- : Up to $340.85 per year
- Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme QLD
- : Up to $720 once every 2 years
Electricity and gas in the ACT
The ACT, while part of the National Electricity Market, still regulates prices more strictly than other states. This means that not as many providers want to retail within the ACT. However, providers in the ACT still offer discounts and deals so you can take control of your energy bills and save money.
Energy providers in ACT
As stated, there are few residential energy providers retailing within the ACT. While ActewAGL is the historic provider and still services the majority of the state, there are six other providers to choose from. While technically Simply Energy is one of those providers available to residents, it’s only available to those who sign up for the NextGen ACT Next Generation Energy Storage Program trial for battery energy storage and demand management.
Provider | Plan | Average annual cost | Discount* |
---|---|---|---|
ActewAGL | Residential home | $1,449 / year | 20% discount off usage rates |
EnergyAustralia | Total Plan | $1,518 / year | 9% discount off usage rates |
Energy Locals | Online Saver | $1,502 / year | Conditional discount: 4% pay on time discount |
Origin Energy | Max Saver Online Special | $1,469 / year | 15% discount off usage rates |
Powerclub | Powerbank Home Flat | $1,388 / year | Wholesale rates |
Red Energy | Living Energy Saver | $1,560 / year | N / A |
*Rates based on postcode 2600 within Evoenergy distribution zone for a single-rate tariff. Rates subject to change and may vary based on distributor
Energy distributors in ACT
The ACT has two distributors; Evoenergy which supplies most of the gas and electricity to the territory, and Essential Energy which supplies some electricity to a small part of the population. As a result, if you’re ever experiencing a gas or electrical emergency such as a power outage or supply cut, you should know who your distributor is as they are the ones to maintain and repair the supply.
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Evoenergy Electricity | ACT | 131 093 | 132 386 |
Evoenergy Gas | ACT | 131 909 | 132 386 |
Essential Energy | Country & regional NSW & some ACT | 132 080 | 132 391 |
Energy rebates and concessions in ACT
The ACT offers two concessions to residents who might need a little extra help with their energy bills. The first is the Utilities Concession which covers up to $700 annually for electricity, gas, and sewage, and the second is the Life Support Rebate which covers up to $128 annually for those who have medically necessary electronic life support equipment and have their energy sold to them through ActewAGL, Origin Energy, or EnergyAustralia. If you’re experiencing financial hardship and having trouble with your energy bills, it’s best to first contact your energy provider and talk about all your options.
Electricity and gas in Victoria
Victoria is within the NEM and offers full retail contestability, allowing residents to choose their energy provider. Discover a selection of providers and information about the energy market in the state, to help you take control of your energy.
Energy providers in VIC
Residents of Victoria have a number of energy providers to choose from, whether you’re looking for the cheapest electricity, greenest retailer, or a simple plan you don’t need to think about. Below we outline a selection of providers and plans available to residents of Victoria, as well as the lowest average annual cost and percentage discount off the Victorian Default Offer.
Provider + plan name | Lowest average annual cost* | Percentage off the reference price | |
---|---|---|---|
Green energy provider | Powershop Max Saver |
$1,298 / year | Up to 9% off depending on Powerpacks used |
Biggest discount | Simply Energy Saver |
$1,207 / year | 15% discount off the reference price |
Community initiatives | DC Power Co | $1,342 / year | 5% discount off the reference price |
Big Three | Origin Max Saver Online Special |
$1,263 / year | 11% discount off the reference price |
*Rates based on postcode 3000 within Citipower distribution zone for a single-rate tariff. Rates subject to change and may vary based on distributor
Energy distributors in VIC
There are several energy distributors in Victoria, which is why it’s all the more reason to know who supplies electricity and gas to your house. In cases of emergency, such as the smell of gas or an electrical outage, it’s important to know your distributor so they can come out and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Powercor Australia | Western suburbs and western Victoria | 132 412 | 132 206 |
AusNet Services | Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria | 131 799 | 1300 360 795 |
United Energy Distribution | Southern suburbs and Mornington peninsula | 132 099 | 1300 131 689 |
Citipower | City and inner suburbs | 131 280 | 1300 301 101 |
Jemena | Northern and north-western suburbs | 131 626 SMS service: 0427 840 744 |
1300 131 871 |
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
Multinet Gas | Melbourne’s inner and outer east, the Yarra Ranges and South Gippsland | 132 691 | 1300 887 501 |
Ausnet Services | Aberfeldie | 136 707 | 1300 360 795 |
Australia Gas Networks | Merrifield, Heathcote/Wandong Junction, Koo Wee Rup, Mildura | Gas leak:1800 GAS LEAK Fault1800 898 220 |
1300 001 001 |
Average electricity and gas costs VIC
Energy prices are on the rise across the country, and bills in Victoria reflect that. The average household within the state spends between $1,400 and $1,700 per year on electricity, with households with pools spending more than $2,000 per year. However, by implementing energy saving measures, such as unplugging appliances when not in use or buying insulated curtains, you can make sure to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bill.
