Cheapest electricity prices in Sydney, NSW

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To show you which providers are offering the cheapest electricity rates in New South Wales, Canstar Blue has produced this cost comparison report, listing the cheapest energy plans from the providers in our database. See exactly how they stack up compared to the reference prices and each other.

Based on the cents per kWh usage costs, daily supply charges and any discounts or credits offered, we can show households connected to the Ausgrid network in Sydney and the surrounding areas (including Newcastle and the Central Coast) where they can find some of the cheapest electricity prices, compared to the reference price – the regulated price that retailers must compare their plans to.

The Ausgrid network covers large parts of inner, northern and eastern metropolitan Sydney, plus other surrounding areas. Costs for the other distribution networks of NSW will differ slightly, but you can use Canstar Blue’s comparison tool to view plans in your area.

Compare the cheapest electricity plans Sydney, NSW

• NSW Sponsored Plans
• NSW Plans

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.

Sponsored Products

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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View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

Here are some of the cheapest published 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 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.

These cost calculations are based on one postcode on the Ausgrid network in NSW.

Which energy provider is cheapest in Sydney, NSW?

According to the Canstar Blue database, Ampol Energy, 1st Energy and Energy Locals currently offer the cheapest electricity prices in Sydney, after any conditional discounts have been applied. However, it’s worth pointing out that energy prices can change regularly, so check back every few weeks to see what’s changed.

To see what you can expect to pay from these retailers, we’ve listed the cheapest electricity plans below. Please note, these prices are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney with a general energy usage assumption of 3900kWh/year. In instances where one provider may have multiple cheap offers, we show only one product with the lowest price estimate first. The reference price for this area is currently $1,810/year. Use our comparison tool for a specific comparison.

Ampol Energy Powering On (Ampol Energy)

Here is Ampol Energy’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

1st Super Saver (1st Energy)

Here is 1st Energy’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Home Classic (Energy Locals)

Here is Energy Local’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Best-Rated Electricity Providers NSW

More of the cheapest electricity plans Sydney, NSW

Here are the cheapest plans from our database for customers looking for a specific product type, including plans from the big three, 0% discount plans, discounted plans, variable rate and fixed rate plans.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Big 3 Provider) – EnergyAustralia, Flexi Plan

Here is EnergyAustralia’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (No Discount) – Ampol Energy, Powering On

Here is Ampol Energy’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Discounted) – 1st Energy, 1st Super Saver

Here is 1st Energy’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Variable Rates) – Ampol Energy, Powering On

Here is Ampol Energy’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product 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.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Fixed Rates) – EnergyAustralia, Rate Fix Plan

Here is EnergyAustralia’s plan on our database for NSW. This is a product from a referral partner†. 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. 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.

What about energy discounts in New South Wales?

It’s important to know about energy discounts when comparing plans. While they used to be the main marketing tool of the power companies, regulatory changes to the industry in July 2019 saw many of them move away from discounts to instead focus on offering lower base prices. That said, some retailers still offer discounts and these can be a useful way to help lower your overall energy costs, provided you meet any conditions that apply, such as paying on time or by direct debit. In most cases, discounts apply to your entire bill, not just usage or supply charges.

While some energy discounts are conditional, some retailers will add unconditional discounts to their plans instead. This means you’ll get the benefit of the discount regardless of how or when you pay your bills. What’s the point of an unconditional discount you ask? Good question!

Fixed vs variable rate plans

Most of the electricity plans listed above are variable rate plans, meaning the prices you are charged can change at the retailer’s discretion. Some energy providers also offer fixed rate plans, whereby you can lock in competitive prices now, with the aim of saving in the long run. Fixed rate plans are offered by limited retailers now, like Red Energy. Not all fixed rate plans on our database are included on this page, so head over to our fixed rate energy plans review for more.

Check the benefit period

While energy discounts can significantly reduce your overall power costs. it’s hugely important that you understand the benefit term of the plan you’re signing up to. The benefit term is the period of time that the discount on your energy plan applies. In most cases, the benefit term will be just 12 months, although some providers offer discounts over two years, or even discounts that are ongoing. After the benefit period ends, your discount could disappear and you’ll be left paying the non-discount price for the electricity you use.

Benefit periods are also important when it comes to fixed rate energy plans given that retailers will usually only lock your rates in for one or two years at the most. After this time, you can expect your rates to change, so you won’t want to entirely set and forget.

Other sign-up incentives

You should also take into consideration any additional sign-up incentives offered by the energy companies. These incentives should not dictate your final decision, but they can be a useful point of difference if you’re comparing similar products. These incentives could include a rebate on your first bill, ongoing bill credits, vouchers for particular retail stores, or even things like movie tickets. Some retailers also have specific partnerships that could benefit customers, such as Red Energy’s Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

• Expert Picks: Best Value Energy Plans in NSW

What is the cheapest electricity provider with the highest rating in Sydney, NSW?

Electricity rates in NSW change frequently, which means annual energy bills can differ by hundreds of dollars, depending on the specific rates you pay. Checking the usage and supply rates listed on a plan can help you determine if you’re getting a good deal. Supply rates are a daily charge for access to the grid, while usage rates reflect the actual amount of electricity you use.

Based on the winner of our electricity customer satisfaction ratings, here is an example of the rates you can expect to find in Sydney, NSW.

Questions you should ask your electricity provider

Here are some questions you should ask any prospective energy provider before signing up:

• Are you offering me the plan with the lowest usage rates?
• How much are the supply charges and how do they compare to other plans?
• How does the plan compare to the reference price?
• Is there a contract? How long is it? Are there any exit fees if I leave?
• What discount can I get off my bill and how do I quality for the discount?
• What is the benefit term of the discount? Will it disappear after a year?
• Can you offer me any additional sign-up incentives?

Even if you’re not switching, these are still good questions to ask your existing energy provider to make sure you’re currently getting the cheapest electricity deal possible.

Read more: What’s cheaper: Electricity or Gas?

Cheapest energy providers with the highest ratings in Sydney, NSW?

For many households, the cost of energy will be the most important factor when signing up to a new plan. However, other considerations, particularly customer service, are also worth giving some thought. Everyone wants low prices, but at what cost? This is why Canstar Blue annually surveys electricity bill-payers across NSW to find out how they rate their provider based on a number of variables, including customer service, bill clarity and value for money. For the ninth year in a row, Red Energy is the highest-rated electricity provider in NSW for overall customer satisfaction.

While this price comparison report looks at the biggest electricity providers in NSW, it’s important to know there might be others available in your specific area. Competition between the retailers is intense, which is great news for consumers looking to reduce their costs. There are opportunities to save money, provided you are willing to look.

Switching electricity providers is clearly not a priority for every household – some will be genuinely happy where they are, and that’s great – but if there is one message to take away from this report, it’s that regularly comparing plans is a good idea if you want to reduce the amount you pay for electricity. You might just find a good deal.

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Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: f11photo/Shutterstock