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Top 5 things to know about energy in NSW

You’re free to choose

NSW is deregulated, so you can choose your electricity or gas retailer.

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Concessions and rebates

You might be eligible for concessions on your electricity and gas bills – especially if you’re a concession card holder.
Learn more

Rates and tariffs can vary

Energy rates and tariff types vary between providers, plans and what you’re eligible for.

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Different prices for different regions

Electricity prices can vary depending on your distributor and the area you live in.

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Compare regularly

At least once a year is best, as rates and providers can change.

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Energy plans

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A guide to comparing energy in NSW

Last updated 21/02/2024

Tiana Lee-Collins
Written by Tiana Lee-Collins

Meredith O'Brien, Head of Energy
Reviewed by Meredith O’Brien

Expert tips for finding the right energy plan for you

Get the top tips on finding a suitable NSW energy plan from our energy expert, Meredith O’Brien.

Choosing different electricity and gas retailers

While it may be convenient, you don’t need to use the same energy retailer for your gas and electricity. In fact, you may be able to find cheaper options by purchasing plans with different providers.

Smart meters

By switching to a smart meter, you can take advantage of a time of use tariff to better manage your usage by spreading non-time critical usage from peak demand times to off-peak times.

No disruptions

Switching providers does not disrupt your energy supply, and it can take as little as two business days to be transferred to your new provider.

Find out more about:

Father and daughter high fiving

While it may be convenient, you don’t need to use the same energy retailer for your gas and electricity.

Choosing the right NSW energy plan for you

Why compare energy plans with us

  • Take advantage of cheaper plans. Market offers are competitive plans that often include discounts or lower rates. However, this offer may revert to a more expensive plan (a standing offer plan) once the contract ends.
  • Review your property’s tariff. Different tariffs have an impact on the way you’re charged for electricity. Depending on your situation, you may consider getting your home rewired to configure it to a different tariff to access electricity plans that are better suited your needs.
  • See if your energy provider offers any discounts. Discounts can help you make long-term savings on your energy bill for your home. These discounts will either be guaranteed (e.g. new customer discounts) or conditional (e.g. paying via direct debit).

Use our free NSW energy comparison service to compare a range of plans.

How does the energy market work in NSW?

In New South Wales (NSW), energy providers can offer competitive plans and set their own tariffs meaning energy customers can choose their own retailer. The most important things to know are:

  • NSW is deregulated, meaning competitive market offers are available for customers to choose from.
  • Prices and incentives vary between providers – which is why comparing is important.
  • If you don’t choose an energy plan, you’ll be automatically placed onto a default standing offer, which is generally the most expensive plan a retailer can charge.
  • You can bundle electricity and gas plans or get separate plans from different providers – bundles are convenient but separate plans may save on our energy bills.

Energy providers and distributors

Energy distributors in NSW

Distributors are the energy companies that connect your residential or business property to powerlines, poles, gas pipelines and meters. Who your distributor is depends on the area in which you live.

Electricity in NSW is transmitted by three distributors: Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy, each responsible for a particular region (network) of the state. You can find the energy company in NSW that’s responsible for distributing your energy below.

NSW Electricity distributorDistribution zone
AusgridSydney, the Central Coast and Hunter regions
Endeavour EnergyGreat Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Highlands and the Illawarra region of NSW
Essential EnergyThe regional and rural areas of NSW

 

NSW Gas distributorDistribution zone
Jemena Gas NetworksIllawarra, Sydney, Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, the Highlands, Hunter, Riverina, Central West and Orana
EvoenergyQueanbeyan, Bungendore, Nowra
Australian Gas Networks (Wagga Wagga Gas Distribution Network)Albury, Murray Valley, Riverina, Temora, Cooma and Bombala
APA Group (Central Ranges System)Tamworth

Note that this list of distributors and distribution zones for electricity and gas networks in NSW is subject to change and accurate as of May 2023.

Electricity providers in NSW

Energy providers are companies that bill you for your energy consumption. There are many electricity providers in NSW to choose from and you can switch between them as often as you’d like, although this may incur exit fees if you’re on a fixed rate plan.

N.B.: We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Nectr
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • Radian Energy
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy

The information provided above is based in the postcodes of 2000, 2250 and 2300 with distributors Ausgrid and Endeavour and is accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Electricity and gas providers in NSW

The following retailers can offer both electricity and gas to NSW residents; however, they may not necessarily offer both in certain suburbs.

N.B.: We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU
  • Dodo Power & Gas
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Origin Energy
  • Powershop
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo

The information provided above is accurate as of 27 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Electricity providers in Sydney

Sydney has multiple electricity providers that offer plans for you to choose from, some greener than others. You can see which electricity providers retail energy in Sydney by reviewing the list below.

N.B.: We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Nectr
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • Radian Energy
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy

The information provided above is based in the postcode of 2000 and is accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Electricity providers in Central Coast/Gosford

Roughly in the middle between Sydney and Newcastle is the Central Coast. You can see which electricity providers retail energy in Central Coast by reviewing the list below.

