Last updated: 1 April 2026

    Energy Locals vs Red Energy

    Red Energy appears cheaper based on average annual bill estimates — est. $1,430/yr, compared to $1,450/yr for Energy Locals. Actual costs vary by state, usage, and plan.

    Compare Energy Locals and Red Energy 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.

    Which provider is cheaper?

    $1,430
    Red Energy est. annual bill
    ✓ Lower
    $1,450
    Energy Locals est. annual bill
    Est. annual bill difference: $20 — actual costs vary by state, usage, and plan.

    Rates comparison

    MetricEnergy LocalsRed Energy
    Avg. usage rate27.5c/kWh 27.5c/kWh
    Daily supply charge$0.98/day $0.98/day
    Est. annual bill$1,450 $1,430
    Solar feed-in tariff6–12c/kWh 6–8c/kWh
    Customer rating4.3/5 4.4/5
    States availableNSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, TASNSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT
    Plan typesvariable, solar, greenfixed, variable, solar

    ✓ indicates the better value option for that metric. Estimates based on average household usage of 18 kWh/day. Actual rates vary by state and plan.

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

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    Energy Locals

    4.3/5

    Energy Locals appeals to households that want a challenger retailer with clear communication and competitive offers. Always compare the usage rate and supply charge for your distributor before switching.

    Full Energy Locals review
    Recommended

    Red Energy

    4.4/5

    Red Energy is consistently one of the best-rated retailers in Australia for value and customer service. Highly recommended for households in the eastern states looking for a competitive and trustworthy alternative to the major retailers.

    Full Red Energy review

    Energy Locals — pros & cons

    Transparent, simple plan structures on many offers
    Australian-based support team
    Solar and GreenPower-style options on selected plans
    Broad eastern-state footprint including Tasmania on many offers
    Strong customer satisfaction scores in independent surveys
    Not available everywhere — check your address
    Challenger brand — fewer retail shopfronts than major retailers
    Rates still vary by distributor and plan
    Some plans may have conditions or exit terms — read the fact sheet
    Western Australia and Northern Territory coverage differs from the NEM

    Red Energy — pros & cons

    100% Australian-owned (Snowy Hydro subsidiary)
    Consistently top-rated for customer service
    Competitive pricing across all available states
    No hidden fees on most plans
    Solar feed-in tariff available
    Not available in WA, TAS, or NT
    Smaller retailer with fewer plan types than the big three
    Limited business energy options
    No gas supply in some states

    Frequently asked questions

    • Is Energy Locals cheaper than Red Energy?

      Based on average rates, Energy Locals offers a lower average usage rate (27.5c/kWh vs 27.5c/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: Energy Locals or Red Energy?

      Energy Locals generally offers the better solar feed-in tariff rate (6–12c/kWhc/kWh vs 6–8c/kWhc/kWh). Rates vary by state and plan, so confirm directly with the retailer.

    • Are both Energy Locals and Red Energy available in my state?

      Both Energy Locals and Red Energy are available in: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT. Energy Locals is available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, TAS, and Red Energy in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT.

    • Which is better overall: Energy Locals or Red Energy?

      Energy Locals and Red Energy score similarly across the metrics in our dataset. The right choice depends on your state, usage patterns, and whether you have solar panels — use the comparison tool to check current plan availability for your postcode.

    • How do I switch from Energy Locals to Red Energy (or vice versa)?

      Switching electricity retailers in Australia is straightforward. You can switch online, by phone, or through an independent 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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