Compare energy plans in NSW

Energy providers we compare in Sydney and NSW

Cheapest electricity providers in NSW

Here's a look at some of the cheapest electricity plans in our database for July 2026.

The estimated annual costs are based on a household on the Ausgrid network using 3,900kWh of electricity a year on a single-rate tariff.

Your actual costs can vary depending on the plan you opt for, how much electricity you use and your distributor.

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Cheapest gas providers in NSW

Here's a look at some of the cheapest gas plans in our database for July 2026.

The estimated annual gas prices are based on a typical residential customer on the Jemena network using 18,542MJ a year. Your actual bill may be higher or lower depending on your usage.

For providers offering stepped rates, we've included the minimum and maximum values.

How do I choose an energy provider in NSW?

When you're comparing plans, these are the details you need to look for:

• Price vs the reference price. Every NSW electricity plan must show how it compares to the reference price, the annual benchmark set by the energy regulator each July. It's the easiest like-for-like comparison. We'll go into more detail further in the guide.
• Usage rates and supply charges. Usage is what you pay per unit of energy (cents per kWh for electricity, cents per MJ for gas). Supply is the fixed daily cost of staying connected. If you're a low-usage household, a low supply charge matters more. High-usage household? Chase the lowest usage rate. Otherwise, opt for a good balance between the two.
• Sign-up deals and perks. Depending on the provider or plan, you can get sign-up credits, Qantas or Everyday Rewards points, bundling discounts, free Netflix, energy usage tracking apps and more. Just make sure the perks or deals don't come at the expense of higher usage rates or supply charges.
• The fine print. Look out for extra fees, such as credit card or late payment charges, and check whether any introductory offers or bill credits come with conditions.

Energy plans and tariffs in NSW explained

While comparing discounts and usage rates is helpful, it also pays to understand the type of tariffs available to you.

These will determine how much you're charged for your energy usage.

Electricity tariffs in NSW

Households in NSW have access to the following tariffs:

• Single rate: You will be charged a single usage rate regardless of the time of day.

• Time of Use: Your usage rates will vary based on peak and off-peak hours. There may also be a separate rate for the 'shoulder period', which falls between peak and off-peak hours. You will need a smart meter to take advantage of this type of tariff.

• Demand: Some plans include a demand charge on top of a single rate or Time of Use tariff. The charge is based on the highest point of power drawn from the grid during peak times. It takes many forms and can be charged daily based on your highest demand in a season, year or month.

• Controlled load: This applies to households with a separate meter for appliances such as electric hot water systems or pool pumps.

• Solar feed-in tariff: Households with rooftop solar can take advantage of plans that feature a feed-in tariff. This will determine how much money you can earn for exporting excess energy to the grid.

Gas tariffs in NSW

There are two types of gas tariffs in NSW, though their availability can vary between providers:

• Flat rate: You'll be charged the same usage rate regardless of the time of day you're using gas, or how much of it you're using.

• Block rate: Your usage rates will change based on consumption. For example, you'll be charged one rate for using 35MJ, another rate for the next 45MJ and maybe a different rate for the next block.

How much does energy cost in NSW?

As we mentioned earlier, all electricity plans are measured against the reference price.

The reference price is an annual benchmark set by the Australian Energy Regulator that estimates what a typical household would pay for electricity if they were on a standing offer.

Every electricity plan in NSW must show how it compares with the reference price. So if a plan says it's 15% less than the reference price, it means the estimated cost is 15% lower than that benchmark.

The reference price changes depending on which of NSW's three electricity distribution networks you're connected to:

There's no reference price for gas in NSW, so comparing annual estimates or usage rates and supply charges is the most reliable way to judge a gas plan.

Solar in NSW: feed-in tariffs and the 'sun tax'

More than a million NSW homes have rooftop solar, and the rules changed more in the past year than in the decade before it.

Your retailer decides how much you're paid for the solar you export, known as a feed-in tariff.

There's no rule forcing them to pay a certain rate, but IPART publishes a benchmark each year so you can tell if yours is reasonable.

As you can see in the table, evening exports are worth several times more than daytime ones.

