Cheapest electricity plans in New South Wales
Quick answer
The lowest single-rate plan we track in New South Wales is around 24c/kWh (1st Energy), from live Consumer Data Right plan data at the regulator's benchmark usage. The cheapest plan for your home depends on your actual usage, solar setup, and postcode, so it pays to compare current offers before switching.
NSW standing-offer prices fell up to 5% at the 1 July 2026 reset — make sure you are on current rates.
Compare electricity providers in New South Wales and see estimated annual bills based on average household usage. Finding a cheaper electricity plan can make a meaningful difference to your household budget. Average electricity rates in NSW are currently around 28.5c/kWh.
Compare plans available in New South Wales.
Compare plansBill estimate source
Estimated annual bills below are each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan from live Consumer Data Right plan data, costed at the AER/ESC benchmark usage for the zone. Individual bills will vary based on actual usage, discounts, and your specific plan terms.
Electricity providers in New South Wales: estimated annual bills
| Provider | Rate from (c/kWh) | Supply charge ($/day) | Est. annual cost (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cheapest1st Energy | 24c | $1.21 | $1,377 |
| 25.9c | $1.30 | $1,484 | |
| 26.5c | $1.33 | $1,519 | |
| 26.8c | $1.21 | $1,487 | |
| 27.1c | $1.36 | $1,554 | |
| 28.7c | $0.90 | $1,447 | |
| 28.9c | $1.48 | $1,667 | |
| 29.6c | $0.86 | $1,466 | |
| 29.9c | $1.21 | $1,905 | |
| 30.1c | $1.51 | $1,726 | |
| 30.1c | $1.51 | $1,726 | |
| 32c | $1.05 | $1,629 | |
| 42c | $0.94 | $1,979 | |
| — | — | — |
* Figures are each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan at the AER/ESC benchmark usage, from Consumer Data Right plan data. Rates change regularly. Compare live plans for current pricing.
Cheapest tracked plan by network zone in New South Wales
The lowest annual cost among the plans we track in each New South Wales distribution zone at that zone’s benchmark usage, lined up against the regulated reference price for the zone.
| Zone | Reference price | Cheapest tracked | Retailer (plan) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Energy | $2,604/yr | $2,063/yr | Tango Energy (Everyday Easy)May not be available via EnergyPlans | $541 (21%) |
| Endeavour Energy | $2,328/yr | $1,769/yr | Tango Energy (Everyday Easy)May not be available via EnergyPlans | $559 (24%) |
| Ausgrid | $1,899/yr | $1,440/yr | Tango Energy (Everyday Easy)May not be available via EnergyPlans | $459 (24%) |
Cheapest plan shown is the lowest-priced tracked plan for each network zone, from published Consumer Data Right rates as of 30 August 2026, at the AER/ESC model annual usage for the zone. We track more plans than we can sign you up to, so the cheapest plan shown may not be available to switch through us. You can always go directly to the retailer. Figures are indicative benchmark estimates, not quotes; your actual bill depends on your usage, plan and address. How we calculate this.
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Electricity market in New South Wales
New South Wales has a fully competitive electricity retail market. Consumers can choose from a wide range of retailers and switch plans at any time.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets a reference price for NSW to help consumers compare plans. Most market offers are priced relative to this benchmark.
How to compare electricity plans in New South Wales
- 1
Check your current rate
Find your current usage rate (c/kWh) and daily supply charge on your electricity bill. This is your benchmark for comparison.
- 2
Enter your postcode
Use our comparison tool and enter your New South Wales postcode to see plans available in your area.
- 3
Compare estimated annual costs
Look at the estimated annual bill for your usage level, not just the headline rate. Supply charges and usage tiers all affect your total cost.
- 4
Check contract terms
Some cheaper plans have no exit fees; others lock you in. Read the plan's Basic Plan Information Document (BPID) before signing up.
- 5
Switch online
Most retailers let you switch online. Your new retailer arranges the change and supply is not interrupted.
Why do electricity prices differ across New South Wales?
NSW electricity bills have risen approximately 4.2% over the past year, with the average annual household bill now sitting at $1,450. Several factors drive variation within the state:
- Distribution network: Your local distributor's network charges vary by region within NSW. Metropolitan areas often have different distribution costs to regional or rural areas.
- Retailer margin: Each retailer adds its own margin to the wholesale electricity cost and network charges. Smaller or newer retailers sometimes offer sharper pricing to attract customers.
- Usage tier structure: Some plans charge different rates depending on how much electricity you use. High-usage households may benefit from plans with a lower step-one rate.
- Contract type: Fixed-rate plans lock in a rate for 12–24 months, while variable plans can change. Fixed plans offer price certainty; variable plans sometimes offer lower rates but can increase.
- Solar feed-in tariff: If you have rooftop solar, the feed-in tariff rate affects your net bill. Comparing both the usage rate and the feed-in rate is important for solar households.
More electricity resources for New South Wales
Compare Australian energy plans at EnergyPlans
Compare plans available in New South Wales.
Compare plansFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest electricity plan in New South Wales?
Based on live Consumer Data Right plan data, 1st Energy is among the more competitively priced retailers for single-rate plans in New South Wales. Plan-level rates change frequently. Use our comparison tool to see the latest offers for your postcode.
How is electricity plan cost assessed in New South Wales?
Plan cost is estimated by comparing the annual electricity bill for a typical NSW 3-bedroom household, based on the provider's average usage rate (c/kWh) and daily supply charge. Actual bills vary based on usage, discounts, and plan terms.
Can I switch electricity providers in New South Wales?
New South Wales has a fully competitive electricity retail market. Consumers can choose from a wide range of retailers and switch plans at any time. Switching is free and does not interrupt supply.
What is the reference price in New South Wales?
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets a reference price for NSW to help consumers compare plans. Most market offers are expressed as a percentage above or below this benchmark.
How much does electricity cost in New South Wales per kWh?
Average electricity rates in New South Wales are approximately 28.5c/kWh, with an average daily supply charge of $1.05. Average annual bills are around $1,450.
How much can I save by switching in New South Wales?
It depends on your current plan and usage. The Australian Energy Regulator notes customers on a standing offer could save up to around 13% by moving to a competitive market offer. NSW standing-offer prices fell up to 5% at the 1 July 2026 reset — make sure you are on current rates. As of 30 August 2026, the cheapest plan we track in the Endeavour Energy zone works out to about $1,769 a year at the zone's benchmark usage, against a $2,328 reference price, a gap of $559. That plan may not be switchable through us, and your own saving depends on your usage and current plan. Compare plans for your postcode to see your actual options.
How do I find a competitive electricity plan for my home in New South Wales?
Use our free comparison tool and enter your postcode. You can review current plans from retailers available in your area, filtered by estimated cost for your usage level.
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. Rates are indicative estimates based on published plan data.