1st Energy vs Amber Electric

    Compare 1st Energy and Amber Electric 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.

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    Note: 1st Energy and Amber Electric are not currently available through our comparison tool.

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    Rates comparison

    These retailers do not both have an active single-rate market plan in the same state right now.

    Other1st EnergyAmber
    Solar feed-in tariffVaries by state and planConfirm with retailerVaries by state and planConfirm with retailer

    ✓ = 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.

    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.

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    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

    Amber Electric

    Amber Electric is an Australian electricity retailer that passes through wholesale market prices plus a flat monthly subscription, rather than traditional retail margins on every kilowatt-hour. Amber focuses on households with solar, batteries, and smart devices, with tools to help customers shift usage when wholesale prices and grid conditions are favourable.

    Amber Electric

    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

    Amber Electric: pros & cons

    Transparent wholesale-linked pricing model with a flat subscription fee
    Strong fit for solar and battery households that can shift usage
    App-based visibility of prices and usage
    Australian-based retailer with a focus on renewables-friendly tech
    Available across several NEM states and the ACT
    Rates can move with the wholesale market — bills may vary month to month
    Not ideal if you want fixed or heavily smoothed prices year-round
    Smaller brand than the major retailers — fewer physical touchpoints
    Best value often assumes engagement with the app and automation
    Coverage excludes Western Australia and Northern Territory (typical for NEM retailers)

    Frequently asked questions

    • Is 1st Energy cheaper than Amber Electric?

      Pricing for one or both retailers is being verified against the live Consumer Data Right dataset. Actual costs depend on your plan, usage, and state. Compare using your own energy bill.

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

      Solar feed-in tariffs from both 1st Energy and Amber Electric 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 Amber available in my state?

      1st Energy and Amber Electric do not currently both have an active single-rate market plan in the same state.

    • Which is better overall: 1st Energy or Amber Electric?

      1st Energy and Amber Electric need a postcode comparison before either can be called cheaper. The best plan for you depends on your usage and address.

    • How do I switch from 1st Energy to Amber (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.

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    How we calculate these estimates

    Figures are each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan from Consumer Data Right plan data, costed at the AER/ESC benchmark usage for the zone and compared against the reference price. 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

    • Consumer Data Right plan data
    • AER Default Market Offer (DMO) reference price
    • ESC Victorian Default Offer (VDO) reference price

    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.

    Methodology reviewed June 2026

    Data shown for 1st Energy vs Amber Electric.