Energy distributors: Do you know yours?

Energy distribution companies are responsible for the infrastructure that delivers electricity and natural gas to your home or business. This includes maintaining the power lines, poles, and gas pipelines that transport energy from the grid to your property.

Each region is served by different distribution networks, and your energy distributor is the company you should contact in case of power outages, gas leaks, or other emergencies. You can typically find their contact information on your energy bill.

Below, we've provided a list of energy distributors, their service areas, and how to reach them. If you’re unsure which distributor serves your area, you can either check your bill or get in touch with your energy supplier or Compare Energy. We can help you to identify your distributor.

What’s the difference between an energy supplier and an energy distributor?

An energy distributor and an energy supplier are not the same thing, although their roles can sometimes be confusing. Here's the difference:

Energy distributor:

The energy distributor (or network operator) is responsible for the physical infrastructure that delivers energy to homes and businesses. They maintain and operate the pipes (for gas) or cables (for electricity) that carry the energy from the national grid to your property.

The responsibilities of an energy distributor include managing the networks, dealing with faults or outages, and making sure that energy reaches your premises safely. They don’t sell the energy itself, but they are the ones that ensure it gets to you.

For example, if there’s a power outage or a gas leak in your area, you’d contact your local distributor, not the energy supplier for help.

Energy supplier:

The energy supplier is the company that sells the energy to you. They provide you with the electricity or gas that you use in your home or business, and they bill you for it. You can find your energy supplier details on your bill.

Suppliers set the prices for the energy, manage customer service, and may offer different plans or tariffs based on your usage. They are the point of contact if you want to change your energy plan or switch provider, and you pay your energy supplier (e.g. ActewAGL, Red Energy) for the energy you use.

They work together to provide you with energy, but they have distinct roles in the process.

So, who is my energy distributor?

We’ve broken down the list of energy distributors by state below:

Australian Capital Territory

Electricity

EvoEnergy is the primary electricity distributor in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). However, some customers in the ACT are also serviced by Essential Energy, and certain remote areas receive their electricity from other distribution companies.

Gas

Evoenergy is the main gas distributor across the ACT. That said, there are a few remote areas where gas distribution is managed by companies other than Evoenergy.

New South Wales

Electricity

New South Wales is served by three electricity distributors, each covering different regions of the state:

  • Endeavour Energy
  • Essential Energy
  • Ausgrid

Gas

Similarly, New South Wales has three gas distributors, each responsible for specific areas:

  • Central Ranges System
  • Jemena Gas Networks (NSW)
  • Wagga Wagga Gas Distribution Network

It’s also important to note that Evoenergy supplies some customers in the Palerang (Bungendore) and Queanbeyan areas.

Queensland

Electricity

Queensland is served by two primary electricity distributors, each covering distinct regions of the state:

  • Energex
  • Ergon Energy

It’s worth noting that Ergon Energy also provides services to certain customers in southern regional Queensland.

Gas

Queensland has two main gas distributors:

  • Allgas Energy
  • Australian Gas Networks

In some areas, the local council manages the gas distribution network, such as Roma Town Council and Dalby Town Council. If you're experiencing issues with your gas supply in these regions, please contact your local council for assistance.

South Australia

Electricity

In South Australia, the primary electricity distributor is SA Power Networks. However, some remote areas are served by different distribution companies.

Gas

The main gas distributor in South Australia is Australian Gas Networks (SA). Like electricity, some remote gas distribution areas are managed by other companies.

Tasmania

Electricity

Tasmania has a single electricity distributor: TasNetworks.

Gas

The primary gas distributor in Tasmania is Tas Gas Networks.

Victoria

Electricity

Victoria is served by five electricity distributors, each covering a specific region of the state. Along with those five, Essential Energy serves a small number of customers in Victoria.

  • Citipower and Powercor
  • Jemena
  • AusNet Services
  • United Energy Distribution

Gas

Victoria has three main gas distributors, each responsible for different parts of the state:

  • Australian Gas Networks
  • Multinet Gas
  • AusNet Services

Northern Territory

Electricity & Gas

  • Power and Water Corporation
  • Western Australia

Electricity:

  • Western Power
  • Horizon Power

Want to switch providers?

With energy market deregulation in parts of Australia, switching providers is now easier than ever. If you haven’t switched recently, you could be paying more than necessary, as discounts on your old plan may have expired.

Whether it’s your first switch or you're looking to make it easier, give Compare Energy a call on 1300 790 106, and we’ll walk you through how to switch to a provider that matches your needs and budget.