Which energy companies are Australian-owned?

Choosing an electricity provider can be confusing, especially when it comes to knowing which companies Australian-owned and which ones are not.

For instance, despite its name, EnergyAustralia is not owned locally. While being owned by an international company isn't necessarily a bad thing, studies show that many customers prefer Australian-owned brands when making comparisons.

In this article, we'll help you identify energy providers that are Australian owned, along with details on their plans and pricing, and highlight those that keep their operations, including customer service, within Australia.

Australian energy companies 2024

The list below shows Australia's largest electricity companies, including those that are fully Australian-owned, partially Australian-owned, and those that are fully owned by foreign companies or investors.

Fully Australian-owned

Amber Electric

Amber Electric was founded in 2017 and is led by co-CEOs Chris Thompson and Dan Adams.

It is backed by Australian investors like Square Peg Capital, Main Sequence Ventures, and CommBank, making it an Australian-owned business.

Aurora Energy

Aurora Energy was established on 1 July 1998 following the breakup of the Tasmanian Hydro Electric Commission (HEC) under the Electricity Companies Act of 1997.

The company operates under the Corporations Act 2001 and is entirely owned by the Tasmanian Government - making it 100% Australian-owned. The Minister for Energy and the State Treasurer, acting on behalf of the Tasmanian community, serve as the company's two shareholders.

CovaU

CovaU is a subsidiary of TPC Consolidated Limited, an Australian company based in Sydney. This makes CovaU fully Australian-owned.

Diamond Energy

Diamond Energy is a fully Australian-owned company, dedicated to growing its renewable energy portfolio.

At present, it provides electricity sourced from over 60 different renewable energy generators.

Discover Energy

Discover Energy is described as 100% Australian-owned and is run by a team of innovators and technology enthusiasts who aim to challenge traditional energy supply models.

Dodo

Dodo operates under Vocus Communications, an ASX-listed company. The extent of Australian ownership in Vocus Communications is not entirely clear, but it owns other brands like iPrimus and Commander.

Ergon Energy

Ergon Energy is owned by the Queensland Government, making it a wholly Australian-owned corporation.

Future X Power

Founded in 2014, Future X Power is an Australian-owned electricity provider headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland.

GEE Energy

GEE Energy markets itself as an independent, 100% Australian-owned energy retailer, with its customer service centre located in Brisbane.

GloBird Energy

GloBird Energy claims to be fully Australian-owned and is based in Melbourne. The company describes itself as fiercely independent.

Glow Power

Glow Power is a new energy retailer that recently entered the Australian market and is based in Victoria.

LPE (Locality Planning Energy)

LPE is an Australian-owned energy provider based in Maroochydore, Queensland.

Lumo Energy

Lumo Energy, along with Red Energy, is a retail subsidiary of Snowy Hydro, an Australian company that generates and retails energy while also operating the Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme.

Momentum Energy

Momentum Energy is wholly Australian owned as part of Hydro Tasmania, a major player in the country's clean energy sector.

Radian Energy

Radian Energy claims to be 100% Australian-owned and was founded by David Aaskov and Dr. David Ireland, who aimed to reduce the financial and environmental costs of energy.

Red Energy

Like Lumo Energy, Red Energy is a retail subsidiary of Snowy Hydro, an Australian company involved in both energy generation and retail.

Smart Energy

Smart Energy states on its website that it is entirely Australian-owned and operated.

Sumo

Sumo claims to be a 100% Australian-owned company, with its team based in Melbourne.

Synergy

Synergy is fully owned by the Western Australian Government and operates without any private interest, with no plans for privatisation.

1st Energy

1st Energy presents itself as an Australian-based provider, with Shell Energy holding a minor stake in the company

Partly Australian-owned

ActewAGL

ActewAGL is owned equally by Icon Water Limited and AGL Energy Limited, through their respective subsidiaries. When it comes to distribution, Icon Water Limited and Jemena Limited are the owners.

Although it operates in Australia, the company's ownership is a mix of local and non-local interests.

AGL

AGL is one of Australia's oldest companies, established in 1837, and it promotes itself as a symbol of Australian pride.

