1st Energy is famous for being the first energy company to move into Tasmania and challenge the government-owned Aurora Energy following the deregulation of the energy market. But is 1st Energy worth the hype? Read on to learn what real customers say about 1st Energy, see pricing and plans in your area, and how to register.
What is 1st Energy?
1st Energy is a small Australian energy provider with operations in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia.
1st Energy has a customer-first policy that aims to show customers that they care about their wellbeing and not just filling their pockets. As a smaller company, they claim to offer customers simple energy plans with impeccable customer service rather than simply "being a number in the system".
All of this sounds great, but is 1st Energy all it's cracked up to be? Let's take a look at real customer reviews to see if they're worth their salt.
1st Energy Reviews
- Here's how customers rated 1st Energy Around the web:
- Google Reviews: 3.6 Stars
- Product Review: 2.7 Stars
- TrustPilot Reviews: 3.9 Stars
We took a look at 1st Energy Reviews around the web from real customers to see how 1st Energy holds up.
Customers tend to rank 1st Energy pretty well. The company has an average rating of 3,4 stars out of 5. That means 1st Energy's customer satisfaction is around 68%.
That's not bad considering unhappy customers are more likely to leave bad reviews.
True to the company's goal, customers frequently mention great customer service.
One customer left the following 1st Energy review: The sales rep contacted me as my plan was due to expire. She explained my options in great detail and advised of what offers she could give me. Great service. – Sayed Alvi
It's not every day that your energy company will call and let you know that your plan is expiring. In fact, most energy providers use this as a way to secretly move you to the default market offer and charge you more. It's really astonishing that 1st Energy goes out of its way to help customers stay on the best plan for them.
There are dozens of 1st Energy reviews all mentioning the same great service and reliability: Amazing Service.
Once you have a look at what people are saying around the web, you realise that 1st Energy's personable customer service team and one-on-one treatment makes them a strong contender in the field of energy providers. While we didn't quote anybody who specifically mentioned rates, many reviews mentioned constant and dependably low rates.
I honestly don’t know where to start. The team from 1st energy went above & beyond to help in any way they could. They were amazing to speak with & were willing to help in any way possible. If you’re looking for a great & reliable energy company, look no further. – Larissa
In terms of the negative feedback left by customers, many people mentioned that the amazing customer service offered to them suddenly stopped when they informed them they were changing provider.
One 1st Energy review that sums the rest up well is the following: Disgraceful incompetent bullies… I cannot comprehend that you could try and bully us to return to you after your incompetence. You tried to say that the reason we left them was because we were fickle. No, you were crap. Hard to do business with, and bordering on corrupt.... The ratings of your company on the internet say it all. – James Carlin
While it's not clear if 1st Energy deliberately harasses customers who try to leave, there were several reports of the same tactics from other customers.
As always, it's best to take these reviews light-heartedly and do your own research before choosing a provider.
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1st Energy Plans & Prices
Depending on where you are located in Australia, you will have different options for plans through 1st Energy.
1st Energy offers electricity plans to customers in:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Queensland
- Tasmania
It's important to note that you can only get gas through 1st Energy if you live in Victoria.
Choose your state from the drop-down list below for a description of 1st Energy’s plans and prices in your area.
1st Energy Rates NSW
1st Energy customers in NSW have one electricity plan available to them. This plan is called 1st Saver and is 1st Energy's standard plan.
Here is the break-down of the 1st Saver Electricity Plan in NSW:
| Category | Plan Information |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | 1st Saver |
| Discount off Reference Price | -1% Discount off the Reference Price |
| Other Discounts | Paying on time gets you -11% off the Reference Price |
| Daily supply charge | 108.90 cents/day |
| General Usage Rates | 29.01 cents/kWh |
| First 15kWh usage rates | 25.26 cents/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Bill (discounts included) |
$1,060 per year |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 March 2022.
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1st Energy Rates VIC
Victorian customers have 3 electricity plans and 1 gas plan available through 1st Energy.
All of 1st Energy’s electricity plans come with an ongoing benefit period and monthly billing to avoid bill shock, as well as no credit card, exit, or paper bill fees.
Here is the break-down of 1st Energy electricity plans in VIC:
| Name of Electricity Plan | 1st Super Saver Online | 1st Super Saver | 1st Super Saver Menulog | Prepaid Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discount off the VDO | -22% off the VDO | -15% off the VDO | -15% off the VDO | -13% off the VDO |
| Estimated Annual Bill | $1,024 | $1,114 | $1,114 | $1,131 |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 January 2022.
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Prepaid Value PlanCustomers should be made aware with 1st Energy’s Prepaid Value Plan, an upfront prepayment of $1,000 is required and will offset your 1st Energy bills. Any unused credit balance will be refunded at the end of the agreement.
1st Energy offers one discount gas plan to customers in Victoria.
Customers will get an ongoing benefit period and monthly billing, as well as no credit card fees, exit fees, or paper bill fees.
Here is the break-down of 1st Saver Plus gas plan in VIC:
| Category | Plan Informations |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | 1st Saver Plus |
| Discount off Reference | 12% discount off reference |
| Conditional Discount | -3% Discount for paying on time |
| Daily supply charge | 80.3c / day |
| First 27.4MJ / day | 3.22c / MJ |
| Next 21.9MJ / day | 2.80c / MJ |
| Remaining MJ / day | 2.40c / MJ |
| Estimated Annual Bill (discounts included) |
$1,030 per year |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 March 2022.
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1st Energy Rates SA
There is only one 1st Energy electricity plan offered in South Australia called the 1st Saver.
