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Energy Locals is a relatively new electricity retailer on the Australian market. They have an unusual focus on the environment, not only offering complete carbon offsets for power emissions but refusing to source their electricity from fossil fuel power plants.
Energy Locals is completely owned and operated in Australia and supports several groups promoting renewable energy.
2020 Finder Green Awards
Green Energy Retailer of the Year (Retail-Only)
Energy Locals
Energy Locals wins this year's Finder Green Awards with its 100% carbon offsets on residential electricity plans.
Find out how much you can save by switching to Energy Locals
How much does Energy Locals cost?
The following price estimates are a general guide only. Prices are based on a residential customer in NSW who consumes 3,900 kWh a year on a single rate tariff in the Ausgrid network. Prices last checked on December 2019 and are subject to change. Always check the provider's site before applying - Your actual bill may vary, depending on your usage.
Based on the AER annual model usage in the Ausgrid network, the AER reference price is $1,462 / year.
Energy prices change regularly in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and TAS. Our pricing and estimates below may not always take these possible changes into account, so please confirm plan details and pricing with the provider before making a decision.
The following price estimates are a general guide only. Prices are based on a residential customer in Queensland who consumes 4,600 kWh a year on a single rate tariff in the Energex network. Prices last checked on December 2019 and are subject to change. Always check the provider's site before applying - Your actual bill may vary, depending on your usage.
Based on the AER annual model usage in the Energex network, the AER reference price is $1,508 / year.
Energy prices change regularly in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and TAS. Our pricing and estimates below may not always take these possible changes into account, so please confirm plan details and pricing with the provider before making a decision.
The following price estimates are a general guide only. Prices are based on a residential customer in South Australia who consumes 4,000 kWh a year on a single rate tariff in the SA Power Network. Prices last checked on December 2019 and are subject to change. Always check the provider's site before applying - Your actual bill may vary, depending on your usage.
Based on the AER annual model usage in the SA Power Networks network, the AER reference price is $1,832 / year.
Energy prices change regularly in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and TAS. Our pricing and estimates below may not always take these possible changes into account, so please confirm plan details and pricing with the provider before making a decision.
A quick review of Energy Locals
Pros
- Wholesale energy prices for a small monthly membership fee, competitive feed-in tariffs, and no exit fees.
Cons
- Rates vary considerably from state to state, and some promised discounts are conditional or only apply for a limited time.
What plans are offered by Energy Locals?
Electricity
The Online Saver plan is a basic energy plan offering electricity at wholesale prices. To have access to lower prices, the plan includes a monthly membership fee included in your daily supply charge. There are solar feed-in tariffs available to those with renewable energy systems and an $84 a month conditional discount for paying on time. This plan is only available online, as the name suggests, and has no lock-in contract and thus no exit fees.
The Local Saver plan also offers electricity at wholesale prices, but is open to customers who don't sign up online. It includes a small monthly membership fee in its daily supply charges and is predicted to cost slightly more per year by about $100-$200. There are feed-in tariffs for solar customers that vary by state and postcode. Just like the Online Saver plan, there is no lock-in contract and therefore no exit fees.
Does Energy Locals offer solar?
While Energy Locals doesn't offer solar installation themselves, they do partner with solar installers to incentivise the switch to renewable. All customers who get an Energy Locals plan to go with their solar power get a free solar meter installed to help them track their energy production and usage.
They've also teamed up with a startup called Enosi to develop an energy-sharing scheme where customers can share their solar power with each other at fixed prices.
For all their regular residential electricity plans, Energy Locals offers decent solar feed-in tariffs, depending on what state you're in.
How green is Energy Locals?
Energy Locals was given a score of 7.5/10, making it the equal third most green retailer in the 2018 Green Electricity Guide overseen by Greenpeace. It doesn't source its power from fossil fuel-burning power plants, offers 100% carbon offsets for all power emissions, and has solar export prices above the state average.
While it takes a strong public position against investing in fossil fuels, it isn't currently involved in any energy demand and response programs and doesn't actively promote energy efficiency.
Does Energy Locals offer any special incentives to sign up?
Currently, Energy Locals has an incentive for residents of South Australia. When they sign up for a Local Saver plan, they'll receive a higher solar feed in tariff until March 2020. After this period, it will revert to their lower, regular tariff.
Can I manage my plan from my phone?
No, but Energy Locals does have an online portal where you can view and manage your bills and usage.
Important notes: The estimated price we show by default is based on a single rate tariff. On your bill this might be known as a 'peak tariff', 'peak only' or an 'anytime tariff'. There are other tariff types available to customers and you may need to contact your provider if you are on these tariffs:
- Single rate with a controlled load
- Time of use
- Time of use with a controlled load
The price estimate should not be used as an official quote, but an indication of what your costs may be on the plan. It varies based on whether you provide us with your bill details. You can learn more here.
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