Written by:

Hayley Lower

In South Australia, electricity is produced from both renewable and non-renewable sources. The National Energy Market distributes this electricity to providers who then sell it to customers like you.

With solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, residents can benefit from feed-in tariffs offered by providers. These tariffs allow you to sell excess solar power back to the grid, which is credited on your energy bill.

Since 2012, South Australia's energy market has been deregulated, allowing customers to compare and choose electricity and gas plans from various retailers. If you're interested in exploring your options, you can use our free energy comparison service to get a quote.

Comparing electricity prices in South Australia

To easily compare energy plans in South Australia, you can call the team at Compare Energy to discuss the best provider for you.

Beyond this, consider factors like discounts, usage and supply charges, and any associated fees in the available plans.

• Consider your energy usage rates and supply charges, seeking plans with the lowest kWh rates and daily supply charges to reduce your overall bill.
• Use the reference price as a comparison tool, ensuring it reflects similar energy usage for an accurate assessment of plan competitiveness.
• Review your actual energy usage to compare plans effectively and find the most suitable option.
• Choose a tariff that matches your consumption habits, such as single-rate, time-of-use, solar feed-in, or controlled load tariffs. Keep in mind that some tariffs may require a smart meter.
• Check the benefit period of any introductory plans to avoid transitioning to a more expensive option once the initial period ends.
• If you have solar panels, check the provider's solar feed-in tariff to understand how much you'll be paid for surplus electricity.

After considering these factors, ‌reach out to one of our experts at Compare Energy for further help in finding the best electricity plan for you.

Who are South Australia’s cheapest electricity providers?

To discover the most cost-effective energy plans in South Australia and select the ideal option for your requirements, you should take into account several key factors:

• Incentives for switching providers
• Lowest usage rates available
• Supply charges
• Contract duration and associated exit fees
• Qualification criteria for discounts
• Duration of discounts (benefit terms)

It's crucial to note that energy usage varies among individuals in South Australia due to different living arrangements, such as single or couple occupancy, as well as diverse appliance usage that impacts electricity consumption.

Among the competitive options are:

Lumo Energy: Lumo Energy, a part of Snowy Hydro Ltd, is a major renewable energy producer in Australia. It provides electricity and gas plans in Victoria and South Australia, offering 24/7 self-service support. Lumo Energy's prices are competitive, with savings of up to 23% compared to the reference price. Additionally, South Australian customers can benefit from Lumo Rewards, receiving discounts and vouchers from various retailers simply by being a customer.

ENGIE. ENGIE provides a variety of gas and electricity plans across Australia, excluding TAS, NT, and ACT. Some plans offer discounts for automobile association members, moviegoers, and seniors. ENGIE offers smart energy solutions for managing electricity and gas usage. The company is recognized for its significant plan savings and distinctive rewards and offers.

Comparing gas plans in South Australia

Gas plans follow a structure similar to electricity plans. When comparing gas options, key factors to consider include:

• Service and support: Consider the ease of applying or switching plans.
• Billing and payments: Review billing frequency and online payment options.
• Plan flexibility: Look for competitive solar feed-in tariffs.

To choose the right plan, evaluate your household's gas consumption. If usage is high, prioritise lower usage rates. For lower consumption, focus on lower supply rates.

Who are South Australia’s cheapest gas providers?

Gas customers typically have two contract options with their supplier: standard contracts and market contracts. Standard contracts have prices set by retailers but follow certain conditions set by law, including no contract period or exit fees.

Market contracts, on the other hand, are largely determined by retailers and often offer savings through discounts, with varying contract lengths and conditions. Generally, market contracts are more cost-effective, especially if you qualify for discounts. If you haven't switched plans recently, you might save money by switching to a new offer with incentives.

It's important to compare usage and supply charges as well as rates from different suppliers to ensure you're getting the best deal. If you feel you're paying too much for gas, you probably are, so it's worth exploring your options.

To help you navigate your options and potential savings, Compare Energy has compiled a list of the most cost-effective natural gas retailers in South Australia.