N.B.: We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Nectr
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • Radian Energy
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy

The information provided above is based in the postcode of 2250 with distributors Ausgrid and Endeavour and is accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Electricity providers in Newcastle

Newcastle has a range of electricity providers offering plans to Newcastle residents. You can see which electricity providers retail energy in Newcastle by reviewing the list below.

N.B.: We don’t compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we don’t compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Nectr
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • Radian Energy
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy

The information provided above is based in the postcode of 2300 and is accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Who is the best solar energy provider in NSW?

The best energy provider in NSW for solar will depend on what you need. For example, you might just be looking for a good feed-in tariff that you can rely on to work with your solar panels to power your home. Alternatively, you might want a higher feed-in tariff where you get paid more by your provider for any excess electricity your solar panels create.

However, even if an electricity provider in NSW has a great tariff for your solar system, it’s important to consider that this plan may have a higher daily supply charge compared to regular energy plans, and the electricity you do use from the grid may be charged at a higher rate.

Cheapest electricity in different cities

Cheapest electricity in Sydney

Your bill amount will depend on how much electricity you use, and the usage charges in your energy plan. We’ve listed the price comparisons for electricity plans in Sydney below.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flate Rate)-Ausgrid$1,160$1,190NoneNoneSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,170$1,22012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Sumo Sumo Assure Residential$1,180$1,180NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyNSW – Simply Blue Perks 10% off elec$1,200$1,200OngoingOngoingSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,210$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Market$1,220$1,220NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyFreedom Online Residential Transitional TOU$1,240$1,290NoneNoneTime of Use
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Nuetral$1,240$1,240NoneNoneTime of Use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,250$1,250NoneNoneTime of Use
Alinta EnergyHomeDeal (Single Rate)$1,260$1,260NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustraliaFlexi Plan$1,270$1,2701 yearOngoingSingle rate
1st Energy1st Saver – Single Rate$1,270$1,340OngoingOngoingSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,280$1,28012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,290$1,290NoneNoneSingle rate
Diamond EnergyEveryday Renewable Saver$1,300$1,320NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,330$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyNothing Fancy Electricity_EA010$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,350$1,350NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,390$2,390NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no air conditioning, no controlled load or pool and in the postcode of 2000 and are accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Cheapest electricity in Central Coast/Gosford

The Central Coast/Gosford area has two distributors, Endeavour and Ausgrid. You can only choose an electricity plan from your distributor.

The cheapest plans for those with Endeavour are:

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flexible Rate)-Endeavour$1,150$1,190NoneNoneTime of Use
Red Energy Red BCNA Saver (TOU Seasonal – N71)$1,170$1,170NoneNoneTime of Use
SumoSumo Assure Residential$1,170$1,170NoneNoneSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,190$1,24012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,220$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Alinta Energy HomeDeal (TOU)$1,230$1,230NoneNoneTime of Use
Dodo Power and GasResidential Market$1,230$1,230NoneNoneSingle rate
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Nuetral$1,280$1,280NoneNoneSingle rate
Diamond Energy Everyday Renewable Saver$1,290$1,320NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustraliaFlexi Plan$1,290$1,2901 yearOngoingSingle rate
CovaU EnergyFreedom Online Residential Single$1,300$1,350NoneNoneSingle rate
1st Energy1st Saver – Single Rate$1,300$1,370OngoingOngoingSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,310$1,31012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,320$1,320NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,360$1,360NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyNothing Fancy Electricity _N70$1,360$1,360NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,370$1,370NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,400$1,400NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,360$2,360NoneNoneSingle rate

 

The cheapest plans for those with Ausgrid are:

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-Ausgrid$1,160$1,190NoneNoneSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,170$1,22012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
SumoSumo Assure Residential$1,180$1,180NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyNSW – Simply Blue Perks 10% off elec$1,200$1,200OngoingOngoingSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,210$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Market$1,220$1,220NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyFreedon ONline Residential Transitional TOU$1,240$1,290NoneNoneTime of Use
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Nuetral$1,240$1,240NoneNoneTime of Use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,250$1,250NoneNoneTime of Use
Alinta Energy HomeDeal (Single Rate)$1,260$1,260NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustraliaFlexi Plan$1,270$1,2701 yearOngoingSingle rate
1st Energy1st Saver – Single Rate$1,270$1,340OngoingOngoingSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,280$1,28012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,290$1,290NoneNoneSingle rate
Diamond Energy Everyday Renewable Saver$1,300$1,320NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,330$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyNothing Fancy Electricity_EA010$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,350$1,350NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,390$2,390NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no air conditioning, no controlled load or pool and in the postcode of 2250 with distributors Ausgrid and Endeavour and are accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Cheapest electricity in Newcastle

