Tango Energy has claimed its first-ever award for customer satisfaction in our Victorian Natural Gas Suppliers ratings. Aussies gave Tango five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, customer service, bill and cost and clarity and ease of sign up, along with three stars for online tools and advice.
This year, more than 1,700 households in Melbourne and across Victoria have given us their opinions on their gas suppliers, with their feedback reflected by the star ratings table you see above. 11 major gas providers feature in the results – judged on factors including customer service, online tools and advice, bill and cost clarity and value for money – and there is a clear divide between suppliers big and small. Our aim is to give you as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision about your gas retailer. Please keep in mind, there may be other retailers operating in your area that haven’t been included in this report.
Canstar Blue surveyed 1,793 Victorian households for their feedback on their natural gas retailer. Respondents had to live in VIC, have a gas account and pay the bills for their response to be eligible.
Respondents rate their satisfaction with their natural gas provider from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Provider satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
The winning brand is the one that receives the highest overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
Best VIC Natural Gas Providers:
Tango Energy has landed its first-ever #1 spot in our table, sweeping past 2022 winner Lumo Energy. Former winner GloBird rounded out our top three for 2023, with Red Energy, Alinta Energy and Engie also ranking well.
Find more detailed information on our ratings methodology.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Tango Energy has soared into first place in our 2023 ratings, taking home five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, and ease of sign-up. Customers also gave Tango Energy three stars for online tools and advice.
Founded in 1992, Tango Energy (previously branded Pacific Hydro) is a Melbourne-based provider operating as the retail arm of renewable power generation company Pacific Hydro. It primarily operates in VIC for electricity and natural gas, although it has since expanded to New South Wales, South East Queensland and South Australia for electricity. Tango Energy is also a heavy contender in our Victorian electricity provider ratings. It currently offers two gas plans for Victorian customers, including its low-rate eSelect plan which requires online billing and direct debit payments. All plans include no lock-in contracts or exit fees.
Here are Tango Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Lumo Energy scored four stars for overall satisfaction in 2023, along with four stars for value for money, bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice. Lumo also received five stars for customer service.
Lumo Energy is one of two electricity providers owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro – the other being Red Energy. Based in Melbourne, Lumo Energy offers a basic range of electricity and gas plans in VIC and SA. Lumo’s Victorian gas plans offer competitive rates, no contracts or exit fees, 24/7 online account access and eBilling options.
Here are Lumo Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
GloBird Energy was rated four stars for its overall satisfaction, customer service, bill and cost clarity and ease of sign-up. It earned an impressive five stars for value for money, but three stars for online tools and advice.
Electricity and gas retailer, GloBird Energy, has emerged as one of the main ‘second tier’ challengers to VIC’s power giants – AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia. It offers a small range of gas plans with various incentives, including small discounts for customers who pay on time and via direct debit. Additionally, Victorians may have access to a larger discount by bundling gas with a GloBird electricity plan.
Here are GloBird Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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 received three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and bill and cost clarity. It was awarded five stars for customer service, and four stars for ease of sign-up and online tools and advice.
Red Energy is owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro, along with its sister brand Lumo Energy. Red Energy’s main selling point is its partnership with airline Qantas, which sees customers on a Qantas Red Saver plan pocket frequent flyer points for paying their energy bill. All of Red Energy’s rates are currently variable, so you’ll have to watch out for any unexpected price changes.
Here are Red Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Alinta Energy took home three stars for overall satisfaction in this year’s ratings, plus three stars for value for money, bill and cost clarity and online tools and advice. It also received four stars for customer service and ease of sign-up.
A major gas and electricity retailer across the country – including Western Australia – Alinta Energy was acquired by a Hong Kong-based conglomerate company, but remains headquartered in Sydney. In terms of its gas plans, Alinta Energy keeps things markedly simple in VIC with low-rate market offers, although customers should keep an eye out for limited-time sign-up promotions such as bill credits.
Here are Alinta Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Engie received three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and bill and cost clarity. Customers also gave the brand five stars for online tools and advice and four stars for customer service and ease of sign-up.
Engie offers a comprehensive range of energy plans for Victorians to choose from. All contract periods are ongoing with no exit fees or lock-in contracts, as well as variable rates. Several of Engie’s gas offers include extras such as complimentary NRMA memberships or cinema rewards points, along with guaranteed discounts.
Here are Engie’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
AGL was awarded three stars for overall satisfaction, along with three stars for value for money and bill and cost clarity. It also took home a handful of four-stars results in customer service, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice.
Energy giant AGL gives Victorians one main market gas offer, featuring variable rates and no lock-in contract. This flagship plan also comes with flexible billing options, and AGL frequently offers new customers sign-up credits for switching to electricity or gas plans online. Another big selling point for AGL is its ‘value add’ incentives, including access to AGL Rewards.
