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Compare Electricity & Gas in South Australia | SA Electricity Rates

South Australia

Looking for information about the SA Energy Market? You are in the right place! SA is the most Australian estate with the most expensive energy rates and one with no shortage of electricity providers, which is why it can be a bit overwhelming to delve into it. With this guide, we bring you the key aspects you should look for when choosing the best energy provider in South Australia right from the start.

Compare Cheapest Electricity South Australia

How much you pay for electricity will ultimately boil down to your energy plan and type of tariff, so you must stay up to date with the best offers in the market as you could be paying more than your neighbour for the same energy usage! If you don't know what type of tariff you are in, the easiest way to find out is reading your bill.

Selectra's Recommendation: Best Electricity Plans in South Australia, 2024
Energy Provider + PlanEstimated PriceDiscount off Reference PriceAdditional Information
Energy Locals
Energy Locals Online Member
 
$140 / month
$1,670 / year
27% OFFBenefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
78.00c/day
Sumo
SUMO Switch Residential
 
$140 / month
$1,740 / year
24% OFFBenefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
106.70c/day

Other Cheapest Electricity Plans in South Australia, March 2024

Other Cheapest Electricity Plans in SA
Energy Provider + PlanEstimated PriceDiscount off Reference PriceAdditional Information
Pacific Blue - Blue First$145 / month
$1,480 / year
-35%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
145.20c/day
GloBird Energy BOOST Residential$145 / month
$1,510 / year
-35%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
145.20c/day
Amber Energy Amber Plan Variable Wholesale Prices$165 / month
$1,570 / year
-31%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
104.48c/day
Tango eSelect$185 / month
$1,610 / year
-29%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
99.00c/day
Powershop Power House$185 / month
$1,630 / year
-28%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
117.50c/day
AGL Residential Value Saver$140 / month
$1,640 / year
-28%Benefits:
Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
102.26c/day
iO Energy Basic Plan$140 / month
$1,640 / year
-28%Benefits:
Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
145.00c/day
Lumo Basic$155 / month
$1,640 / year
-28%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
 
Daily Supply Charge:
100.96c/day
Origin Go Variable$140 / month
$1,640 / year
-28%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & GreenPower
   
Daily Supply Charge:
101.06c/day
Red Energy Living Energy Saver$155 / month
$1,650 / year
-28%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
100.96c/day
The People's Grid Zero Member Fee Anytime$155 / month
$1,670 / year
-26%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
121.00c/day
Ovo Energy The One Plan$140 / month
$1,670 / year
-26%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
119.90c/day
Dodo Residential Standing Offer$180 / month
$1,710 / year
-25%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & GreenPower
   
Daily Supply Charge:
157.69c/day
Momentum Energy Nothing Fancy Electricity$185 / month
$1,720 / year
-25%Benefits:
E-Billing, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
169.29c/day
Diamond Energy Everyday Renewable Saver$195 / month
$1,730 / year
-24%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
 
Daily Supply Charge:
88.00c/day
ReAmped Advance$185 / month
$1,740 / year
-24%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
88.61c/day
1st Energy Standing Offer$195 / month
$1,760 / year
-23%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
 
Daily Supply Charge:
110.00c/day
Alinta Standing Offer $130 / month
$1,760 / year
-23%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
101.79c/day
EnergyAustralia Basic Home$150 / month
$1,760 / year
-23%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
104.50c/day
Kogan Energy Basic$185 / month
$1,780 / year
-22%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
126.32c/day
Simply Energy Simply For Good$185 / month
$1,780 / year
-22%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, Smart Meter Compatible & Additional Discounts and Rewards
   
Daily Supply Charge:
120.77c/day
Zen Energy Standing Offer$113 / month
$1,810 / year
-21%Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
151.70c/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 Adelaide (5000) with low annual usage of 2,920kWh/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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Now that you’ve seen the cheapest electricity plans in SA, and understand what to look for when comparing cheap electricity plans, let's talk about some of the providers that offer the best electricity in NSW.

