How SA compares with other states
The same usage costs about $210 more a quarter in SA than in the NT, and about $186 more than the Victorian average. The whole state sits on one network, so Adelaide and regional households start from the same price.
SA bills at low, medium and high usage
| Network | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA Power NetworksAll of South Australia | $426 | $583 | $845 |
The gap between a low-usage and a high-usage home is about $419 a quarter in SA, wider than in any other state because of the high usage rate. Cutting 100 kWh a quarter saves about $42.
Summer heat and winter evenings
Adelaide summers bring heatwaves and long air conditioning runs, and winter evenings bring heating. Both land in the late afternoon and evening, when SA time-of-use plans charge the most, so seasonal peaks can hit SA bills twice. During the day the picture is different: rooftop solar can cover most of the state's demand around midday, and power is cheap.
Bringing an SA bill below average
Free power from 12pm to 3pm
Since 1 July 2026 retailers with more than 1,000 SA customers must offer the Solar Sharer Offer, with free power from 12pm to 3pm up to 24 kWh a day. Moving 5 kWh a day into that window is worth about $191 a quarter at the reference rate.
- Compare against the DMO. Every offer must show how far below $2,334 it sits.
- Use your own solar. Exports earn little, so solar is worth most when you use it yourself.
- Claim the concession. The Energy Bill Concession is up to $291.27 a year in 2026-27.
Price your own usage in the SA bill calculator.
Questions about average bills in SA
On the 2026-27 reference price, a household using 4,000 kWh a year pays about $2,334, or $583 a quarter, supply included. The AER caps a standing offer at $2,334 for that usage. Market offers can be cheaper.
About $194 a month at 4,000 kWh a year on the reference price. Summer heatwave months and winter months usually cost more than spring and autumn.
Its regulated usage rate of 41.91c/kWh is the highest in the country, and it was the only DMO region where the cap rose for 2026-27, by 1.4%. The supply charge of $1.80 a day is mid-range, so the usage rate does most of the damage.
Divide the kWh on your bill by the days. Around 11 kWh a day is average usage. If your usage is about average but your quarterly bill is well above the figures here, you are likely on an expensive plan and should compare offers against the DMO.
More than in most states, because every kWh you avoid buying is worth 41.91c on the reference price. Feed-in rates are low, so the saving comes mainly from using your own solar during the day rather than exporting it.
The Energy Bill Concession pays up to $291.27 a year in 2026-27 to pensioners and eligible low-income households. A Medical Heating and Cooling Concession of up to $291.27 a year is also available for qualifying medical conditions.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.