Here are AGL’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Origin was rated three stars across our overall satisfaction, value for money and bill and cost clarity categories. It also received four stars for customer service, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice.
Origin Energy usually has a few different gas offers for Victorian households to pick from, depending on personal preferences and circumstances. The retailer offers variable rate plans, with one product even going as far as awarding Everyday Rewards points. For those who prefer to do nothing other than pay their bills, Origin also has a gas plan with no discounts, just competitive rates with an ongoing benefit period and no lock-in contract.
Here are Origin Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Dodo scored three stars across all research categories in 2023, including earning three stars for overall satisfaction.
Dodo is best known as a telco provider, but in recent years has moved into offering electricity and gas deals. Victorian customers can choose from Dodo’s market or standing offer gas plans, which are available without contracts or exit fees. Dodo energy customers can also claim a discount on home internet when bundling multiple services with the provider.
Here are Dodo’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
EnergyAustralia received three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, bill and cost clarity and online tools and advice. It was also awarded four stars for customer service and ease of sign-up.
One of the biggest electricity and gas companies in the country, EnergyAustralia provides a small but diverse ranges of products to Victorian customers. EnergyAustralia’s flagship gas offer includes a guaranteed discount off gas usage and supply charges, plus it comes without exit fees or a lock-in contract. Customers may also be eligible for moving home credits or other bonuses when switching.
Here are EnergyAustralia’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Momentum Energy rounds out our 2023 ratings, scoring three stars for overall satisfaction and three stars in all other research categories.
Owned by renewable energy generation company Hydro Tasmania, Momentum Energy is a champion of green energy and helping Australian consumers make energy-efficient decisions. In VIC, Momentum has three main residential electricity offers, and three simple products for gas customers. Like its electricity deals, Momentum’s gas plans are fuss-free, offering low rates in exchange for direct debit payments.
Here are Momentum Energy’s natural gas plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830 MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Whether you’re buying gas or electricity, the key to getting a better deal is understanding the different factors that determine the costs you’ll need to pay, including contract types, plans, tariffs and charges. In summary, here are some questions that are worth asking any prospective gas provider in VIC:
Remember that the Victorian gas market is now hugely competitive, with more than 15 different providers competing for your business. This puts you – the paying customer – in the driving seat. Make sure you shop around for the best deal for you and don’t be afraid to switch if you’re not 100% satisfied with the price you’re currently paying or the service you’re receiving. With so much competition, you may even be able to benefit from a growing number of rewards programs and other sign-up incentives. Ultimately, it’s all about what gives you the best value. That could mean the cheapest prices you can find, but it may also mean you get value from other parts of the plan.
Kelseigh Wrigley covered Australia’s retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last two years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter & Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.
Meet the Editorial Team
Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and two years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.
Meet the Research TeamOur customer satisfaction ratings feature the most prominent natural gas suppliers in VIC, but there are a handful of others to choose from. Here is a complete list of companies selling gas in VIC:
While there are many gas providers to choose from in VIC, keep in mind that some only sell gas when you also purchase electricity.
You may not realise, but one of the biggest factors in determining the prices you pay for energy is your location. Melbourne and the rest of VIC is split between various energy distributor networks, with different companies responsible for maintaining and improving the vast infrastructure that transports gas and electricity to your particular suburb. While there are five electricity distribution networks in VIC, households are divided into three gas networks:
This is useful to know – not only because these companies are who you will need to contact if you have a problem with your gas supply, or notice a gas leak, but because the network you live on has an impact on your overall costs. Energy distributor costs can account for up to 50% of your overall energy bills.
Natural gas prices are charged in cents per megajoule (the unit of measurement for gas). Peak time gas usage rates will typically cost between 2.5 and 3 cents per megajoule. To put this into perspective, your gas oven probably uses around 12 megajoules an hour. It’s important to have a handle on gas prices to help you monitor and act on your usage.
If you have a time of use tariff, the amount you will pay for gas will change depending on the time of day you use it. In VIC, gas usage may also be broken into daily ‘blocks’, with the first block of power usually costing the most. For example, you could:
These rates are typical of peak-time gas usage costs. However, you can expect cheaper rates if you use gas at off-peak times.
There are lots of things to think about when it comes to picking a gas supplier for your home. We asked VIC respondents to our survey in 2023 about their main reasons for initially picking their gas supplier. This is what we found:
Almost a third of gas customers in VIC (24%) signed up to their supplier over the phone, the survey found, with just over a third signing up online (35%). Only 36% of survey respondents believe they get a good deal on gas – down from 42% in 2022. Of respondents who switched providers in the last two years, 54% believe it was a good financial decision, while 24% felt it was too early to tell.
Here are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Natural Gas Suppliers – VIC Customer Satisfaction Award:
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