Average electricity bill in New South Wales
The average annual electricity bill for a New South Wales household is approximately $1,450 per year at an average usage rate of 28.5c/kWh with a daily supply charge of $1.05. Comparing plans can help you find a cheaper deal.
Average annual bill
$1,450
New South Wales
Average rate
28.5c/kWh
Usage rate
Supply charge
$1.05/day
Daily fixed cost
Annual change
+4.2%
Year on year
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Average electricity bill by household size
The following estimates are based on national average usage rates. Actual bills vary by state, distributor zone, and the specific plan you are on.
| Household type | Daily usage (kWh) | Est. annual bill | Est. quarterly bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | 5.5 | $2,045 | $511 |
| Couple (no children) | 9 | $3,345 | $836 |
| Small family (3–4 people) | 13.5 | $5,018 | $1,255 |
| Large family (5+ people) | 18 | $6,690 | $1,673 |
Estimates only. Individual bills depend on usage habits, tariff structure, and current plan rates.
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What affects your electricity bill
Your usage rate (c/kWh)
The single biggest driver of your bill. Rates vary by retailer, distributor, and state. Comparing plans can find lower rates for the same usage.
Daily supply charge
A fixed daily charge — sometimes called 'service to property' — that applies regardless of how much electricity you use. Supply charges typically range from $0.90 to $1.30 per day.
Household size and appliances
Larger households use more electricity. High-consumption appliances — electric hot water systems, air conditioning, pool pumps, EV chargers — significantly increase annual costs.
Solar feed-in tariff (if applicable)
Households with rooftop solar can offset consumption costs with feed-in tariff credits. Higher feed-in tariff rates reduce net bills, sometimes substantially.
Network and distribution charges
A portion of your bill covers the cost of maintaining the poles, wires, and local distribution infrastructure. Network charges vary by distributor and region.
Market offer vs standing offer
Market offers from retailers can be significantly cheaper than standing offers (default tariffs). Consumers on standing offers may be paying more than necessary.
How to reduce your electricity bill
- 1
Compare and switch plans
Review your current plan and compare alternatives. Even moving from a standing offer to a competitive market offer can save hundreds of dollars per year.
- 2
Shift usage to off-peak periods
Running dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers at night or on weekends can reduce costs on time-of-use plans.
- 3
Improve home insulation
Draughts, poor window insulation, and inadequate ceiling insulation increase heating and cooling costs significantly. Addressing these can reduce energy consumption year-round.
- 4
Upgrade appliances
Older appliances — particularly refrigerators, hot water systems, and air conditioners — often use significantly more energy than modern equivalents. Look for high energy star ratings.
- 5
Consider rooftop solar
For households that own their home, solar panels can substantially reduce net electricity costs. Many Australian homes are well-suited to solar given the high solar irradiance across most of the country.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity bill in New South Wales?
The average annual electricity bill for a New South Wales household is approximately $1,450. This varies depending on household size, usage, and the specific plan you are on. Comparing plans can help you find a cheaper rate for your usage level.
What is the average electricity rate in NSW?
The average electricity usage rate in New South Wales is approximately 28.5c/kWh, with an average daily supply charge of $1.05. Rates vary by distributor zone and the plan you select.
How can I lower my electricity bill in NSW?
The most effective ways to reduce your New South Wales electricity bill are: switching to a cheaper market offer, reducing peak-time usage, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and considering solar if your property is suitable.
Are electricity prices rising in NSW?
Electricity prices in New South Wales increased by approximately 4.2% over the past year. This continues a broader trend of gradual price increases driven by network cost changes and wholesale market conditions.
Who are the cheapest electricity providers in NSW?
The cheapest electricity providers in New South Wales vary by location and usage level. Use our comparison tool to see current competitive plans available in your postcode.
How we calculate these estimates
The figures below reflect state-level benchmark data from distributor zones across this state.
Estimated costs can vary by usage, tariff type, retailer, distributor, and address. Both supply charges (the daily fixed cost of being connected) and usage rates (c/kWh) affect your total bill. Solar feed-in tariffs vary by retailer and plan. Always review plan details, fees, and conditions before switching.
Data sources
- AER Default Market Offer (DMO) reference pricing
- ESC Victorian Default Offer (VDO) benchmarks
- Distributor zone boundary data
- Published retailer plan information
These are indicative estimates only. Your actual bill depends on your specific plan, usage patterns, and applicable discounts. Read our full methodology.
Methodology last reviewed: June 2026.
How we make money
EnergyPlans.com.au may receive a commission if you switch through our comparison partner. This does not change the price you pay, but it may influence which plans are available through our service. We do not compare every plan in the market.
Our editorial content, methodology, and benchmark data are independent of any commercial relationship. Always review plan details, including any fees or conditions, before switching. How we make money.
Data shown for New South Wales electricity.
Last updated: June 2026. Estimates are indicative only based on AER reference data.