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We don’t have access to all of the products available in your area: we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. At times certain brands or products may not be available or offered to you. From time to time we may have access to better offers that are only available over the phone. Call us to see if you are eligible. Learn more.

Why compare electricity and gas plans in South Australia?

If you haven’t compared electricity or gas plans in South Australia, you could be paying more than you need to for energy.

Here are just a few reasons to compare gas and electricity retailers (also known as energy providers) in SA:

  1. Take advantage of market offers. SA households can compare market offers, which can include incentives, discounts or cheaper usage rates for the energy you use. By comparing your current plan against others on the market, you’ll know whether it’s time to switch providers.
  2. Make the most of time of use tariffs. Smart meters are installed in many SA homes, allowing some customers to opt-in for time-of-use tariffs. These tariffs can charge you less during quiet, low-demand periods and more when electricity is in high demand.
  3. Weigh up your options. Not getting great value from your current energy plan? You can compare various options from retailers on our panel to see if you can get a better deal.

Start your search for a great deal from South Australian electricity and gas providers

A great place to compare

Save time while you look for a better energy deal. Easily compare SA electricity and gas plans from different retailers in one place. Learn more.

Supported by our team

Our call centre is staffed by energy specialists, ready to help you find a competitive plan that may suit your needs and budget. You can also apply online!

From beginning to end

Whether you need advice about SA electricity or gas prices, or you prefer to do your own research, our service can be helpful.

At no cost to you

Our service is 100% free to use. If you find a SA energy plan on our website you like, we can help you sign up for it. Learn more.

Learn more about energy in South Australia

Comparing electricity plans

There are a number of electricity providers in SA to choose from that offer great plans. You could save money by comparing quotes and weighing up your options.

Learn more

Comparing natural gas plans

Natural gas can help you save money when cooking and heating. We can help you find several gas providers in SA and help you switch or set up a plan with them.

Learn more

The pros of using a smart meter

Energy-conscious SA households can closely monitor their energy usage with smart meters. Smart meters can also give you greater access to different tariffs, such as time of use tariffs.

Learn more

The ins and outs of solar batteries

Over a third of homes in SA are equipped with rooftop solar.1 Find out how adding solar batteries gives households more say in how and when they use their solar power.

Learn more

Deregulation in South Australia

Your state’s energy market enjoys full retail competition, which means energy providers must work harder to keep their customers. For you, it’s a great opportunity to find better energy deals.

Learn more

SA concessions and rebates

The South Australian Government has programs available to help disadvantaged households pay their power bills. We’ll direct you to those options.

Learn more

More information about gas and electricity providers in South Australia

How electricity in South Australia works

South Australia generates electricity using renewable and non-renewable sources. The National Energy Market sells this generated power to electricity providers, who then sell it to you as the customer.2

With solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, SA residents can take advantage of provider feed-in tariffs. Feed-in tariffs allow you to sell unused solar power you’ve generated back to the grid, which appears as a credit on your energy bill.

SA’s energy market has been deregulated since 2012,3 meaning you can compare and choose electricity and gas plans from different retailers. To see some options available, you can get a quote with our free energy comparison service.

elder park adelaide at night lit up with electricity

How is electricity and gas in South Australia charged?

In South Australia, you’ll be charged for electricity through supply charges and usage charges. Supply charges go towards maintaining the network and transporting energy to homes and businesses. Usage charges are what you pay, for the energy you use.

Check out our guide for reading your energy bill to understand what you’ll be charged. Or see the cheapest electricity prices in SA.

The cost of electricity and gas in South Australia

South Australians are charged some of the highest electricity rates in the country.4 Numerous factors can affect the cost of electricity in South Australia, including:

  • Supply charges. These cover the cost of being connected to the electricity grid or gas network. These supply charges remain the same regardless of your energy use, but may vary depending on your plan and retailer.
  • Usage charges. Like supply charges, usage charges vary depending on the energy plan and provider. Along with paying for your connection, you also have to pay a rate for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or each megajoule (MJ) of natural gas you use. With this in mind, SA households with higher energy consumption needs will pay more for energy.
  • Retailer discounts and sign-up credits. These discounts could help you save on your energy bills. Discounts are often subject to a benefit period, meaning you’ll either stop receiving discounts after an agreed period or your retailer will roll you onto a more expensive plan. You may also be eligible for conditional discounts, such as bill credits, where you must meet set criteria to receive the discount. Always compare the discounts on offer by different retailers, as they can vary.
  • Your plan’s tariff type. See below.

