Good rates in each network area right now
| Network | Reference usage / supply | Cheapest plan usage / supply | 5th cheapest usage / supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ausgrid (NSW) | 33.14c / 166c | 26.84c / 108c | 26.4c / 133c |
| Endeavour Energy (NSW) | 33.73c / 185c | 26.18c / 133c | 26.95c / 148c |
| Essential Energy (NSW) | 35.01c / 272c | 32.26c / 160c | 28.91c / 213c |
| Energex (QLD) | 27.97c / 192c | 20.13c / 143c | 24.06c / 165c |
| SA Power Networks (SA) | 41.91c / 180c | 33.88c / 146c | 37.68c / 131c |
| Evoenergy (ACT) | 36.95c / 134c | 27.2c / 117c | 37.13c / 124c |
| AusNet Services (VIC) | 31.98c / 128c | 24.86c / 100c | 25.72c / 103c |
| CitiPower (VIC) | 25.96c / 121c | 19.69c / 92c | 19.95c / 103c |
| Jemena (VIC) | 27.47c / 127c | 20.79c / 97c | 21.87c / 100c |
| Powercor (VIC) | 28.22c / 138c | 21.34c / 105c | 21.68c / 115c |
| United Energy (VIC) | 27.35c / 119c | 20.32c / 90c | 20.83c / 100c |
Supply charges are in cents a day. As a rule of thumb, a plan whose usage rate and supply charge both sit near the cheapest five in your area is a good rate. If both are close to the reference column, you are paying close to the capped price. Live prices for every network are on the compare pages.
Where there is no choice
In WA, the NT, Tasmania and regional Queensland, most homes pay a regulated price set by the state, so the rate on your bill is the rate. See electricity rates by state.
How to judge a rate
Check both charges
A low usage rate with a high supply charge suits big users. Small users often do better with a low supply charge.
Ignore conditional discounts
Pay-on-time and direct debit discounts disappear if you miss a condition. Compare on the price you will pay if you slip up. See pay-on-time discounts.
Check the feed-in tariff if you have solar
A slightly higher usage rate can be worth it for a better export rate. See feed-in tariffs.
Common questions
It depends on the network. On 14 October 2026 the cheapest generally available flat-rate plans charged from 19.69c to 33.88c per kWh including GST. Anything well below your area's Default Market Offer or Victorian Default Offer usage rate is a good starting point, as long as the supply charge is also competitive.
It depends where you live. 30c is below the regulated reference rate in NSW, South Australia and the ACT, but above it in South East Queensland and most of Victoria, where the cheapest market plans charge about 20c to 25c per kWh. Compare the yearly cost, supply charge included, before deciding.
Supply charges vary by network, mainly because network costs differ. Compare your supply charge with the cheapest plans in your area in the table above. A plan that is low on both the supply charge and the usage rate is a good deal.
Check the better offer message on your bill, then compare plans on Energy Made Easy, or Victorian Energy Compare in Victoria, using your own usage. If your current plan costs more than the cheapest few, ask your retailer to match or switch.
Only if you never miss the condition. Rank plans on their price without conditional discounts, because that is what you pay if you are late once.
Network charges, the biggest part of a bill, differ between distribution networks, and wholesale costs differ between states. That is why the reference price and the cheapest market rates change from one network to the next.
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.