Best Energy Providers
Energy Locals 🏆 2026
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I initially signed up with Energy Locals because they were reasonably priced, and their customer service over the phone was excellent. Unfortunately,… Read more
the experience has steadily degraded over time. Their email response turnaround has become abysmal, leaving straightforward billing enquiries hanging for far too long.
Navigating their digital platform is equally frustrating (the website feels completely archaic, sporting a terrible UI that offers virtually no meaningful access to usage data or analytics, but whatever)
The final straw, however, was the recent wave of price hikes. Squeezing in massive fee increases (such as pushing peak usage rates up over 130% - not kidding) is incredibly tough to swallow.
The timing of this price hike is particularly cheeky. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) announced that the official safety-net benchmark price (the Default Market Offer) for the Sydney Ausgrid network is actually decreasing by about 3.4% starting 1 July 2026. For Energy Locals to raise their rates to sit right on that maximum benchmark means they are squeezing extra margin out of loyal customers while wholesale costs are retail-wide actually easing.
Between the deteriorating support, the outdated platform, and the uncompetitive pricing shifts, they have completely lost what made them a "fair" alternative.
Origin Energy
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Certainly not the company they were. I would often find better deals on their website and app than the ones they claimed were the best offer. … Read more
Also increased my daily supply charge by 70c and introduced a new controled load daily charge . Im now moving to a new retailer .
GloBird Energy 🏆 2026
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My initial query + subsequent questions were answered promptly & comprehensively by Peter. Show details
CovaU 🏆 2026
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I've found an energy retailer that works for me! I'm on the SolarMax NSW Residential TOU plan. What I loved: It has a free 3 hour window from 11-2… Read more
p.m. (there is a cap of 24kWh, but I can only charge at 9kW anyway) The shoulder rates are reasonable (28.017c/kWh). Some retailers have a very high mark-up on shoulder rates. (I can avoid the high 61.391c/kWh peak rates with a battery) Amazingly there is a very cheap overnight (12-6 a.m.) 16.5c/kWh rate The daily supply rate (approx $1.29 per day) is reasonable.
Also fast, responsive live chat. Really important for someone who is hearing-impaired like me where phone conversations, especially with unfamiliar accents, is really difficult.
Just hope these rates don't go up too high too fast! I think if you've got a reasonable sized battery around that 24kWh mark, using this retailer is a winner!
1st Energy
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absolutely ridiculous the app and site are useless, ive been without gas for 2 months and had my account closed without informing me then i asked if… Read more
i can just sign up with another provider to be told i can, then to call another provider and be told because of what 1st energy did we have to get them to reconnect it to change over, so ive been waiting for it to be turned back on to then call and be told its closed and have been lied to 2 different times by 2 different people that my gas is being reconnected for a week and a half to go by and i called today 25 june to find out its not even on the service order and now i have to wait for a call from the sales team.
Kleenheat
Fast customer service, polite and very helpful. Highly recommend Kleenheat :) Show details
Arc Energy Group
I called for assistance regarding billing and lovely Ms Angelica did not disappoint, so grateful for she’s always ready to help. Show details
Amber Electric
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I would say it not for me bill was higher and the control of my battery was not the best for me, I even gave them my system to manage: 10kw panels, 10 kw inverter and 38kw battery, Show details
Smart Energy
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Installers did not show up as agreed, but on another day without prior warning. Smart Energy demanded payment prior to installation, not in line with… Read more
signed contract. Packing and rubbish left at site - I have had to pay for a skip for removal. Battery not connected in the system so for almost 6 months therefore I have had minimal benefit. Once I could see there was a problem, the bill was already $700 and ended up being $1200 and on track for another huge bill. There is a smell of gas near the battery, the warning stickers are not attached properly and already faded. Once alerted Smart Energy of the issue, it is over 3 months and they have still not attended to fix. Run, don't walk away!
