Energy Prices State by State in Australia: The Ultimate Guide to Energy Plans
Energy bills are a significant contributing factor to household expenses all over Australia. What consumers don't understand is that energy plans in Australia differ state by state, territory by territory, not to mention the differences between providers, and contain various factors.
From daily supply charges, usage rates, seasonal custom rates and other sneaky prerequisites, knowing the difference can steer you clear from overpaying versus basically saving hundreds of dollars per year. This blog addresses energy prices state by state, with some of the major providers, so you can see how your area compares and what's generally best to use when evaluating plans.
What makes up your energy plan?
Energy bills consist of two components no matter where you are in Australia:
Service Charges (Supply Charges/Access Fees)
Usage (Per Kilowatt Hour/Per Unit Charge)
Other sneaky elements to watch out for:
Seasonal Tariffs: For instance, Red Energy has higher usage rates in summer when air conditioning is on daily (higher in winter/colder months, but not as much).
Time-of-Use Tariffs: Peak (afternoon/evening hours) and off-peak (overnight hours) services charge differently.
GreenPower Add-Ons: Slight extra charges (2–3 c/kWh) to purchase Green Energy.
Credit Card Fees or Late Payment Fees: If you pay by credit card (some companies charge just because of this) or if you miss a payment date.
National Comparison at a Glance
Lets break it down, State by State:
New South Wales (NSW)
Very competitive energy price market overall with dozens of providers. Average bill: ~1,965. Usage Rates: 30–34 c/kWh. Supply Charges: 95–100 c/day
Based on analysis, if residents switch from Default Market Offer to their cheapest plan, the savings can be upwards of $500/year in NSW.
Victoria (VIC)
Similar competitive energy market with Victorian Default Offer being the market average comparison. Average bill: ~1,675 Usage rates: 25–28 c/kWh. Supply charges: 80–110 c/day
Victorian households switching from their default provider estimated could save up to $570 every year.
Queensland (QLD)
Split on deregulation in South East QLD and regulated pricing for regional Queensland. Average annual bill: ~2,143. Usage rates: 28–30 c/kWh. Supply Charges: ~100 c/day
Mixed throughout Queensland, regional customers don't have much choice. South East customers can still save around $500 switching annually.
South Australia (SA)
Ranking among the highest energy prices annually across the country. Average annual bill: $2,000+. Average Usage rates: 33–38 c/kWh. Supply Charges: ~110 c/day
Customers shouldn't have to switch any defaults because market offers we're still save households $300–$400 annually in SA.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The smallest market but highest average bills. Average annual bill: ~2,675. Average usage rates: ~25 c/kWh. Supply Charges: ~110 c./day
ACT customers can save 680 a year switching from their defaults to cheaper offers.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmanian electricity is primarily hydroelectric powered, which means stable usage rates. Average annual bill: ~1,900. Average usage rates: ~26 c/kWh. Supply Charges: ~95 c/day
Little competition means little opportunity for savings versus larger states.
Western Australia (WA)
Regulated market with very limited competition. Average Annual bill: ~1,800. Average usage rates: 29–31 c/kWh. Supply Charges: ~105 c/day
Western Australians don't have much choice in terms of energy suppliers, but knowing usage/supply prices can help normalise billing.
Final Thoughts
Electricity in Australia isn't just about how much you pay to use it. Supply charges, seasonal pricing and nooks and crannies charges can add up to hundreds to your annual bill without you realising.
By comparing electricity plans often, a NSW or VIC household with access to a competitive market can save upwards of $600 annually. Even households in stable markets where offer options are fewer, understanding the nuances of supply and seasonal pricing help consumers make choices.
EnergyPlans.com.au is the easiest way to compare, switch and save. Whether you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart or Perth, it's worth shopping around, and checking that you’re not paying more than you should.
Check to see how much you could be saving: Compare Now - its free!