As a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), its ownership is spread among various shareholders, most of whom are Australian investment firms. That means that AGL is not fully Australian-owned, but only partly.

Arcline by RACV

Arcline is a collaboration between Energy Locals and RACV.

While it operates locally, it is only partially Australian-owned due to the US-based investor Quinbrook, who has a stake in Energy Locals.

EnergyAustralia

EnergyAustralia is a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based CLP Group. It was originally a state-owned entity of the New South Wales Government but was acquired by TruEnergy, which is owned by CLP, in 2011.

The New South Wales Government retained the distribution part, now known as Ausgrid.

Energy Locals

Based and operated in Australia, Energy Locals has an investor, Quinbrook, which is active in both Australia and the United States.

However, the CEO and founder, Adrian Merrick, is reported to be the largest shareholder.

Kogan Energy

Kogan, primarily known as an online retail giant, has also ventured into energy retailing. Headquartered in Melbourne, Kogan is an ASX-listed company, meaning its ownership is shared between Australian and international shareholders.

Nectr

Nectr was established in Australia but is backed by Hanwha Energy Australia, a subsidiary of a Korean energy solutions company.

Origin Energy

Origin Energy was created in 2000 after a demerger from Boral Limited. Although it has strong Australian roots, Origin is listed on the ASX, with ownership spread among global shareholders.

OVO Energy

Originally from the UK, OVO Energy now operates in several Australian states. AGL holds a majority stake in OVO's Australian operations.

Powershop

Powershop was previously owned by a New Zealand renewable energy company but is now under the ownership of the multinational oil and gas giant, Shell.

ReAmped Energy

ReAmped Energy was founded by Australian Jason Donald, with financial backing from investors in New Zealand and the UK. However, many of the company's Australian employees also have ownership stakes.

Tango Energy

Tango Energy, previously known as Pacific Hydro, is based in Melbourne and focuses on renewable energy. Despite being founded in Australia, it was acquired by China's State Power Investment Corporation in 2016.

Foreign-owned companies

Alinta Energy

Alinta Energy was bought in 2017 by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, a holding company based in Hong Kong, so is not Australian owned.

Despite this, Alinta Energy has offices in multiple Australian cities, including Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The company is involved in both retail and power generation and owns several power stations across the country.

Alinta also invests in renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and battery storage.

ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy)

ENGIE is a French multinational energy company operating in numerous countries, including Australia. It is not Australian owned.

It was previously known as GDF Suez and has a significant presence in the Australian energy market.

Why choose Australian-owned energy companies?

There are many reasons why you might prefer to buy electricity from an Australian-owned company.

Choosing an Australian-owned energy retailer has several benefits. First, it supports local jobs and encourages innovation within the Australian energy sector. This helps keep more money and resources within the country.

Another advantage is having access to local customer service. With Australian call centres, you are more likely to speak with someone who understands your needs and concerns.

Lastly, buying energy from an Australian-owned retailer means benefiting from local expertise. These companies understand the needs of Australian customers and have experience navigating the local market, which can result in better service.

By choosing an Australian energy company, you’re not just keeping your money in the country—you’re also supporting a provider that truly understands the Australian market.

Before choosing an energy provider, it’s important to know their background, location, main priorities, and where they invest. Just because a company is Australian-owned and supports the local economy doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best prices or customer service, however.

On the other hand, a foreign-owned provider might offer better deals or renewable energy options but may not have easily accessible call centres. Understanding these factors is key to making a decision you’ll be happy with in the long run. Stay informed to make the best choice for your needs.

How to find the best energy prices

Finding an energy plan that fits your lifestyle and usage can be challenging. Instead of spending hours sifting through all the available options, Compare Energy simplifies the process of comparing electricity and gas prices online.

Whether your goal is to lower your utility bills or choose an Australian-owned energy provider, we’re here to help you find the perfect plan.

At Compare Energy, we focus on matching you with affordable electricity and gas options tailored to your specific needs. To start saving today, begin comparing now and call our team on 1300 790 106.