Origin Energy: Origin Energy offers comprehensive natural gas and energy solutions to Australians, including options for solar panels and electric vehicle charging. Their dedicated app allows users to easily monitor energy usage and bills, but keep in mind that credit card fees may apply.

Red Energy: Red Energy, a company under Snowy Hydro's ownership, is recognised for its appealing sign-up offers in the energy sector. With a customer support team based in Australia, the company has built a strong reputation for its customer service.

AGL. With a rich history in Australia, AGL is among the country's oldest and largest energy providers, serving millions of homes and businesses.

Finding the best energy plans in South Australia

When assessing energy providers in South Australia, consider these crucial aspects:

• Pricing: Take advantage of potential savings by comparing plans, particularly if you haven't switched providers recently. Our tool can help you find the most competitive rates in your location.
• Discounts: Look for providers offering discounts or rates lower than the South Australia Default Offer (VDO), a government-set standard for plan comparisons.
• Additional Charges: Scrutinise provider terms to uncover any hidden fees like connection or late payment charges that may affect your overall costs.

South Australia energy rebates and concessions

In South Australia, residents may be eligible for various energy rebates and concessions. These include:

• Energy Concession
• Medical Heating and Cooling Concession
• Cost of Living Concession

These programs aim to assist eligible households in managing their energy costs. Eligibility criteria and the application process can vary, so it's essential to check with the relevant authorities or energy providers for specific details.

Greenest energy providers in South Australia

As Australia grapples with a significant energy challenge, the transition to renewable energy sources becomes increasingly important.

If you're passionate about renewables, you may be seeking an energy provider that offers GreenPower to reduce your household's emissions or one that supports solar panels. Regardless of your preferences, thorough research is essential to find a competitively priced plan.

To assist with our choice of the greenest energy provider in South Australia, we looked at the providers on our panel of retailers and determined two factors:

• Providers offer 100% GreenPower
• Zero links to coal, gas, or oil extraction or power generation

Here is our pick for greenest energy provider in South Australia:

Energy Local

Energy Local is dedicated to providing Australians with clean electricity at equitable rates, simultaneously contributing a portion of your bill to local charities or community groups.

Additionally, they facilitate carbon offsets for carbon-neutral energy consumption and offer Greenpower options to bolster the initiative.

FAQ

How do I switch providers?

When considering a switch of energy providers, several steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition.

• Start by reviewing your current plan's exit fees.
• Next, establish your energy needs to determine the most suitable plan for your situation.
• Compare deals available in your area to find the best option. Once decided, proceed to switch energy providers, keeping in mind that your old provider may contact you during this process.
• After switching, expect to receive a welcome pack from your new retailer. A final metre reading will be conducted, and your new provider will get in touch with you to finalise the transition.
• Finally, ensure you gain access to any special features of your new plan and remain engaged with your energy usage, rather than simply setting and forgetting.

How can I save money on energy?

Choosing the right energy plan can lead to significant savings. While price is crucial when comparing plans, it's not the only factor to consider. Energy plans can vary widely in cost, and the potential savings depend on your energy consumption patterns. By evaluating both price and usage patterns, you can find a plan that offers the best value for your specific needs.

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a digital device that tracks a home's energy usage in at least 30-minute intervals and transmits this data to the energy retailer, typically on a daily basis. While residents can access this information, it is not displayed directly on the meter, requiring additional steps to read.

How is energy charged in South Australia?

The total amount on your energy bill is determined by multiplying the energy you've used in kilowatt-hours (kWh) by the price per unit of energy.

What is the average energy bill in South Australia?

South Australia stands out with the highest average annual electricity bills among all states in the National Electricity Market.

On average, South Australian households pay over $1,700 annually for electricity, with usage rates averaging around 36 cents per kilowatt-hour. Due to these high costs, energy providers in SA often emphasise competitive rates to attract customers seeking affordable electricity and gas plans.

How can I compare South Australia energy rates?

With the help of our Compare Energy team, you can learn the best energy rates in South Australia. Give us a call today.