South Australia's electricity charges and tariffs explained

The tariff you’re on determines how much you pay for your electricity. You have a single rate tariff (i.e. rates that stay the same regardless of when you use electricity). Meanwhile, others could save on their energy bill with a tariff that charges different rates depending on the time of day you use electricity.

Types of electricity tariffs in South Australia

As a customer in South Australia, the following electricity tariffs may be available to you:

  • Single rate. The single-rate tariff charges a flat rate for energy usage regardless of demand or the time of day. This is generally the most common tariff for SA homes.
  • Time of use. Retailers can charge you different prices for electricity depending on the time of day and day of the week. You could potentially lower your bills by implementing energy-saving tips during demand or peak times and using electricity more in off-peak times. Retailers set these times, and they can vary.
  • Controlled load. Metered separately from your main tariff, controlled load tariffs generally offer lower rates for household appliances with high energy demands, such as hot water systems.

Demand tariffs (where you’re charged extra during periods of high demand) may also be available, but are less common for residential customers.

Who are South Australia’s electricity and gas distributors?

In South Australia, SA Power Networks is the main electricity distributor, while Australian Gas Networks (AGN) is the primary gas distributor.

Distributors are responsible for transmitting gas and electricity to your home by maintaining pipes, meters, powerlines and poles. They don’t set the prices you pay; they charge providers for the electricity or gas service. Then, providers determine the supply and usage charges that apply to you as a customer.

South Australia's electricity and gas providers

You can see which energy providers retail both gas and electricity by reviewing the list below.

Compare the Market does not compare energy products from all providers on this list as we do not compare all brands in the market or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

Electricity

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Lumo Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy
  • The People’s Grid
  • ZEN Energy

* The information provided above is based in the postcode of 5000 and is accurate as of 1 February 2023 Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

If you’re looking for gas companies in Adelaide, we’ve created a list below. They provide both electricity and gas, but not all may provide both types of energy in every suburb.

It’s important to note that electricity and gas are billed separately, meaning billing may end up on different days.

Electricity and gas

  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Lumo Energy
  • Origin Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy

* The information provided above is based in the postcode of 5000 and is accurate as of 27 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Whether you’re in Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbour or another town in between, we can help you find an electricity plan with our online energy comparison service. Simply enter a few details about your household usage, and you can receive quotes in minutes from our available providers all on one page.

Cheapest electricity in different cities

The amount you pay for electricity rates in SA will depend on your provider and your plan, which means you could be paying more than your neighbour for the same electricity usage. Below is a list of energy deals that show some of the cheapest electricity in cities around the state, sorted by annual cost.

Cheapest electricity in Adelaide

Customers in Adelaide pay a fixed supply rate to their provider, along with usage charges for every kWh of electricity they consume. This means the more electricity customers in Adelaide consume, the higher their energy bills will be.

Compare the Market does not compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we do not compare all brands in the market or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-SAPN$1,470$1,520NoneNoneSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,470$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Alinta EnergyHomeDeal (Single Rate)$1,500$1,500NoneNoneSingle rate
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Neutral$1,500$1,500NoneNoneTime of use
Lumo EnergyLumo Basic$1,510$1,510NoneNoneTime of use
CovaU EnergyFreedom Online Residential Single$1,540$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Red EnergyLiving Energy Saver$1,540$1,540NoneNoneTime of use
Diamond EnergyEveryday Renewable Saver$1,550$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,560$1,56012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Energy LocalsIO Energy- Sustainable Home Plan$1,570$1,570NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango EnergyStanding Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustralia Basic Home$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Standing (Default Market Offer)$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Standing Offer – No Exit Fee$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
1st Energy Standing Offer – Single Rate$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyStanding Offer_RSR$1,600$1,600NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergySA Simply Standing Offer$1,600$1,600NoneNoneSingle rate
The People’s Grid Friends of Oxamii Anytime$1,600$1,600NoneNoneSingle rate
ZEN EnergyZEN Energy Standing Offer$1,600$1,600NoneNoneSingle rate
SumoSumo Standing Offer$1,600$1,600NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,610$1,610NoneNoneSingle 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 5000 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.

