Best Energy Providers
Energy Locals 🏆 2026
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I spoke with Neval in relation to my disconnection as im moving home. Neval was very warm and sweet to talk to. There were no awkward silences, I… Read more
liked the way she kept telling me what she was doing and confirming things with me. She was quick and so friendly. I have worked in customer service for 15+ years and i would give Neval 10/10 for customer service and call quality. Thank you Neval.
Origin Energy
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My current Origin Go Variable Plan electricity plan with 15% discount (to Reference Price) was expiring. In the renewal letter I was offered an… Read more
alternate plan name that was only 1% discount to Reference Price, which would become my new plan if I did not select alternative. Whereas on the Origin web site, the Go Variable Plan Price is 16% discount. I have renewed my plan at the 16% discount. But here is the annoying and misleading thing. Origin has continually told me during the year, on the front page of my bill per regulations, that I was on their best plan. Also, they told me on previous renewal that they would inform me if plan changed, but obviously the plan changed from 15% discount to 16% discount sometime during the year, and I was not notified. Same thing happened with Origin last renewal, where same plan name was 9% discount, but shortly after renewal became a 15% discount seen on their web site, but without notification to me. Consumers should be aware, that Origin uses the same plan name with different discounts, and do not necessarily inform a customer that a better discount on the same plan has become available.
GloBird Energy 🏆 2026
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We've signed up with Globird 6 days ago. We can't believe seeing our daily cost either on credit or zero. I have a 42kw Battery, 6.6kw Solar and 10kw Inverter. Show details
CovaU 🏆 2026
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Price seems to be rising with each bill. Time to do another comparison I have contacted them several times over the past 6 months explaining that I… Read more
haven't received the email for the advertised Rewards Program. I get the same response every time that I will receive it within 2 weeks and the case is closed. I have given up on ever receiving it.
1st Energy
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One decision to change providers, I receive conformation promptly. I also had a couple of questions that were submitted and again a prompt response. Very happy with the service provided. Show details
Kleenheat
Very helpful and friendly service. They resolved my issue in one short session. Show details
Arc Energy Group
Not only was this brilliant service, informative, understanding of concerns, but a no nonsense let's get efficiently. Angelica, customer service award for next 3 years. Show details
Amber Electric
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Easy to join & setup on the app. Good savings & control over your energy usage ! Show details
Smart Energy
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Little to NO customer support. Changes to the LOG IN page have been made and as a result, my user name and password are not longer valid. Re-setting… Read more
the password leads to a page that does not accept my user name or new password. I have sent an email to the company and have received the 'standard' "we will get back to you soon." In the MEANTIME, Hours have passed, up to half a day now, and I am unable to access my account.
OVO Energy
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Been with OVO Energy for years. The whole appeal is green energy, which comes at a premium, but realistically you never really know where that’s… Read more
actually going beyond what’s written on the website.
For most of my time with them I was still manually recording meter readings like it was 1995. My average bill sat around the $200 per month mark for years, then suddenly recalculated over a three month period and jumped to around $300 per month despite nothing changing in my household. No extra appliances, no EV, no major usage changes.
When I questioned it, there was basically no investigation or accountability. Just “this is what you owe”. They act more like a third party billing company than an actual energy provider willing to help resolve issues.
I’d previously tried to upgrade the meter through OVO as well. I had to manually request it, someone came out, then said it couldn’t be upgraded because something needed fixing first and I’d need to organise an electrician at my own cost. Became a complete headache, so nothing happened.
Ended up switching to Alinta Energy purely because it was cheaper and the difference was immediate. Within basically a day they had the transfer sorted and automatically arranged a smart meter upgrade. Within about a week the installer came out and upgraded it in 30 minutes with zero drama.
Now I’ve got real time tracking, automated readings, access to better overnight rates and a system that actually makes sense. Cheaper, easier and infinitely less frustrating.
Sumo Energy
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I've just clicked over 60 minutes on hold listening to reedy music and repetitive ads trying to very simply have a move-out cancellation of my… Read more
account.