Energy rebates and concessions in VIC
With energy rates as expensive as they are, it can be difficult to keep up with you electricity and gas bills. However, the Victorian government has a handful of concessions and rebates for residents who might be experiencing financial hardship. If you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, it’s best to first contact your energy provider and speak with them about what all your options are.
- Annual Electricity Concession Victoria: 17.5% off of your energy providers annual electricity bill after the first $171.60
- Life Support Rebate Victoria
- Medical Cooling Concession: 17.5% of their electricity usage between the months of 1 November and 30 April
- Winter Gas Concession Victoria: 17.5% off of your gas usage and service bill after the first $62.50 of the six-month winter period
Electricity and gas in Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the newest states to join the National Electricity Market and while technically deregulated with full contestability, there are only two electricity providers in the state who offer nearly identical rates, and one natural gas provider.
Energy providers in TAS
Despite full contestability within the state, Tasmania only has three providers for electricity and gas who all offer similar rates and services.
- Aurora Energy: Electricity and gas
- 1st Energy: Electricity only
- TasGas: Gas only
Energy distributors in TAS
Tasmania only has one electricity and one gas distributor for the island. TasNetworks distributes electricity through the region, while Tas Gas Networks distributes the gas. You can find the phone numbers for both here, in case of a power outage or emergency.
Service District | Emergency Number | General Number | |
---|---|---|---|
TasNetworks | Tasmania | 132 004 | 1300 137 008 |
Tas Gas Networks | Tasmania | 1802 111 | 1800 770 018 |
Energy rebates and concessions in TAS
Those living in Tasmania who need a little extra help with their energy bills, have four that they might be eligible for. However, if you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, it’s best to first contact your energy provider to discuss all your options.
- Annual Electricity Concession Tasmania: Daily discount of 140.740c/day off their electricity bill
- Heating Allowance Tasmania: Two payments of $28 in May in September
- Life Support Concession Tasmania: Between 37.015c/day up to 196.577c/day
- Medical Heating or Cooling Concession Tasmania: 42.155c/day
Electricity and gas in Western Australia
Western Australia isn’t technically within the NEM, and therefore doesn’t allow most residents to choose their energy retailer. However, residents can choose their natural gas provider in more areas of the state.
Energy providers in WA
As stated, most residents in Western Australia can’t choose their electricity provider the same way those who live inside the National Electricity Market can. Those that live in the most populated area of WA will have their energy sold to them through Synergy, while those living outside of the south-west coast to as far north as Kalbarri will have their energy provided to them by Horizon Energy.
However, while electricity is non-contestable, residents of Western Australia can choose their gas provider. There are currently five residential gas providers for the state:
- Alinta Energy
- AGL
- Origin Energy
- Kleenheat
- Perth Energy
- Simply Energy
Energy rebates and concessions in WA
While residents in Western Australia might not be able to choose their electricity provider the same way others can within the NEM, the WA government does offer a number of concessions for those struggling with financial difficulties. If you’re experiencing financial hardship and having trouble paying your electricity and gas bills, it’s best to get in contact with your energy provider to discuss all your options.
- Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) Western Australia
- Energy Concession Extension Scheme Western Australia
- Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) Western Australia
- Dependent Child Rebate (Electricity) Western Australia
- Cost of Living Rebate Western Australia
- Thermoregulatory Dysfunction Energy Subsidy Scheme Western Australia
- Life Support Equipment Electricity Subsidy Scheme Western Australia
- Air Conditioning Rebate (Electricity) Western Australia
Electricity and gas in Northern Territory
Despite full retail competition being introduced into the Northern Territory in 2010, there are very few providers in the region for a number of reasons. Unlike the NEM, the wholesale energy market within NT is ambiguous in terms of pricing, meaning providers are less willing to enter the territory. However, it’s still important to know about the state of the energy market in the Northern Territory, as the government is trying to further increase competition within the market and allow more providers to begin retailing in the region.
Energy providers in NT
There are three energy providers in the region, retailing electricity to residents there. Those living in the remote regions cannot switch energy providers, while those living in urban areas only have the choice between two.
- Jacana Energy: Government-owned and the largest provider in the territory
- Power and Water: Electricity distributor for all of the Northern Territory and electricity retailer for remote and rural communities
- Rimfire Energy: The newest provider and the only non-government provider
Energy distributors in NT
There is one electricity distributor and one gas distributor for the Northern Territory. Power and Water distributes electricity to the entire region while retailing to remote communities, while natural gas is distributed by Australian Gas Networks.
Energy rebates and concessions in NT
The Northern Territory only offers two schemes to assist with energy bills. The NT Concession Scheme which is a means-tested scheme, and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme which offers help to energy customers over the age of 65.