Expert guide: Red Energy review and rates
Red Energy is an electricity retailer owned by Snowy Hydro – the Australian-owned renewable energy generation company behind the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.
Red Energy appears to have struck a popular balance between good customer service and generally competitive prices across the country. It also has one of the most attractive sign-up incentives thanks to its partnership with Qantas which sees customers pocket Frequent Flyer points for paying their bills on time.
In this article, Canstar Blue examines Red Energy’s plans and prices to see how much you can expect to pay.
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Red Energy prices
See the estimated yearly prices of Red Energy’s plans below. Click on your state to see relevant pricing in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA.
Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Energy offers you may like
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Based on the general usage^ in the Ausgrid network the AER reference price is: $1,810 / year
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
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18% Less than reference price |
$1,491 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Based on the general usage^ in the Citipower network the VDO reference price is: $1,456 / year
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Based on the general usage^ in the Energex network the AER reference price is: $2,066 / year
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
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An expert’s guide to Red Energy
If you’re wondering what services Red Energy is offering in your state, look no further than the table below. We summarise what you can expect to find from Red Energy in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, TAS and WA.
| State | Electricity? | Gas? |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | ||
| VIC | ||
| QLD | ||
| SA | ||
| ACT | ||
| WA |
Red Energy plans
Red Energy has a few residential electricity and gas products. While they all have no exit fees, no contract term and similar competitive rates, the products differ in terms of benefits. For example, one deal reward customers with Qantas Frequent Flyer Points.
- Living Energy Saver: This plan comes with no lock-in contracts and variable rates for customers.
- Qantas Red Saver: This product is similar to the Living Energy Saver as it is offered on a no-contract basis. The only real point of difference is that customers receive two Qantas Frequent Flyer Points for every $1 they spend on their energy bill, plus 10,000 points at sign up.
- BCNA Saver: With this plan, Red Energy will contribute $5 a month to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
- Red Taronga Flex: Red Energy has partnered with Taronga Zoo to offer new customers a 12-month pass to the Zoo, for one adult and two kids. This is a variable, no-contract plan available to NSW customers.
- Red Wildlife Saver: Red Energy will contribute $5 to the Taronga Conservation Society each month you remain on this plan.
Red Energy EV plans
Red Energy also offers its very own plans dedicated to electric vehicle owners, available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. The drawcard of the ‘EV Saver’ is that it provides EV customers with free electricity usage charges on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12pm and 2pm. EV owners must sign up online as well as have a smart meter or interval meter.
Here is Red Energy’s Electric Vehicle Plan on our database that includes a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here is Red Energy’s Electric Vehicle Plan on our database that includes a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here is Red Energy’s Electric Vehicle Plan on our database that includes a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here is Red Energy’s Electric Vehicle Plan on our database that includes a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Red Energy gas
Red Energy also sells natural gas in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. Several of its energy products, including Qantas Red Saver and BCNA Saver offers, are available in gas form. Red Energy is typically price competitive in most areas it services.
Compare natural gas prices
Red Energy solar
Like all retailers, Red Energy credits you for the electricity your solar panels export to the grid. The feed-in tariff that Red Energy pays is usually in-line or slightly higher than state averages. Here are the solar feed-in tariffs Red Energy offers across each state:
- NSW: 7c/kWh, or 5c/kWh to 10c/kWh (applies to the first 5kWh per day, then reverts to 5c/kWh) on Solar Saver plan
- VIC: 4.5c/kWh
- QLD: 8c/kWh
- SA: 4.5c/kWh
Contact information and billing details
If you ever need to contact Red Energy about a plan or service, you’ll find all the details below.
Red Energy contact information
The power company offers several contact and support options, including:
- General enquiries: 131 806
- International enquiries: +61 3 9977 6000
- Fax: 1300 661 086
- Postal address: PO Box 4136, East Richmond VIC 3121
- Online enquiries available via the Red Energy website
Red Energy billing
Red Energy offers a full billing option range to cater to all preferences. This includes online payments, BPay, payment by phone, in person and CentrePay.
Red Energy also offers ‘EvenPay’; instead of paying large, quarterly bills, customers are charged the same amount in more frequent, smaller amounts. To do this, Red Energy estimates your payments to try and balance them with your estimated annual usage.
Other energy providers worth checking out:
How do customers rate Red Energy?
Electricity customers in NSW and QLD gave Red Energy 5 out of 5 stars for overall satisfaction in our 2023 customer ratings report.
Natural gas customers in NSW also gave Red Energy 5 out of 5 stars for overall satisfaction in our 2023 customer ratings report.
Red Energy Electricity NSW
Canstar Blue
Award:
Overall Satisfaction
Red Energy Electricity QLD
Canstar Blue
Award:
Overall Satisfaction
Red Energy Natural Gas NSW
Canstar Blue
Award:
Overall Satisfaction
Compare Red Energy to other Australian Providers
- Best-Rated VIC Electricity Providers
- Best-Rated SA Electricity Providers
- Best-Rated VIC Natural Gas Suppliers
- Best-Rated Dual Fuel Providers
Outstanding Value Solar Electricity Plans 2023
In 2023, Red Energy was awarded Canstar Blue’s Outstanding Value award for its solar electricity plans in NSW. Red Energy was recognised for its average-priced solar feed-in tariff, coupled with its below-average usage and supply charges.
About the author
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent the last decade writing for and editing comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things energy, phone and internet. She loves to highlight the next best deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of.
Learn more about Canstar Blue’s Editorial Team.
Red Energy FAQs
Is Red Energy good value?
Red Energy seems to be a reasonably safe choice of electricity retailer. It is often one of the most affordable retailers and has earned a great reputation for its customer service. Customers can also use Red Energy to build up Qantas points for their next getaway.
That said, its electricity prices are mixed across different states, so it’s important you consider your personal circumstance when comparing electricity retailers. A great place to start is with Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings, showing that Red often rates highly in VIC and has been the standout retailer in NSW for a few years. It is less prominent in SA and QLD, but this looks likely to change in the coming years.
Is Red Energy Australian owned?
Red Energy is an Australian-owned energy company based in Melbourne. It was founded in 2004 and provides electricity to households in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. Likewise, it retails natural gas to all of these states bar the ACT. As mentioned before, Red Energy is owned by Snowy Hydro, which also owns direct competitor Lumo Energy.
What services does Red Energy offer?
| Service | Does Red Energy offer it? |
|---|---|
| Online chat functionality | |
| 24 hour call centre | |
| Energy saving tips on website | |
| Green energy options | |
| Notifications when bill is available | ? |
| Multiple billing options |
Is Red Energy a green power company?
Red Energy offers customers 100% GreenPower options in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. Adding GreenPower to an electricity plan will, however, come at an additional cost. According to Greenpeace’s 2022 Green Electricity Guide, Red Energy was ranked 13th out of 48 power companies, and was credited for investing in renewables through its parent company, Snowy Hydro.