Here is the break-down of 1st Saver electricity plan in SA:
| Category | Plan Information |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | 1st Saver |
| Discount off Reference Price | N/A |
| Other Discounts | Paying on time gets you -10% off the Reference Price |
| Daily supply charge | 89.05 cents/day |
| General Usage Rates | 37.16 cents/kWh |
| First 15kWh usage rates | 34.63 cents/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Bill (discounts included) |
$1,200 per year |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 March 2022.
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1st Energy Rates QLD
Customers in Queensland have access to the 1st Saver electricity plan through 1st Energy. While exact discounts vary based on your distribution zone.
Here is the break-down of 1st Saver electricity plan in QLD:
| Category | Plan Information |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | 1st Saver |
| Discount off Reference Price | -1% Discount off the Reference Price |
| Other Discounts | Paying on time gets you -8% off the Reference Price |
| Daily supply charge | 125.40 cents/day |
| General Usage Rates | 25.16 cents/kWh |
| First 15kWh usage rates | 21.43 cents/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Bill (discounts included) |
$1,100 per year |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 March 2022.
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1st Energy Rates TAS
1st Energy is notable in that it is the first energy retailer to enter the Tasmanian market, in an attempt to compete with government-owned Aurora Energy. Customers in Tasmania have access to 5 different plans through 1st Energy, which offer different types of savings to suit your needs.
Keep in mind, in this case, it's not a matter of which one is cheapest. It's more a matter of which tariff suits your needs.
Here is a list of 1st Energy electricity tariffs in Tasmania:
| Tariff Name | 1st Plus 31 | 1st Plus 41 | 1st Plus 61 | 1st Plus 62 | 1st Plus 93 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Tariff | Lights & Power | Heating & hot water | Controlled Load & Afternoon Boost | Night time Controlled Load | Time-of-use Tariff |
| Daily Charge | 88.42c/day | 16.48c/day | 20.37c/day | 19.47c/day | 98.23c/day |
| Usage Charge | 24.70c/kWh | 16.04c/kWh | 12.90c/kWh | 12.16c/kWh | Peak hours: 29.84 ¢/kWh
Off-peak hours: 13.89 ¢/kWh |
*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 distributors for the capital city of each state listed. Calculations are based on the reference price for average energy usage in 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 January 2022.
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Switch to 1st Energy
If you want to sign up with 1st Energy you can register online through the 1st Energy onboarding platform at 1stenergy.com.au.
1st Energy will ask you for information about where you live and your energy consumption habits to help give you a more accurate quote. Once you have accepted their offer, you will need to provide a valid ID and consent to a credit check before your plan can be approved.
First Energy accepts the following types of ID:
- Passport
- Drivers license
- Medicare card
Need Energy Advice?
Read our full set of energy guides for advice on providers and plans.
How to Cancel a 1st Energy Plan
Cancelling your energy plan in Australia is relatively straightforward. To cancel your plan with 1st Energy, you can simply sign up with another company and wait for them to take care of everything, or you can contact 1st Energy directly.
Unfortunately, 1st Energy's contracts often come with exit fees or early cancellation fees. Therefore, you should check and see if your plan is up before cancelling or changing suppliers. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fee to leave.
We recommend contacting 1st Energy by phone or email to find out the steps necessary to cancel your 1st Energy plan as well if you will need to pay cancellation fees.
We also recommend contacting 1st Energy if your intention is to change supplier, because they may be able to offer you a better deal to try and keep you as a customer.
1st Energy Contact Number & Email
As mentioned, 1st Energy has a wonderful customer service team that is available to help you with all your needs.
You can contact 1st Energy customer service by:
- Phone: 1300 426 594 (for interpretation services call: 13 14 50)
- Email: support@1stenergy.com.au
- Online contact form
1st Energy customer service is available weekdays from 8:30am and 6pm AEST.
1st Energy Bill Payment Methods
1st Energy offers flexible bill payment methods for customers to pay their accounts.
Most notably, they don't charge any credit card processing fees for customers that like to pay by card.
Here's a table showing a list of all the ways you can pay your 1st Energy Bill:
| Bill Payment Method | How to Pay My 1st Energy Bill |
|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Call 1300 426 594 to set up a direct debit or fill out a direct debit form and send it by email or post: PO Box 1045 Hampton North VIC 3188 |
| Credit Card | Pay online with the 1st Energy online payment portal |
| BPAY | Get in touch with your financial institution and quote your unique reference number (found on your bill) and the 1st Energy BPAY biller code: 878876 |
| Phone | Call 1300 426 594 with your Visa or Mastercard handy to pay over the phone |
| By Mail | Send your payment slip and cheque to PO Box 1045 Hampton North Vic 3188 |
If you are having trouble paying your bill, you can find support and help through 1st Energy's financial hardship counsellors by calling 1300 426 594.
1st Energy Now Accepts Crypto!You can now pay your 1st Energy bill using cryptocurrency. Simply download the Bitpay app and pay from your digital wallet. Visit 1st Energy's Crypto Payment Guide for more details.
Moving House With 1st Energy
1st Energy recommends arranging your move at least three business days prior to your move-in date.
All you need to do is call 1st Energy and provide details including your new address, and make sure access to your new meter is clear and free from obstruction including locked gates or animals.
On the day of your connection, ensure your main switch is in the off position and once the connection is complete you can switch your electricity back on. 1st Energy may charge a moving fee, and if not, your distributor may. So, it’s always best to check with them to see what fees you might have.