Average electricity bill in South Australia
The typical SA electricity plan costs $2,310 a year at 4,000 kWh (the median of 100 market plans from 20 retailers, inc GST, checked 20 Oct). The cheapest is $1,887 (1st Energy); the government reference price is $2,334.
Median bill
$2,310
4,000 kWh
Median c/kWh
41.91c
inc GST
Median supply
171.05c
c/day, inc GST
Cheapest
$1,887
1st Energy
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Average electricity bill by household size
At the median SA plan rates (41.91c/kWh, 171.05c/day, inc GST).
| Household type | Daily usage (kWh) | Est. annual bill | Est. quarterly bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | 5.5 | $1,466 | $367 |
| Couple (no children) | 9 | $2,001 | $500 |
| Small family (3–4 people) | 13.5 | $2,689 | $672 |
| Large family (5+ people) | 18 | $3,378 | $845 |
100 market plans from 20 retailers, inc GST, checked 20 Oct.
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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.
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 South Australia?
The typical SA plan costs $2,310 a year at 4,000 kWh, the median of 100 market plans, inc GST.
What is the average electricity rate in SA?
The median usage rate is 41.91c/kWh, with a median daily supply charge of 171.05c/day, inc GST.
How can I lower my electricity bill in SA?
The most effective ways to reduce a South Australia electricity bill are switching to a cheaper market offer, using less electricity at peak times, and checking whether solar suits the property. The cheapest plan we track is $1,887 a year.
Who are the cheapest electricity providers in SA?
On SA Power Networks, the cheapest retailers by their cheapest qualifying plan are 1st Energy, GloBird and Flipped Energy.
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: 20 October 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 South Australia electricity.
Last updated: 20 October 2026. Figures are the median of market plans, inc GST.