  EnergyLocals SA

Energy Locals offers multiple electricity plans with steep discounts.

Their cheapest electricity plan in new south wales is the EnergyLocals Local Member Plan which offers a 27% discount and a flat rate.

This plan doesn’t require a lock-in contract, and offers a $12.99/month membership fee credited back if you stay with Energy Locals for 6 months. You must pay via direct debit for this plan, but the prices make it worth it!

Both of the EnergyLocals plans seen in the table below offer 100% carbon offset, making EnergyLocals a great energy provider for those interested in helping the environment.

 

Cheapest EnergyLocals Electricity Plans SA
Plan NameLocal MemberIO Sustainable Home Plan
Discount Off the Reference Price-27% off-25% off
Daily Supply Charge78.00c / day145.00c / day
Usage Rates38.50c / kWh40.00c / kWh
Solar Feed-In6.0c / kWh exported3.5c / kWh exported
Estimated Annual Cost
(*discounts included)
$1,670 / year$1,700 / year

Source: EnergyLocals. Rates based on electricity distributor for postcode 5000 in Adelaide withwith a low usage of 2,920kWh. Last Updated January 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

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  SUMO Energy SA

SUMO Energy consistently ranks among the cheapest electricity in SA. Their SUMO Assure comes with a whopping 15% discount off the reference price.

SUMO Energy Cheapest Electricity Plans SA
Plan NameSumo SwitchSumo LiteSumo Standing Offer
Discount Off the Reference Price-24% off-22% off-22% off
Daily Supply Charge106.70c / day116.60c / day116.27c / day
Usage Rates46.20c / kWh46.20c / kWh46.20c / kWh
Estimated Annual Cost$1,740 / year$1,770 / year$1,770 / year

Source: SUMO Energy.Rates based on electricity distributor for postcode 5000 in Adelaide withwith a low usage of 2,920kWh. Last Updated January 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

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  • In Summary, The Cheapest Electricity Providers in South Australia Are:
  • Energy Locals
  • GloBird Energy
  • Lumo Energy
  • Red Energy
  • CovaU Energy

While these companies represent the best electricity deals in South Australia, this doesn't necessarily mean they are the   best energy provider in Adelaide.

The "best energy provider in Adelaide" is a tough nut to crack as "best" can mean many things, including customer service, solar deals, green energy, etc. Therefore, it really depends on what you are looking for. However, you can count on us to get to the bottom of this question.

Read on as we dive into these topics a bit further.

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Greenest Energy Providers SA

When you go to compare electricity in SA, price likely won't be your only deciding factor. One thing we commonly see that's high on people's list is finding green energy providers in South Australia. For that, look no further!

Diamond Energy

Diamond Energy

According to the most recent Green Electricity Report put forth in the annual Green Energy Report by GreenPeace, Diamond energy ranks as the greenest energy provider operating in South Australia!

Diamond Energy received a 10/10 score for its green activities and is special because it generates more renewable electricity than its customers use.

It was also touted as one of the top 2 suppliers in Australia that is having the most significant impact on the Australian renewable energy market.

Momentum Energy

Momentum Energy

Momentum Energy ranks as the second greenest energy supplier in South Australia with a score of 8.6/10.

Momentum is part of the green energy producer Hydro Tasmania. The majority for energy produced by Hydro Tasmania comes from hydroelectric power plants.

Momentum continually invests in renewable energy and also supports the movement toward residential solar PV systems.

Energy Locals

Energy Locals

Energy Locals ranks as the third greenest energy provider in South Australia with a score of 7.6/10.

Energy Locals stands out thanks to its innovative model that helps local communities take ownership of their energy usage and become independent from the electricity grid. Energy Locals operates on a wholesale membership basis.

Customers pay a monthly membership fee in exchange for access to cheaper wholesale energy prices. All energy sold by Energy Locals is 100% carbon neutral.

