Cheapest electricity providers in Canberra (top 5 deals)
Here are the cheapest electricity providers in the ACT and five of the best energy plans for residential customers, according to Money.com.au’s analysis:
1
Origin
Go Variable (Domestic Rate 1)
2
ActewAGL
Good To Go
3
Nectr
100% Clean
4
EnergyAustralia
Flexi Plan
5
CovaU Energy
Basics
This list is based on Money.com.au’s analysis of Canberra electricity plans in the comparison table above. Information is accurate as of 22 October 2024.
Average electricity bill ACT
The average electricity bill in the ACT is $2,432 per year, approximately $608 per quarter. This figure is based on the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Reference Price for 2024-25, specifically for residential customers on a single-rate tariff without controlled load.
The ICRC Reference Price serves as a baseline for comparing energy plans, reflecting the typical costs for households. However, many energy providers in Canberra offer more competitive deals, known as “market offers”, which can often provide better rates or additional benefits.
For example, the Reference Price is $2,432 per year, whereas the most affordable market offer is currently $1,848, leading to annual savings of $584.
We recently surveyed Australians about their least favourite bills, and 36% of respondents in the ACT ranked their energy bills as the most dreaded.
Cheapest electricity rates in the ACT
Some of the cheapest electricity rates in Canberra currently belong to Origin, ActewAGL, Nectar, and EnergyAustralia. A low electricity usage rate will usually start from around 25 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) and 100 cents per day for the supply charge, according to Energy Made Easy.
Keep in mind that the above electricity rates apply to residential customers on a single rate tariff in Canberra on the Evoenergy network, as of 22 October 2024.
ACT energy providers generally update their electricity prices every year in July or August to reflect changes to the Reference Price. Although your provider has an obligation to notify you of any price changes, it’s a timely reminder to compare the latest energy plans from a range of companies.
How to find the best energy plans in Canberra
Low usage rates
Compare a variety of energy plans with lower per-kilowatt-hour rates, known as electricity usage rates. This is particularly important if your household consumes a lot of power, such as using air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
Competitive supply charges
These are the fixed fees that energy retailers apply for delivering electricity to your home. Choosing plans with reasonable supply charges is important, as these costs can add up over a quarterly billing cycle. For low power users, a lower daily supply charge is a big factor, since this fee is incurred regardless of how much energy you consume.
Discounts and incentives
Many providers offer discounts for signing up online, paying on time, or bundling services such as gas or internet. It’s important to assess these discounts and see how they align with your needs. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, as some discounts may be available only for a specific time period.
The benefit period
Be mindful of how long you’ll receive any benefits or discounts. Some energy plans feature appealing usage and supply rates that may change to higher prices after a year or two. Understanding the length of the benefit period can help you avoid unexpected cost increases in the future.
Hidden fees
Read the fine print of each plan and look for hidden fees or charges that may apply. These could be costs for paper billing, credit card payments, or penalties for late payments. Be aware of other fees such as connection fees for new electricity service, disconnection fees for terminating service, and reconnection fees for restoring power.
Customer service
Reliable support can help you navigate billing issues, manage your account, and answer any questions about your plan. Additionally, responsive customer service can provide peace of mind, knowing that assistance is readily available should any problems arise, ensuring a better overall experience.
When comparing energy plans in Canberra, you should consider your household’s electricity consumption needs. Other factors that will affect overall costs include the types of tariffs your home is connected to, whether you have solar panels, and potential spikes in energy usage, such as during the winter months for heating.
Understanding the ACT energy market
ACT electricity distribution explained
Electricity supply in the ACT is distributed by Evoenergy, while some customers in the outskirts of the nation’s capital may fall under the Essential Energy network. Evoenergy is responsible for Canberra’s electricity network, including maintaining a reliable power supply to properties, performing connections/disconnections, and restoring power during outages.
What is the ACT Reference Price?
The Reference Price refers to an annual price set by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) where consumers can easily compare an electricity retailer’s market offer plan. It is based on an average yearly energy usage of a typical household (depending on the tariff). All retailers must display how their market offers compare to the Reference Price.
Here are the ACT Reference Prices for customers on single rate tariffs:
| Type of customer | Annual usage (kWh/year) | Annual price (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
Household on single rate (flat tariff) without controlled load | 6,100 | $2,432 |
Household on single rate with controlled load 1 | 8,800 | $3,018 |
Household on single rate with controlled load 1 & 2 | 8,800 | $3,018 |
Small business | 10,000 | $4,711 |
Can you choose your own energy provider in Canberra?
Yes, there are a handful of energy providers selling electricity and gas in the ACT. Residential and small business customers in the following areas can choose their power company:
- Belconnen
- Central Canberra
- Casey
- Forrest
- Griffith
- Kambah
- Latham
- Taylor
ACT electricity providers you can choose from
- ActewAGL
- Amber Electric
- CovaU Energy
- EnergyAustralia
- Energy Locals
- Nectr
- Origin
- Red Energy
Some of the ACT energy retailers above may have switched off their market offer plans, meaning they are no longer accepting new customers at this point in time. This is likely due to an unstable wholesale market where bulk electricity prices are too expensive for retailers to purchase (and service customers while still turning a profit).
ACT energy rebates: What’s on offer?
1
Energy Bill Relief Fund
ACT households will receive a one-time payment of up to $300 to assist with energy bills in the 2024-25 financial year. Eligible small businesses can receive up to $325.
2
Life Support Rebate
ACT residents who use life support equipment at home may qualify for concessions on their electricity and gas bills. For the 2024-25 financial year, the annual rebate is $150, which will be applied to each eligible applicant's electricity bill as a daily rate.
3
Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate (Utilities Concession)
This includes concessions on electricity, gas, water, and sewerage bills for eligible households. For more details, please contact your utility provider. The annual rebate for 2024-25 is $50, totaling $800, which will be calculated as a daily rate.
4
Heating and Cooling Upgrade
Retailer ActewAGL is offering eligible customers rebates of up to $2,500 for the cost and installation of a new air conditioning unit, along with a $500 credit to their quarterly electricity bill over three years, paid at a rate of $41.67 per quarter.
5
ACT Sustainable Household Scheme
Eligible households may receive two rebates of up to $2,500 each. This includes one rebate covering 50% of the total installation cost for rooftop solar, capped at $2,500, and another rebate for 50% of the total installation cost for reverse cycle heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, and similar systems, also capped at $2,500.