Now waiting for a third operator. And the 'call-back' feature did not result in receiving one despite waiting 4 hours. If you value your time, look elsewhere.
It should be clear from reading these reviews that signing up is easy, but cancelling is a nightmare. Don’t sign up!!
Energy Locals Retail
Their customer service is exceptional. Friendly and polite. They go the extra mile to ensure your happy with the product. Show details
Dodo Power & Gas
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Dodo's rates were great & switching our gas was very easy. Show details
Diamond Energy
I have been with Diamond Energy for 4 years and they have always been fantastic. They are an exceptional green energy supplier and their support team have always been fantastic. I heartily recommend them! Show details
Bill Hero
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Well, I guess the adage that your mileage may vary certainly applies to my review of Bill Hero, given all the glowing reviews others have given. For… Read more
me, it was an awful time and energy waster.
It was a messy experience signing up for both power and gas through them - several supposed suppliers couldn't actually supply despite being listed as options - and they stuffed up the initial setup anyway, then I got - and continued to get - reminders EVERY month to forward the latest bills to them, despite having set it up to be auto forwarded when I first set it up, and despite me sending several emails to them to please sort it out.
Not to mention the fact that every time they sent me a list of recommendations for cheaper supply, a cursory investigation showed a lot of the top recommendations to have a very poor review profile (1-2 stars) on the web.
To cap it off, I'm not really sure any of their options were cheaper than the suppliers I'd been using anyway.
I have just switched using the https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ site to a supplier that is well regarded, and cheaper than the one I was with under BillHero.
I so wanted this to work; the initial promise was enticing. But the bottom line, for me anyway: just not worth the stress, and the supposed, dubious savings. Certainly no better, IMHO, than other FREE comparison methods.
Hi sceptical, sorry to see this. If you're willing, try… Read more
Pacific Hydro
No on time gimicks games – I am with Pacific Hydro with last one year. Straight forward electricity price. You no need to calculator for discount rates (one time pay), no… Read more
discount movie tickets-ETC. i am very happy with them. s.chitaranjan victoria
Arcline by RACV
Received a competitve quote from Arcline by RACV and asked them in writing to proceed. I have never heard back and that was nearly 12 months ago. Don't provide quotes if you are not prepared to honour them!!! Show details
Red Energy
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I switched to Red Energy from AGL and my bills have increased ridiculously with zero changes in the household! Would not recommend using this company… Read more
- most expensive I have found. I have moved back to AGL and what do you know my bills are much more affordable and no longer $1400 a month instead the last was $400
Hello Jodie, Thank you for your feedback. On behalf… Read more
Nectr
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Customer service not great. Nothing wrong with my credit rating but now there’s a credit check from these clowns Show details
WinConnect
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Technician walked right past us and disconnected our power then never answered when we wanted to connect. Show details
Locality Planning Energy
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Outrageous pricing and horrible customer service. Had to get the ombudsmen involved. Worst electricity supplier I’ve ever been with. Show details
Powershop Australia
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Better than competition also easy to manage payments. Reliable for gas usage too. Show details
ZEN Energy
Zen is the way to go – Highly recommend Zen. Great people to deal with, very professional. Now have a 16 panel system and my last monthly bill was $4.77. Total generation for the month of January 2024 was 1017kwh Show details
Agas National
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Ordered with Patrick this.. delivery will be today.. excellent service by Patrick and Agas National Show details
Altogether
I don't think the Altogether Group could make their payment system any less user friendly if they tried. I am trying to pay a bill not access nuclear codes! Show details
Aurora Energy
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The Aurora+ app is a joke! When we moved into our house we noticed unusually high bills, we connected with Time of use tarriff. The bill prompted us… Read more
to change tarriffs to a flat rate, then after a lot of watching the app power trends we identified our meter tarriffs were backwards. This was rectified by the meter contractor. We then put a solar panel installation on to lower the bills and new heat pump and hot water timer, yet the bills seem to be growing. We are always in credit within the app and yet the amount deducted daily and usage daily aren't lining up, now that they've increased price per kwh and lowered feed in tarriff its time to look for someone else to provide power. The customer service agents must have a prerequisite to not read enquiries as they respond with emails that dont answer simple questions. There is no way via the app to accurately work out the funds in and out.
