Electricity Bill Calculator (2026)
Estimate your electricity bill in seconds, with a bill or without one, and see how it compares to your state's reference price. Rates as of July 2026.
Estimate your electricity bill
Select your state to get an instant estimate. We pre-fill typical usage and current rates so you can adjust from there.
How electricity bills are calculated
Every Australian residential electricity bill is built from the same parts: a fixed daily supply charge for staying connected to the network, a usage charge for each kWh you consume, and, for solar households, a feed-in credit for energy exported to the grid. Advertised residential rates include GST. The calculator mirrors that structure exactly, which is why entering the figures from a real bill reproduces it closely.
Supply charge
A fixed cost per day, regardless of usage, typically 85c to $1.15 depending on your state and distributor. Over a quarter it adds $80–$105 before you use any electricity.
Usage charge
Every kWh you use, billed in cents per kWh. On a single-rate plan this is one rate all day; time-of-use plans split it into peak, shoulder and off-peak windows.
Solar feed-in credit
If you have rooftop solar, energy you export earns a feed-in tariff credit (typically 0–8c/kWh) that is subtracted from your bill.
Average electricity bill by state (2026)
These are the average rates and typical annual bills the calculator uses as defaults, as of July 2026. Where a state has a regulated reference price (DMO or VDO), the benchmark column shows the representative network zone's figure. South Australia has the highest average rates; reference prices fell in most states at the 1 July 2026 reset, while SA rose slightly.
| State | Avg. rate (c/kWh) | Supply ($/day) | Avg. annual bill | Reference price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 28.5c | $1.05 | $1,450 | $1,899 (Ausgrid) |
| VIC | 26.8c | $1.02 | $1,380 | $1,481 (CitiPower) |
| QLD | 27.2c | $1.00 | $1,420 | $1,988 (Energex) |
| SA | 32.1c | $1.12 | $1,580 | $2,334 (SA Power Networks) |
| WA | 28.9c | $1.08 | $1,490 | — |
| TAS | 26.2c | $0.98 | $1,340 | — |
| ACT | 25.8c | $0.95 | $1,310 | — |
Rates current as at 5 September 2026; reference prices effective 1 July 2026 (AER DMO 2026-27 & ESC VDO 2026-27). Average rates and bills from our state rates dataset as of July 2026. Figures are averages and indicative only.
How to lower your electricity bill
- Compare plans at least once a year. The Australian Energy Regulator notes standing-offer customers could save up to around 13% by moving to a competitive market offer.
- Check whether your plan is above or below the reference price for your state (they changed at the 1 July 2026 reset).
- If you have solar, make sure your feed-in tariff is competitive, and that a high FiT is not funded by a high usage rate.
- On a time-of-use tariff, shift dishwashers, washing machines and EV charging to off-peak windows.
- Heating and cooling dominate most bills. A 1°C thermostat change makes a measurable difference.
- Avoid plans with exit fees unless the rate is clearly better; flexibility to switch is worth keeping.
Frequently asked questions
How is my electricity bill calculated?
An Australian residential electricity bill has two main parts: a daily supply charge (a fixed cost for being connected to the network, typically 85c–$1.15 per day) and a usage charge (the electricity you use, billed in cents per kWh). If you have rooftop solar, a feed-in tariff credit for energy you export is subtracted. All advertised residential rates include GST. This calculator uses the same structure: supply charge × days + usage × rate − solar credits.
What is the average electricity bill in Australia in 2026?
Based on our state dataset as of July 2026, average annual household electricity bills range from about $1,310 (ACT) to $1,580 (South Australia), depending on state, usage and plan. Reference prices changed at the 1 July 2026 reset — most states saw standing-offer prices fall, while South Australia rose slightly.
How many kWh does a typical home use?
Regulator benchmarks put typical annual household usage between roughly 3,900 and 6,200 kWh depending on the state and network zone — around 11–17 kWh per day. Smaller households use less, and homes with electric hot water, pools or electric vehicles use more. The calculator pre-fills your state's typical usage, adjusted for household size.
How can I lower my electricity bill?
The fastest lever is your plan: check your rate against the reference price for your state, and compare market offers — the Australian Energy Regulator notes standing-offer customers could save up to around 13% by moving to a competitive market offer. Beyond that: shift usage to off-peak windows if you're on a time-of-use tariff, make sure your solar feed-in tariff is competitive, and review heating and cooling, which dominate most bills.
How accurate is this calculator?
It's an estimate, not a quote. The calculation matches how single-rate plans are billed, so if you enter the usage, rate and supply charge from a real bill it will land close to that bill. The "no bill" path uses your state's typical usage and average rates as of July 2026, so treat it as indicative — your actual bill depends on your plan, meter type and usage patterns.
What is a daily supply charge?
The daily supply charge (sometimes called a service-to-property charge) is a fixed daily fee for being connected to the electricity network, regardless of how much electricity you use. It typically ranges from 85c to $1.15 per day depending on your state and distributor.
What is the reference price?
The Australian Energy Regulator sets a reference price (the Default Market Offer) for NSW, South East Queensland and SA, and Victoria's Essential Services Commission sets the Victorian Default Offer. They act as benchmarks: plans priced below the reference price cost less than the default standing offer for typical usage. This calculator benchmarks your estimate against the July 2026 reference price for your state where one applies.
Keep going
How we calculate these estimates
This calculator uses average state rates and your input values to produce an indicative estimate.
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.
Data shown for electricity bill calculator.