Did you know?If you find yourself in a dispute with your energy provider, the South Australia Energy Ombudsman can help mediate and resolve your dispute for free.

Gas Providers SA

SA doesn't have many gas suppliers to choose from compared to other states like NSW, VIC or QLD, but it has some interesting rates and offers you should consider.

Cheapest Gas in SA

These are the cheapest gas rates in SA:

Selectra's Recommendation: Best Gas Plans in South Australia, March 2024
Provider & Plan Name Daily Supply Charge Usage Rates Estimated Annual Cost
GloBird Energy
BOOST Residential
71.50c / day 2.50c to 4.88c / Mj $920 / year
Lumo Energy
Basic
90.20c / day 2.51c to 4.60c / Mj $950 / year
AGL
Residential Basics
81.30c / day 2.90c to 4.70c / Mj $960 / year
CovaU
Freedom Residential Gas
90.33c / day 2.96c to 4.80c / Mj $980 / year
Origin Energy
Value
92.13c / day 2.91c to 5.64c / Mj $980 / year
Red Energy
Living Energy Saver
101.20c / day 2.52c to 4.61c / Mj $990 / year
Alinta Energy
Priority Plus Gas
71.19c / day 3.99c to 5.85c / Mj $1,070 / year
Simply Energy
Simply Members
68.88c / day 3.14c to 8.10c / Mj $1,160 / year
EnergyAustralia
Flexi Plan
99.33c / day 3.25c to 6.85c / Mj $1,170 / year

Source: Energy providers basic plan. Valid within AGN distribution network. Comparison does not include all available offers. Estimated annual cost includes conditional discount and is based on average usage of 10,986.5Mj/year. Discounts and rates vary depending on location. Valid March 2024.

Overview of The South Australian Energy Market

South Australians report the highest average annual electricity bills within the National Electricity Market.

The average electricity bill in South Australia typically costs households over $1,700 annually with average usage rates at about 36c/kWh. For this reason, it is not surprising that SA energy providers are especially keen on promoting their cheap rates, as it's what most SA Aussies look for when comparing SA electricity & gas plans.

If you are either living or looking to move to South Australia, you should get a grasp of its particular energy market to ensure you get the cheapest electricity prices.

South Australia Default Market Offer (DMO)

When comparing energy plans and providers, you’ve probably seen the reference price or Default Market Offer mentioned. The DMO is the electricity tariff set by the Australian government, used to cap energy prices and help consumers compare energy plans. While the DMO was first introduced to help those paying the historic Standing Offer, it is not always the cheapest offer available.

The Default Market Offer helps energy consumers in two ways:

 To protect consumers from exponential energy prices if they choose not to engage with the energy market and instead remain on the DMO. While the DMO doesn’t necessarily offer the cheapest energy rates on the market it does prevent energy providers from charging you more if you don’t qualify for, or choose not to subscribe to, a discounted Market Offer.

 To inform consumers about energy plan prices and how much less (or in some instances more) expensive an energy retailers market offer is, compared to the standard offer. This is often shown as “X% off the Reference Price” in the details about an energy providers electricity plan.

In South Australia, the Default Market Offer for residents connected to the SA Power network on a single rate tariff is $2,279 as of July 2023

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SA Energy Providers

Thanks to South Australia’s deregulation of the energy market, and implementation of full retail contestability, residents of the state have many choices in energy providers and the ability to compare and switch energy providers and find the best plan for their household.

Below, we list some of the providers available in the state, as well as the fuel types they offer:

SA Electricity & Gas Provider
SA Electricity ProviderElectricityGas
AGL  
Alinta Energy  
Amaysim Energy  
Amber Electric  
Click Energy  
Diamond Energy  
Dodo  
EnergyAustralia  
Energy Locals  
Lumo Energy  
Momentum Energy  
Origin Energy  
OVO Energy  
Powerclub  
Powershop  
ReAmped Energy  
Red Energy  
Simply Energy  

If you’re paying too much for your energy bills and want to switch energy providers, you can do so easily and for free in South Australia.