ReAmped Energy
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Just wanted to say to all the whingers complaining here...you weren't complaining when your electricity was the cheapest it's ever been, my bill was… Read more
HALVED, after joining Reamped. I was very sorry when they had to cease trading because of a volatile market, but I check every now and then to see if they are operating, and when they do, I will be signing up again, because who doesn't want to pay $500 LESS per quarter for their power?
Energy Cloud Australia
Poor Quality without warranty service – The panel is broken in three months after installation. They refuse to replace it and blame you broke the panel. My friend also chose this company,… Read more
they did not link to electrical grid. One year later, my friend found out after checking electrical bills. They also refuse to provide any compensation. NO product warranty and performance warranty from this company!
Alinta Energy
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Alinta issued an overdue notice to us, they only acknowledged the error after we contacted them. I doubt we would be the only customers to receive false notices, potentially creating financial hardship and stress Show details
Hi DXW, Thank you for taking the time to leave… Read more
EnergyAustralia
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The most terrible customer service ever experienced. No staff member actually knows whats goung on and you will be left on hold for most of the call.… Read more
Three calls later 40 minute hold each time. They just transfer you around departments! Joke of a company!
Should I switch energy providers?
There are a few reasons as to why you might want to switch energy providers. Sometimes, the value of deals deteriorates over time when the benefit period ends and costs increase.
Lots of customers are also swayed into an energy deal by ‘bait and switch’ tactics, which offer huge discounts when you sign up with a retailer, to only then have them raise prices without warning.
With energy prices rising, it could also be a good idea to reassess whether the plan you’re on is the most suited to your energy usage and budget.
Whether or not you switch energy providers is up to you, but it’s always a good idea to pay attention to your energy bill and see whether you’re getting a good deal.
How do I choose an energy provider?
Here’s what you should consider when you’re comparing gas and electricity providers.
Your usage
Make sure that the plan you’re going on is a good fit for your energy usage. A contract might, for example, offer discounts on off-peak energy use. While this may mean savings if you can realistically move activities to these times, it may increase your costs if you need to use energy at peak times.
Keep some of your previous bills with you when shopping around
Keeping copies of your last few energy bills handy while you shop around can help you easily see how much energy you use and how much you pay. This will make it simpler to compare deals across the market and find a better one.
Price
Your energy bill has two parts: a supply charge (also referred to as a service charge or fixed charge) and a usage charge.
The supply charge is how much it costs to connect electricity or gas to your home, and will appear on your bill as either cents per day or as a total amount for the billing period. You’ll be charged this even if you don’t use any electricity or gas.
The usage charge is the cost of the electricity or gas that you use.
- For electricity, you’ll be billed in cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh).
- For natural gas, you’ll be billed cents per megajoule (c/MJ).
It’s important to look at the rate per kWh or MJ when comparing deals. Sometimes, your bill might show more than one usage charge, such as different usage charges depending on whether you used energy in peak, shoulder, or off-peak times.
Is it cheaper to buy gas and electricity together?
It isn’t necessarily cheaper to buy gas and electricity from the same retailer. In some cases, bundling both on a dual fuel plan may score you some discounts, but these could still be more expensive in the long run than paying for electricity from one provider and gas with another.
You should still compare base usage rates to make sure you’re getting a good deal. If a retailer offers a dual fuel discount but their underlying rates aren’t actually competitive, then it may not be worth it.
Although not necessarily cheaper, one advantage to consolidating gas and electricity under a single provider is that it can make paying bills and budgeting easier.
Type of contract
The tariff you’re charged will depend on what kind of contract you have with your provider, who may offer you either a standard retail contract or a market retail contract.
Standard retail contracts have set terms and conditions and cannot be changed by the provider. Under some of these contracts, the price you pay for energy is determined by the state or territory government. If you’ve never switched retailers, then you’ll likely be on this type of contract.
