Last updated: 27 August 2026

    1st Energy vs ActewAGL

    Compare 1st Energy and ActewAGL electricity plans side by side. See rates, solar feed-in tariffs, pros and cons, and find out which retailer offers the better deal for Australian households.

    Based on tracked plans as of August 2026, 1st Energy is the lower-rate option for a typical NSW household, at about 19.4c/kWh versus 29.9c/kWh, with supply charges of 91c vs 121c per day. This is indicative and reflects plans on our panel, not every plan in market.

    Note: 1st Energy is not currently available through our comparison tool.

    Enter your postcode to compare plans from available retailers.

    Rates comparison

    Metric1st EnergyActewAGL
    Usage rate (cheapest plan)19.4c/kWh 29.9c/kWh
    Daily supply charge$0.91/day $1.21/day
    Est. annual cost (from)$1,107 $1,905
    Solar feed-in tariffVaries by state & planConfirm with retailerVaries by state & planConfirm with retailer
    States availableNSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TASACT, NSW
    Plan typesvariable, solar, greenFixed rate, Variable rate, Green energy, Business

    ✓ = lower figure in our live pricing data, not a recommendation. Figures reflect each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan at the regulator's benchmark usage, from Consumer Data Right plan data. Actual rates vary by state and plan.

    Rates last updated: August 2026. Solar feed-in tariff rates change regularly. Always confirm directly with your retailer.

    Solar feed-in tariff note: FiT rates vary by state, distributor zone, and plan. Victoria deregulated its minimum FiT from 1 July 2025. Rates are now set by retailers and can be as low as 0c/kWh. NSW and SA have no regulated minimum. Always confirm the current FiT rate directly with your retailer before switching. Learn more about solar feed-in tariffs →

    This analysis is based on EnergyPlans Australia's 2026 energy pricing data across multiple providers and states.

    See how 1st Energy and ActewAGL stack up against every other retailer in your postcode.

    Compare plans
    Lower rate

    1st Energy

    1st Energy is an Australian electricity retailer offering residential market plans across the National Electricity Market, with a particularly established presence in Tasmania alongside the mainland states. Energy Locals Retail is transitioning to the 1st Energy brand from 12 September 2026.

    1st Energy

    ActewAGL

    ActewAGL is a joint venture between Icon Water and AGL Energy, operating as the primary electricity and gas retailer in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions of New South Wales. As the local area retailer for the ACT, ActewAGL serves both residential and business customers across Canberra and nearby areas.

    ActewAGL

    Summary

    1st Energy and ActewAGL have similar benchmark costs. Compare plans for your postcode to see which offers a better rate.

    All figures are benchmark estimates based on AER/ESC reference data. Actual plan pricing varies by postcode, usage, and available discounts.

    Both available in: NSW

    1st Energy: pros & cons

    Established challenger retailer with a strong Tasmania footprint
    Residential market offers in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and TAS
    Solar feed-in tariffs on selected plans
    Online account management and switching
    Successor brand for Energy Locals Retail from 12 September 2026
    Not currently available through our comparison partner — compare other retailers or visit 1st Energy directly
    Not available in Western Australia or the Northern Territory
    Rates vary by distributor zone and plan — check your address
    Challenger brand — fewer shopfronts than the major retailers
    Some plans may have conditions — read the fact sheet

    ActewAGL: pros & cons

    Local area retailer for the ACT with strong community presence
    Backed by AGL Energy and Icon Water joint venture
    Offers both electricity and gas bundled plans
    GreenChoice options for customers wanting renewable energy
    Competitive rates in the Evoenergy distribution zone
    Limited availability outside the ACT and surrounding NSW
    Fewer plan options compared to larger national retailers
    May not be the cheapest option for high-usage households
    Less brand recognition outside Canberra

    Frequently asked questions

    • Is 1st Energy cheaper than ActewAGL?

      Based on each retailer's cheapest single-rate market plan in our live pricing data, 1st Energy offers a lower usage rate (19.4c/kWh vs 29.9c/kWh). However, actual costs depend on your specific plan, usage, and state. Always compare using your own energy bill data.

    • Which provider offers a better solar feed-in tariff: 1st Energy or ActewAGL?

      Solar feed-in tariffs from both 1st Energy and ActewAGL vary by state, distributor zone, and plan, and they change regularly. Victoria deregulated its minimum feed-in tariff from 1 July 2025, so rates there can be as low as 0c/kWh, and NSW and SA have no regulated minimum. Always confirm the current feed-in tariff directly with the retailer before switching.

    • Are both 1st Energy and ActewAGL available in my state?

      Both 1st Energy and ActewAGL are available in: NSW. 1st Energy is available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, and ActewAGL in ACT, NSW.

    • Which is better overall: 1st Energy or ActewAGL?

      1st Energy has the lower usage rate on its cheapest single-rate market plan in our live pricing data. The best plan for you depends on your usage and postcode.

    • How do I switch from 1st Energy to ActewAGL (or vice versa)?

      Switching electricity retailers in Australia is straightforward. You can switch online, by phone, or through a comparison service. The process typically takes 2–5 business days and you will not experience any interruption to your electricity supply. Check for any exit fees on your current plan before switching.

    More comparisons

    Compare Australian energy plans at EnergyPlans

    Popular energy comparisons

    See how 1st Energy and ActewAGL stack up against every other retailer in your postcode.

    Compare plans

    How we calculate these estimates

    This comparison uses benchmark data from AER and ESC reference pricing. Actual plan rates vary by postcode.

    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.

    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.

    Updated June 2026

    Data shown for 1st Energy vs ActewAGL.