Simply sign up to the new plan or provider you want, and they’ll get in touch with your old provider and let them know you’ve switched. After your final meter read and final bill, you’ll start getting charged your new provider’s energy rates.

Should you run into any issues when switching or have a dispute with a supplier, the South Australian energy ombudsman will help you resolve your dispute.

Who Are the Biggest Energy Suppliers in South Australia?

Here is a list of the biggest electricity providers in SA and their % of market share:

  • AGL Energy - 38%
  • Origin Energy - 29%
  • Simply Energy - 10%
  • EnergyAustralia - 7%
  • Alinta Energy - 5%

Together AGL and Origin Energy supply around 67% of the energy in South Australia.

Cost of Solar Panels in Adelaide

If you’re interested in investing in solar energy for your home in Adelaide, SA, you’re in luck. The average cost of solar panels in the state is lower than the national average, according to SolarChoice June 2021 solar price report, which takes into account solar rebates available through the Renewable Energy Target small-scale certificates, and includes GST.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Adelaide
 3kW5kW7kW10kW
Adelaide, SA$3,350$4,420$6,010$8,670
National$4,270$5,640$7,440$10,390

Valid March 2024.

SA Solar Feed-In Tariffs

South Australia is one of the most popular estates to get into solar. In 2021, SA set a world record in managing to generate more than 100% of the electricity demand only with solar.

For this reason, multiple providers are looking to promote their SA solar feed-in tariffs as many SA households have solar panels.

This is a list with the best SA solar feed-in tariffs:

Best SA Solar Feed-In Tariff
Provider NameMinimum Solar FiT (kWh)Maximum Solar FiT (kWh)
Energy Australia8.5c10.0c
Origin Energy6.0c20.0c
AGL6.0c12.0c
Energy Locals6.5c9.0c
Sumo Energy8.0c8.0c
Alinta Energy8.0c8.0c
1st Energy8.0c8.0c
Simply Energy5.5c6.0c
CovaU Energy5.5c5.5c

​​​​​​​

Usually, energy providers will offer a higher feed-in tariff rate for a lower discount off the reference price and vice versa. Choosing a feed-in tariff rate depends on the size of your solar PV system, and your lifestyle.

For this reason, it's best to compare the feed-in tariff rate versus the overall discount offered from the reference price. We recommend using the table below to compare rates with the table above.

Solar Rebates in South AustraliaYou may qualify for a solar rebate if you add solar panels to your property. See all South Australia Solar Rebates here.

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Energy Distributors in SA

Despite its size, South Australian residents have their electricity and gas supplied to them by one electricity distributor and one gas distributor. While you pay your energy provider for the electricity or gas you use, it’s the energy distributor that actually supplies your house. In cases of power outage, electric or gas emergency, or any other disruption to the supply, it’s your energy distributor who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the gas and power lines. For any emergency or disruption, you’ll need to contact your energy distributor to get it fixed.

Energy Distributors SA
Energy DistributorService DistrictEmergency NumberGeneral Number
SA Power Networks (electricity)All of South Australia131 366131 261
Australia Gas Networks (SA)(gas)All of South AustraliaGas leak:1800 GAS LEAK
Fault1800 898 220
1300 001 001

Energy Concessions in SA

To help residents with the rising cost of electricity in the state, the South Australian government offers a few energy concessions and rebates to assist households. However, if you’re having difficulty paying your energy bills, it’s best that you first call your energy provider to discuss all your options.

Some of the rebates in South Australia include:

  • Energy Bill Concessions SA: Up to $226.67 per year
  • Medical Heating and Cooling Concession SA: Up to $226.67 per year
  • Cost of Living Concession SA: Between $105.40 and $210.70
  • Energy Concession Discount Offer through Origin (South Australia): 20% off their electricity bill and 11% off their gas bill

If you are interested in renewable energy and transitioning your home to solar, South Australia also offers a solar rebate.