Who has the lowest price for electricity?
Electricity bills often feel like a guessing game. One month it's manageable, the next you're staring at a number that makes your jaw drop. Naturally, this leads to a question almost every Aussie household or business owner has asked: Who actually offers the lowest electricity prices?
Short answer? There’s no single provider that’s “always” the cheapest—but there are smarter ways to find them. And it starts with understanding how the electricity market works, who’s brokering the deals, and why comparing rates isn’t as simple as it seems.
Why Do Electricity Prices Vary So Much in Australia?
Electricity pricing isn’t just about how much juice you use. It’s a patchwork of:
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Tariff types (flat rate vs time-of-use)
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Retailer fees and margins
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Distribution zone costs
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Government subsidies and feed-in tariffs
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Contract types (fixed vs variable)
Depending on whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, or regional SA, your rates can swing wildly—even if you’re using the same amount of power.
There’s also the wild card of wholesale price volatility. Retailers hedge against this unpredictability, but some are more aggressive (and risk-exposed) than others. That’s why one provider might offer dirt-cheap rates now, only to hike them six months later.
Who Is the Cheapest Electricity Retailer Right Now?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s what we’re seeing in 2025:
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ReAmped Energy and GloBird Energy continue to offer highly competitive residential rates, particularly in NSW and VIC. They're known for lean overheads and online-only service models.
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Tango Energy remains a quiet achiever with stable, low-price fixed-rate plans.
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Energy Locals appeals to values-based users wanting carbon-neutral power and transparent margins.
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For businesses, especially those with higher consumption, pricing becomes a bespoke affair—with electricity brokers often negotiating far better rates than what’s published.
So yes, you could scroll through comparison sites—but those only scratch the surface.
What’s the Catch with the “Cheapest” Deals?
Here’s the behavioural trap many fall into: chasing the absolute lowest number on a price sheet. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Often, ultra-low base rates come with:
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Short-term discounts that disappear after 12 months
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High daily supply charges
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Exit fees or bill smoothing traps
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Limited customer support or clunky apps
Anyone who’s switched to a budget provider only to be ghosted during a billing issue knows how quickly savings lose their shine.
Remember the principle of reciprocity here—if a provider gives you ultra-low rates, they’re often taking something back elsewhere. Price isn’t the only metric of value.
Are Electricity Brokers Worth Using?
In a word? Often, yes.
Electricity brokers (especially for commercial customers) act as middlemen who negotiate deals on your behalf. They understand the wholesale trends, retailer margins, and contractual loopholes. More importantly, they often have access to unpublished rates or volume-based discounts.
A savvy broker can:
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Analyse your usage patterns
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Forecast risk around variable pricing
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Access special tariffs for sectors like hospitality or manufacturing
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Manage contract switching and onboarding
That said, the industry is unregulated. Not all brokers operate transparently, and some may earn commissions that subtly influence their recommendations. Stick with brokers who work on a fee-for-service model or disclose their incentives upfront.
What Should You Compare Beyond Just Price?
To make an informed decision, weigh up:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Daily Supply Charge | Even if your usage is low, this fixed fee adds up. |
| Contract Length | Longer lock-ins might mean stable prices but less flexibility. |
| Solar Feed-In Rates | Important for solar households to offset bills. |
| Customer Reviews | Check forums, not just shiny testimonials. |
| Bill Shock Safeguards | Does the retailer alert you if usage spikes? |
| Mobile App or Dashboard | Helps you track and control usage in real time. |
Can Switching Actually Save You Hundreds?
Absolutely. Real-world case: A mate of mine in Adelaide running a home studio shaved $780 off his annual bill by ditching a legacy contract and jumping to a newer plan. And that’s before installing solar.
For renters or those in apartments, even a small change in tariff type or switching to a retailer with lower daily charges can make a difference. Just keep an eye out for hidden transition fees or bill smoothing resets that can distort your cash flow.
FAQ: Electricity Retailer Pricing
Q: Is it better to choose a fixed or variable plan?
Fixed plans offer predictability, especially during periods of market volatility. But they can lock you out of falling prices.
Q: Do comparison sites show all available plans?
Nope. Many only list offers from partnered retailers. It’s a starting point—but not the finish line.
Q: Should I stay loyal to one provider?
There’s little benefit unless you’re getting long-term perks. Loyalty is rarely rewarded in this game.
Final Thoughts
In the end, chasing the lowest electricity price is a bit like timing the stock market—it’s possible, but rarely sustainable without deeper insight. For households, regularly checking tariffs and being ready to switch is smart. For businesses, especially those with higher loads, leveraging electricity brokers might uncover savings you didn’t even know existed.
And remember: the best deal isn’t just about cost. It’s about control, consistency, and whether you can sleep easy knowing next month’s bill won’t surprise you.
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