The price comparisons for energy plans for Newcastle are listed below.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-Ausgrid$1,160$1,190NoneNoneSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,170$1,22012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
SumoSumo Assure Residential$1,180$1,180NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyNSW – Simply Blue Perks 10% off elec$1,200$1,200OngoingOngoingSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,210$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Market$1,220$1,220NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyFreedom Online Residential Transitional TOU$1,240$1,290NoneNoneTime of Use
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Nuetral$1,240$1,240NoneNoneTime of Use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,250$1,250NoneNoneTime of Use
Alinta Energy HomeDeal (Single Rate)$1,260$1,260NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustraliaFlexi Plan$1,270$1,2701 yearOngoingSingle rate
1st Energy 1st Saver (Single Rate)$1,270$1,340OngoingOngoingSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,280$1,28012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,290$1,290NoneNoneSingle rate
Diamond EnergyEveryday Renewable Saver$1,300$1,320NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,330$1,330NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyNothing Fancy Electricity _EA010$1,340$1,340NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,350$1,350NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,390$2,390NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no air conditioning, no controlled load or pool and in the postcode of 2300 and are accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Energy charges, tariffs and rebates

How energy is charged in NSW

There are two primary costs that you pay for energy, which are:

  • Supply charges. The costs set by the energy distributor to maintain the network and transport power to homes. This is charged daily regardless of whether you use any energy.
  • Usage charges. These represent the amount of energy your home or business has consumed and is calculated by each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or each megajoule (MJ) of gas.

However, depending on your distribution network, energy provider and tariff (the rate that you’re charged for your energy usage), these charges will vary in price.

Types of tariffs in NSW

Customers in NSW have different gas and electricity tariffs that affect how you’re charged for your energy usage. NSW electricity customers have access to the following electricity tariffs:

  • Single rate tariff. A tariff with the same usage rate regardless of peak or off-peak periods, meaning the time of use won’t impact the rate you’re charged for energy use.
  • Controlled load. A lower electricity rate that is generally applied to larger household appliances operating during off-peak times (e.g. pool pumps or electric hot water systems).
  • Time of use. Also known as peak and off-peak tariffs, a time of use tariff applies different usage charge rates for your energy usage at different times of the day. You’ll need a smart meter in order to take advantage of this tariff.
  • Solar feed-in tariff. If you have solar panels, you may be able to take advantage of this tariff and be credited for any surplus electricity you supply back to the grid.

Customers in NSW may have access to the following gas tariffs, which can affect how you’re charged for your energy usage:

  • Flat rate. A tariff with the same rate regardless of usage throughout the day.
  • Block rate. A tariff that’s charged at one rate for the first block of usage (e.g. first 27 MJ for gas), then a different rate for the next block of usage.

What is the average energy bill in NSW?

The cost of electricity in NSW usually depends on which tariff, energy provider and distribution network your home or business is connected to, while the cost of gas depends on whether you use LPG or natural gas, the energy efficiency of your appliances and your energy plan.

The average annual market offer prices for each electricity distributor in the 2021-22 period are:

  • Ausgrid: $1956
  • Endeavour Energy: $2,108
  • Essential Energy: $2,5671

The average market offer in NSW for the 2021-22 period was $888.1

We can also use the Default Market Offer (DMO) to get an idea of how much you could be charged for electricity. The DMO is a cap on the maximum you can be charged for electricity, which is based on the average energy usage and supply charges in your area.

DMO prices for residential customers in NSW 2023-24
Distribution zoneResidential prices without controlled load (CL)Residential prices with controlled load (CL)
Ausgrid$1,827 p.a. (based on annual usage of 3,9110 kWh)$2,562 p.a. (based on annual usage of 4,813 kWh + CL 2,005 kWh)
Endeavour Energy$2,228 p.a. (based on annual usage of 4,913 kWh)$2,977 p.a. (based on annual usage of 5,200 kWh and CL 2,206 kWh)
Essential Energy$2,527 p.a. (based on annual usage of 4,613 kWh)$2,977 p.a. (based on annual usage of 4,600 kWh and CL 2,005 kWh)
Source: Australian Energy Regulator, Australian Government. Final Determination: Default Market Offer Prices 2023-24. Accessed July 2023.

Concessions and rebates

Some NSW residents, such as concession card holders, will be eligible for a gas or electricity rebate from the NSW Government, regardless of which energy provider they’re with. You can find a list of electricity rebates and concessions available across Australia in our handy guide.

Sources

1 Australian Energy Regulator. Annual Retail Market Report 2021-22. Published November 2022. Accessed March 2023

2 Australian Energy Regulator, Australian Government. Final Determination: Default Market Offer Prices 2022-23. May 2023.

Meredith O'Brien, Head of Energy

Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien

As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith O’Brien believes in educating NSW customers about the everchanging gas and electricity market so they can get the most out of their energy plans.

Meredith has six years within the energy industry, following 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently studying a Master of Business Administration. Meredith is a dedicated customer advocate who is passionate about empowering Australians to find the right products to suit their needs by removing the confusion from comparing.

Want to know more about energy?

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