Australia’s electricity market is a real mixed bag—some providers boast cheap rates, others excel at service, and a few hang their hat on green energy. But who’s actually the best? Short answer: it depends on where you live, how much power you use, and what you care most about—price, service, or sustainability.

Let’s dig into the details and break it down in a way that’s genuinely helpful—not just a marketing pitch in disguise.

Which electricity providers rank highest in customer satisfaction?

If you trust the voice of the people (and we all should), Canstar Blue’s annual customer satisfaction ratings give us a strong steer. In 2024, Red Energy came out on top, scoring five stars across the board in value for money, customer service, and overall satisfaction. Close behind were Tango Energy and OVO Energy, both of which also scored high for transparency and ease of understanding bills.

Red Energy’s real advantage? They’re 100% Aussie-owned, and their customers genuinely seem to like them—a classic example of the Liking principle at play. People prefer doing business with brands they trust, and Red Energy has built that goodwill with local focus and friendly support teams.

Who has the cheapest electricity plans?

Price-conscious Aussies might lean towards ReAmped Energy, GloBird, or Tango Energy. These providers consistently offer competitive deals, particularly if you’re willing to pay on time and manage your account online.

For example:

• ReAmped often skips the discount game entirely and just charges low base rates.

• GloBird sweetens the deal with conditional discounts and competitive fixed-rate plans.

• Tango sticks to flat rates with no tricks—good for budgeting types.

But here’s the rub: electricity pricing varies massively between states. What’s cheap in Victoria could be pricey in Queensland. Your best bet? Compare providers based on your postcode and actual usage using tools like the Energy Made Easy platform by the Australian Government.

What if you prioritise green energy?

If you’re trying to cut your carbon footprint, Powershop and Energy Locals are two providers worth a hard look.

• Powershop, backed by Shell but still sourcing a majority of its electricity from renewables, has long been rated Australia’s greenest power company.

• Energy Locals offers carbon offsets, renewable options, and even partnerships with solar communities.

While green energy plans can be slightly more expensive, there’s growing demand—and some solid government rebates available if you’re installing panels or batteries at home. Anyone who’s ever gotten a shock from summer power bills knows just how attractive solar storage looks in hindsight.

How do electricity brokers help Aussies choose?

Most people don’t have the time (or desire) to decode kWh rates, peak times, and exit fees. That’s where electricity brokers come in. Think of them as the middleman doing the legwork—analysing usage patterns and matching homes or businesses with suitable deals.

The good ones don’t just push the cheapest provider. Instead, they consider contract terms, customer support, green options, and location-specific pricing. They’re especially handy for small businesses, where usage varies and savings can add up fast.

Are smaller providers worth considering?

Absolutely. While the big three—Origin, AGL, and EnergyAustralia—still dominate market share, smaller players have been snapping at their heels with better rates and more personal service.

Providers like Amber Electric (wholesale rates and app-driven pricing insights) and OVO Energy (clean energy focus and UK experience) are shaking things up. The catch? They sometimes lack the polish or phone support coverage of larger retailers. But for savvy users, the trade-off can be well worth it.

So, who’s the best electricity provider overall?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but we can break it down by scenario:

FAQ

Do I need to switch providers to save money?
Not always. Sometimes you can call your current provider and negotiate a better deal—especially if you mention competitors’ rates.

Will my power get cut during the switch?
No. The switch is handled behind the scenes. Your power supply remains uninterrupted.

Is green energy more expensive?
It can be, slightly—but not always. With incentives and competition, some green plans are now price-competitive.

Final thoughts

Australia’s electricity market offers more choice than ever—but that choice comes with a side of confusion. The “best” provider really depends on what you care about: savings, service, sustainability, or simplicity. And if you’ve ever felt like your bills were higher than they should be, chances are you’re not imagining it—some states are indeed paying more than others. A good way to start understanding that gap is by looking at what electricity brokers are seeing across the country.

Sometimes, a small switch can lead to a big win—especially when power prices keep creeping up like they do.