Market retail contracts have varied terms and conditions. They may cost less, offer renewable energy or discounts, and often have fixed terms where you’re charged an exit fee if you leave the contract early. In most cases, these types of offers will be cheaper in the long run and are more competitive out of the two.
Fees
There may be some extra fees charged under your contract, including but not limited to:
- Late fee: this is charged if you fail to pay your bill on time.
- Credit card fee: a fee charged if you pay by credit card.
- Early termination fee: if you’re on a fixed term contract, you may be charged a fee if you switch before the contract has ended.
- Moving fee: some retailers charge this if you move home.
Payment method
Check billing and payment details, such as how and when you’re billed. Also see if the provider’s payment options are suited to you.
You should also check the provider’s hardship policy and what this entails, particularly if you’re working with a tighter budget. A hardship policy offers support and protection if you are struggling to pay your energy bill.
Discounts
You can sometimes get certain discounts for your energy bills, including:
- Pay on time: applies if you pay your bill on time. If you don’t manage to pay a bill on time, you may however be hit with a late fee.
- Email billing: sometimes offered if you choose to have your bills emailed instead of sent by mail. Conversely, some retailers will charge you a fee for a paper bill rather than offering this discount.
- Direct debit: offered when you let your retailer directly take what you owe from your bank account, rather than waiting for you to pay your bill manually.
Just remember to keep in mind that often discounts are temporary. They may be nice extras, but don’t rely on them for savings in the long term.
You should check whether discounts apply to the whole bill (that is, both supply charges and usage charges) or just usage, because this can make quite a difference to what you’re actually saving.
Going green
There are also providers that are more environmentally friendly than others, but it can be difficult to cut through the noise with so many retailers advertising themselves as “green”.
Consider the following questions when assessing a retailer’s environmental impact:
- Does the provider offer green energy products to let their customers support the renewable energy sector?
- Does the provider offer carbon offsetting?
- Does the provider support renewable energy industries? For example, do they support electric vehicles, or do they own assets like solar farms or wind farms?
GreenPower is renewable energy from companies across Australia that have been accredited by the government. If you’re interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping grow the renewable energy sector, then consider purchasing this. However, in some cases, you may be paying extra on top of your usage to offset your power.
Checklist before you switch
If you’ve found a plan that suits you and you’re ready to switch, go through the checklist below.
- Check with your current provider to see if they can offer you a better deal. Some power providers will match or do better.
- Know about your cooling-off rights. By law, when you enter a new energy contract, you have a cooling-off period of 10 business days, during which you can cancel the contract and not be charged an exit fee.
- Check leaving fees. See whether you have to pay a fee to leave your current energy plan.
- Check price changes. See whether prices can change on your new plan, and whether there are already any planned price changes.
- See if you can get a concession. Rebates and concessions are typically offered to pensioners, low-income earners, and those with certain medical conditions.
- Check the conditions of a contract. Ask what will happen at the end of your contract, including what you’ll need to do if you want to renew and what will happen if you want to switch providers.
Contact the new provider directly if you do decide to switch. The process of switching energy providers can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months to do, depending on your retailer and where you are in the payment cycle. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted if you choose to switch.
Look at the energy price fact sheet
Always read the energy price fact sheet of the electricity or gas plan you’re considering.
An energy retailer must provide a summary of a contract by law. This energy price fact sheet must include all costs and charges, payments and penalties for early termination, the contract date and duration, billing and payment details, as well as your rights and obligations.
The bottom line
It’s important to know the fine print of any power supplier and plan you’re considering switching over to. You could even ask a friend or family member to look over your new contract - a fresh set of eyes may pick up on even a minor detail that you’ve overlooked.
Cutting through the marketing and seeing an energy plan for what it is - including rates, fees, benefits, and more - is essential to helping you compare energy providers and find a good deal that means savings on your bills.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the website owner - ProductReview.com.au. ProductReview.com.au is not a financial adviser. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the website information relates to your unique circumstances. ProductReview.com.au is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of this website.
Compare, switch and save all in one place
Hi Alain, Thanks for taking the time to write in. … Read more