Cheapest electricity providers in SA (top 10 deals)
Here are the cheapest electricity providers in SA and 10 of the best energy plans for residential customers, according to Money.com.au’s analysis:
1
Pacific Blue
Blue First
2
GloBird Energy
GloSAVE
3
Momentum Energy
Warm Welcome
4
Kogan Energy
Free FIRST
5
Powershop
Switch Saver
6
ENGIE
ENGIE Saver
7
Nectr
100% Clean
8
Sumo
SumoSWITCH
9
Origin
Go Variable
10
Tango Energy
eSelect
This list is based on Money.com.au’s analysis of SA electricity plans in the comparison table above. Information is accurate as of 22 October 2024.
South Australians pay some of the highest electricity prices in the country, so it's important to make sure you're getting the best deal possible. If switching providers isn't on your mind right now, be sure to contact your current energy provider and ask if you're on their most competitive electricity plan.
Average electricity bill SA
The average electricity bill in South Australia is $2,230 per year, which translates to about $557.50 per quarter. This figure is based on the Default Market Offer (DMO) set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for 2024-25, specifically for residential households on a single-rate tariff without controlled load.
While the DMO ensures that South Australian energy retailers charge a fair price for electricity, you can often find better deals. Most retailers offer a variety of "market offer" plans that typically feature lower prices and additional benefits, such as discounts.
For example, the default price for a residential household on a single-rate tariff in Adelaide on the SA Power Network is $2,230 per year. In contrast, the cheapest market offer on that same network is currently $1,737, which means you could save nearly $500 annually.
Energy bills can be a major expense for many households, especially as living costs go up. In a recent survey by Money.com.au, 36% of South Australians said energy bills were the ones they dreaded the most.
Cheapest electricity rates in SA
Some of the cheapest electricity rates in SA currently belong to Pacific Blue, GloBird Energy, Momentum Energy, and Kogan Energy. A good electricity usage rate will typically start from around 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) and 90-100 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 Adelaide on the SA Power Network, as of 22 October 2024.
Finding a plan with low electricity rates is a great start, but it’s also worth considering other factors. Discounts, sign-up credits, and rewards programs can add extra value along with cheap rates. The good news is you can use the Reference Price to make fair comparisons, helping you see how competitive each plan really is.
How to find the best energy plans in SA
Low usage rates
Start by comparing the usage rates offered by different providers. Look for plans that have lower per-kilowatt-hour rates, especially if you use energy moderately. A lower usage rate can significantly reduce your overall bill, particularly if your household uses air conditioning or heating frequently.
Competitive supply charges
Supply charges are the fixed fees that energy retailers charge for providing electricity to your home. It’s crucial to find plans with reasonable supply charges, as these can add up over a quarterly bill cycle. A lower daily supply charge is particularly important for low power users, as you’ll incur this fee regardless of your consumption.
Discounts and incentives
Many providers offer discounts for signing up online, paying on time, or bundling services like gas or internet. Take the time to evaluate these discounts and consider how they apply to your situation. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, as some discounts may only apply for a limited period.
The benefit period
Pay attention to the duration of any benefits or discounts. Some energy plans offer attractive usage and supply rates that may revert to higher prices after a year or two. Knowing how long the benefit period is can help you avoid unexpected cost increases down the line.
Hidden fees
Be mindful about any potential hidden fees or charges. These may include costs for receiving paper bills, paying by credit card, or late payment penalties. Additionally, carefully read the fine print, as you might also encounter connection fees if your property needs to be connected to the grid.
Customer service
Quality customer service is an underrated factor when choosing an energy plan. Look for providers with strong reputations for customer support, such as online reviews and awards. You might also prefer a company that lets you manage your account through an app, while also allowing you to track your energy usage.
No two households in South Australia are the same, and everyone uses energy in their own way. It’s important to think about your individual circumstances to determine what matters most to you. For instance, you might choose to pay slightly higher rates for better customer service or for access to an app that helps you manage your bills and account.
Understanding the SA energy market
Who distributes electricity in SA?
In South Australia, the primary electricity distributor is SA Power Networks - responsible for maintaining the state’s energy grid, supplying energy to residents and restoring power in the event of an outage. In remote areas, electricity may be supplied from a different distributor.
Although distributors have nothing to do with energy bills, the network you are supplied energy through dictates the Reference Price. See below for the current Reference Price in SA, according to the SA Power network.
| Distributor and average household annual electricity usage | Average annual cost (Reference Price) for household on a single rate tariff |
|---|---|
SA Power Network (4,000kWh) | $2,230 |
Can you choose your electricity provider in SA?
Yes, if you’re a resident or small business owner in South Australia you can choose your own electricity or gas provider. Depending on where you live in SA, your options may be limited, but here are some areas where you should be able to pick from a range of energy providers:
- Adelaide
- Gawler
- Hahndorf
- McLaren Vale
- Mount Barker
- Mount Gambier
- Port Augusta
- Port Lincoln
- Tanunda
- Victor Harbor
- Whyalla
SA electricity providers you can choose from
- 1st Energy
- AGL
- Alinta Energy
- Amber Electric
- Circular Energy
- CovaU Energy
- Diamond Energy
- Dodo
- EnergyAustralia
- Energy Locals
- ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy)
- Future X Power
- GloBird Energy
- iO Energy Retail Services
- Kogan Energy
- Lumo Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Nectr
- Next Business Energy
- Origin
- OVO Energy
- Pacific Blue
- Powershop
- RAA Energy
- Red Energy
- Sumo
- Tango Energy
- Zen Energy
Keep in mind that not all of the retailers above will be accepting new customers at this point in time. Recent surges in wholesale energy prices have caused some retailers to only sell electricity to their existing customers.
SA energy rebates: What’s on offer?
1
Energy Bill Relief
Up to $300 a year for eligible households paid in either quarterly credits or as a one-off bank account payment, and up to $325 a year for eligible small businesses. Electricity retailers will automatically apply this rebate to eligible customers over the 2024-25 period.
2
Cost of Living Concession (COLC)
Assists individuals on low or fixed incomes with their general living expenses, including energy bills. Payments are made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) between August and December each year. For the 2024-25 financial year, eligible households will receive $255.60.
3
SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer
Otherwise known as the ‘SACEDO’, this rebate applies to Origin customers and offers a guaranteed ongoing 17% off electricity usage and supply charges (11% for natural gas). Contact Origin to apply.
4
Emergency Electricity Payment (EEPS)
Rebates of up to $800 are available every two years for electricity customers facing financial hardship. EEPS is designed specifically for those with existing electricity debt, those at risk of disconnection, or those who have already been disconnected.
5
Medical Heating and Cooling Concession
Available to eligible customers on a fixed or low income who have a clinically verified medical condition that necessitates frequent use of heating or cooling in their home to prevent deterioration of their health. The current concession amount is $274.85 per year.
6
Home Dialysis Electricity Concession
An electricity concession is available for eligible customers with kidney disease who receive dialysis treatment at home. Those undergoing at-home dialysis can receive $274.85 each year to help cover the costs of operating their equipment.
7
Residential Park Resident Concession
Eligible customers living in a residential park or caravan park can receive a combined concession to help with energy and utility costs. Homeowners may receive up to $687.05 per year, paid quarterly, while tenants can receive up to $437.05 per year, also paid quarterly.
8
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS)
REPS is a state government initiative, providing incentives for households and businesses to invest in power-saving technology, such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, air conditioner and hot water upgrades, plus many more.