OVO Energy
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With the mid 2026 rates changes, most companies are shocking people by almost doubling the daily service charge, I'm pleasantly surprised to see that… Read more
OVO has actually reduced my rates! Here's my referral code for $120-180(EV plan) over 12 months. You're welcome! www.ovoenergy.com.au/refer/vivianne1024
Sumo Energy
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Think twice about a smart meter with sumo. Was wired incorrectly, resulted in no hot water. Then at my expensive had to get an electrician to do rewiring. Rang Sumo, they had nothing to say! Show details
Energy Locals Retail
It was a pleasure to deal with Jeremy today and a rare experience for me in today's Customer Service field; a contrast to the frustrations and time… Read more
wasting endured when dealing with some other so-called Customer Service departments who try to confuse or dazzle with nonsense. He explained everything to me clearly and concisely; and answered all my queries cogently and comprehensively. A professional manner combined with emotional intelligence is a winning combination. He deserves to be promoted.
Diamond Energy
I have been with Diamond (I think) for two billing cycles and I switched to them to save the environment. They're more expensive than my previous… Read more
provider but I figured okay. I had an email yesterday saying that my supply fee will double in July, I wanted to talk to them and called today at 11:36 am, still waiting for a cal back at 5:32pm.
I guess I am now in the market for a new provider (who will talk to me).
I am very frustrated with the lack of communication.
Dodo Power & Gas
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Good experience when calling the call centre. My bill had a note that I could get a cheaper rate. Person answered promptly and was able to confirm and change the rate while on the call. I now have the cheapest rate I can find. Show details
Bill Hero
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It sounds great in theory but they then add an automatic annual renewal for those poor people who forget and make it impossible to cancel the… Read more
subscription. It’s unethical. There must be a way to cancel but I can’t work it out which means it’s not simple and that’s unethical.
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
If you want to have a cheaper electricity rate, it is worthwhile to check witn RACV Arcline. New company and their rates are usually cheaper if you… Read more
are a RACV member depending on the suburb. I am happy with it. Much more cheaper supply fee than the others.
To get $50 credit to your account do this:
“When asked 'How did you hear about us', select 'Friend' and provide my account number 9111350.”
Red Energy
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No issues so far for the past four years! Australian owned unlike most of the others. Reasonably priced and no anomalies in any of my bills so far. Show details
Nectr
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Awful experience trying to sign up with nectr. Their system is so old that authorisation texts won’t go through then they denied me an account due to their poorly constructed credit scheme despite having good credit! Avoid. 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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Had to go with these guys as electricity was locked in with the unit. Worse customer service, ridiculous fees. If you have a choice avoid at all costs negative five stars 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
Altogether
Very prompt and full response my query on gas account. 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.
Agas National
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I called Friday morning early knowing the their run to our location was on a Friday. I was told that I had just made the deadline as the truck had… Read more
not left and they could 100% deliver 2 gas bottles that day. I had explained that we had gone away but had family stay at the farm. When I called later o see if they had been delivered I was told they hadn’t and i would now have to wait ano7 days without gas.
I’m annoyed that the sales team put me on hold to check that I could get the two bottles delivered that day , they came back and told they could if i paid right then which I did.
AGas national people rely on a service especially when living out of town. I’m that that disappointed you have lost me as a customer after all theses years I will be going through someone more reliable.
Your sales team should be honest and not just make a sale if the truth was me missed the deadline then that fine but don’t promise something you can’t deliver
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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I decided to transfer my electricity to Alinta. So all went well, filled out the details online to wake up a couple of days later to an email from… Read more
them saying the rates are changing from the 1st of July after being with them for only a couple of days. I decided that was not good practice and found a new supplier that day. I put a complaint into the electrical ombudsman as I don't believe they should be allowed to change their rates after 2 days, otherwise I would have stayed where I was. There was no mention of price rises in their 1st couple of emails or on their website. The prices are still advertised the same as when I first transferred and no mention of any price rises on the 1st of June, with 5 days till the end of the financial year.. I tried to leave no stars, but couldn't. NEVER again will I use ALINTA
EnergyAustralia
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My tenant moved out after 8 years in property and disconnected the power. I Signed up with energy Australia with a promise that it would be… Read more
reconnected on the next Friday. Come the Monday with new tenants moving in no power and no phone call to advise me. When I phone need to answer safety questions and as I was not in the property could not ask me the questions. So no power - disgraceful waste of everyone’s time. When I finally got to the property and phoned it took me 2 mins to answer questions that could have been confirmed by email previously. I and the tenants do not appreciate no power for the first day. Disgraceful service
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
update: called at 9am to be told i need to wait for a call from sales that was sent as a priority… Read more (+1 reply)