Tara Donnelly

Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology. She has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, and has authored over 500 Canstar Blue articles. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC , The Australian Financial Review, 4BC Radio and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar Blue’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. She has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident. You can read more of Tara's published articles and follow Tara on LinkedIn.


Fossil fuels

What are fossil fuels?

Posted by January 30th 2025

What are fossil fuels, how are they formed and what are they used for in Australia? Find out at Canstar Blue.


Light bulbs with dodo and kogan energy logos

Dodo vs Kogan Energy: Electricity Cost Comparison

Posted by July 11th 2024

Dodo has currently switched off market offer plans to new customers in South Australia. We will do our best to keep the details on this page up to date as new information becomes available. Please …


Smartphones piled in a green recycling bin

Mobile phone recycling: Everything you need to know

Posted by October 1st 2024

So you've got a new smartphone, or you're thinking about upgrading to a newer, shiner piece of tech. Splashing out on a cutting-edge device is a big purchase and one that often means your old …



Woman with shopping bags using phone

The best EOFY phone plan and smartphone deals 2024

Posted by June 19th 2024

The mid-year sales season is a great time to bag serious bargains on not just appliances, fashion and homewares, but also smartphones. Telcos and manufacturers alike are slashing prices on devices and plans this end …


Piggy bank by electricity bill

Default power prices to drop July 1: How much will you save?

Posted by June 17th 2024

Australian households on standing offers could see as much as $190 shaved off their annual electricity bills from July 1, with the country's energy regulators locking in default energy prices for 2024-25. The Australian Energy Regulator …



NBN prices

How much does the NBN cost per month?

Posted by May 23rd 2024

Whether you’re looking to save some money on your household budget or you’re just wondering if you’re getting the best value for money internet plan, it’s good to know how much does NBN cost per …


Optus 5G

Optus 5G network explained

Posted by October 11th 2024

With 5G networks rolling out across the country, accessing 5G networks and services is becoming much easier. The Optus 5G network has been rolling out since 2019 and since then, has expanded across the country …


Winter heating costs explained

Winter heating costs explained

Posted by January 14th 2025

How much does it cost to run a heater in winter? Canstar Blue looks at winter heating costs, including electric, gas and oil heater running costs.