Frequently asked questions

Are energy concessions available in South Australia?

Yes, there are electricity concessions in South Australia available for both electricity and gas. To be eligible, you must:

  • Hold a valid concession card, such as a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Receive eligible Centrelink payments or parenting payments
  • Be a resident of the property
  • Be an account holder on the electricity or gas bill
  • Not be living with someone earning more than $3,000 annually (unless they receive a Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs allowance or they’re your dependent, spouse or domestic partner).

Read more about energy concessions that may be available to eligible SA residents.

What's the best solar feed-in tariff in South Australia?

The best solar feed-in tariff available in South Australia will depend entirely on which electricity provider you’re with. According to the Essential Services Commission of South Australia, providers determine how much they credit to solar customers for the electricity they feed to the grid.

However, the state government stipulates the minimum a customer is set to receive – providers just confirm whether they offer the minimum or will offer more for energy your solar panels generate. Read your plan information document to understand which solar feed-in tariff you’re on.

Always compare your options to ensure you’re on a plan you’re happy with.

Can I switch electricity and gas providers in South Australia?

You are free to switch electricity and gas providers in South Australia; this means you could pay less for energy if you opt for a different provider or take advantage of other deals.

Always check the following if you’re planning on finding a new provider:

  • Whether there any exit fees you could be charged if you leave your current provider
  • Your current rate and usage and if you’ll benefit by switching to a different provider
  • If you’ll be on a variable rate (no lock-in contract) or a fixed rate (potential lock-in contract term) with your new provider
  • If there any deals or benefits you can take advantage of if you switch

Why is my electricity or gas bill in South Australia so high?

There are numerous reasons why your electricity or gas bill in South Australia could be high, so it’s best to contact your provider directly to talk about this. Most commonly, bills are higher when people use more electricity or gas than they expected.5

Other factors that can contribute to a higher bill include:

  • The tariff you’re on
  • Your discount/benefit period has expired
  • Incurring additional charges, such as late fees or unpaid amounts from previous bills
  • Appliances ageing and becoming inefficient
  • Gas leaks

What is the average electricity bill in South Australia?

Because everyone uses different amounts of electricity at different times and there are various providers across South Australia, there won’t be an average electricity bill that applies to everyone across the state. According to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Annual Retail Markets Report: 2021-22, the median annual bill cost for the retail standing offer was between $1,984 and $2,071, and the average market offer was between $1,620 and $2,541.4

However, the Default Market Offer (DMO), which is a reference price to compare how much you can be charged for electricity and based on the average energy usage and supply charges, can help us understand what you might be charged.

According to the AER, the DMO in 2022-23 for people on the SA Power Network’s residential distribution network with annual electricity usage of 4,600 kWh is $1,840 a year.6 For those in distribution areas also on a controlled load of 1,800 kWh (electricity supplied to certain appliances such as hot water systems that operate in off-peak times), the DMO is $2,272 annually.

Sources

1 Government of South Australia: South Australian Government Financing Authority. Renewable Energy. Accessed September 2022.

2 South Australian Government. SA’s electricity supply and market. Accessed September 2022.

3 Essential Services Commission of South Australia. Energy Pricing. Accessed September 2022.

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

5 Essential Services Commission of South Australia. Energy Retail Price Offers Comparison Report 2021-22. Published August 2022. Accessed September 2022.

6 Australian Energy Regulator. Default market offer prices 2022-23. Published May 2022. Accessed September 2022.

Meredith O'Brien

Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien

As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith is aware that most South Australians can compare and choose their gas and electricity plans from different providers. This is why Meredith believes education is key in helping customers make the most informed decisions when it comes to energy.

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.

Meredith’s top energy tips for South Australians

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