That's because the grid is flooded with solar in the middle of the day, and hungry for it once the sun goes down.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Don't chase the highest feed-in rate. A generous rate paired with high usage charges usually loses to a cheap plan with an average one. Compare the whole plan.
• Have a home battery? Storing your solar and exporting it in the evening window will give you the most bang for your buck.
• Watch for the 'sun tax'. Some networks now charge a small fee for exporting solar in the middle of the day (officially a two-way tariff). You can usually avoid it by using more of your own solar, but check whether your plan passes it through.

What is the Solar Sharer Offer in NSW and do I qualify?

Retailers with more than 1,000 customers in NSW have to offer an opt-in plan with 3 hours of free electricity between 11am and 2pm every day, capped at 24kWh a day.

This is known as the Solar Sharer Offer.

You don't need solar panels to sign up. The catch is that rates outside the free window are much higher than on a standard plan.

It only works out cheaper if you can genuinely shift your heavy usage, like the dishwasher, washing machine, EV charging or pool pump, into that window.

Here's a look at the rates depending on your distribution zone:

Ausgrid

Endeavour

Essential Energy

Can I get any any energy rebates or concessions in NSW?

The federal Energy Bill Relief credits ended on 31 December 2025, so nothing lands on your bill automatically anymore.

But NSW runs a handful of targeted rebates that you may be eligible for.

Keep in mind that some rebates don't stack.

You can't get both the Low Income Household Rebate and the Seniors Energy Rebate.

And, if you get the Low Income Household Rebate, the Family Energy Rebate drops to $20.

When's a good time to compare and switch energy plans?

Comparing energy plans probably isn't at the top of anyone's to-do list, but it can be one of the easiest ways to cut your household bills.

NSW has a competitive energy market with plenty of providers, which means prices can vary widely between plans.

It's worth comparing if:

• Your introductory discount has ended. Many plans offer a lower rate for the first 12 months before reverting to standard pricing.
• You haven't checked your plan in a while. Even small differences in pricing between providers can add up over time.
• You're moving house. The best-value plan at your current address may not be the cheapest at your new one.
• Your provider has announced a price increase. This is a good prompt to see if you can find a better deal or negotiate a cheaper rate with your provider.

How do I switch energy providers in NSW?

Switching is quicker than most people think, as long as the account is in your name. Here are the steps to follow:

• Grab a recent bill. It shows your usage, your current rates and your meter number, which is everything you need.
• Compare plans at your address. Rates differ by network, so always compare for your own postcode.
• Sign up online. Your new provider handles the whole switch, including telling your old provider.
• Done. There's no disconnection or interruption to your supply, and you get a 10-business-day cooling-off period if you change your mind.

The exception is embedded networks, common in apartment buildings, retirement villages and caravan parks, where the building buys power in bulk, and your options are often limited to a single provider.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the average electricity and gas bill in NSW?

  According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, the average NSW household pays around $451 a quarter for electricity and $238 for gas.

  Keep in mind these are averages across all household sizes.

  Your bills will depend on how many people you live with, whether you heat with gas or electricity, and your tariff.

  You can see how your bills stack up in our guide to average energy bills in Australia.

• What's the difference between a market offer and a standing offer?

  A market offer is a plan with rates that the provider sets to compete for your business, and it's almost always cheaper.

  A standing offer is the default plan you land on if you've never switched or your old plan expired, priced at or near the reference price.

  Our guide to energy contracts and benefit periods explains how these work.

  If you can't remember ever choosing your plan, you're probably on a standing offer.

• Will my power be cut off when I switch providers?

  No. Switching is an account change, not a physical one.

  The same poles, wires and meter keep supplying your home, so there's no disconnection, no interruption and no one needs to visit your property.

• Do I need to tell my current provider I'm leaving?

  No. Your new provider handles the whole switch, including notifying your old one. You'll just get a final bill.

  Before you switch, check your current plan for exit fees. Most NSW plans don't have them, but the almost obsolete fixed-rate deals do.

  Our guide to cancelling your energy contract covers what to look for.

  You also get a 10-business-day cooling-off period after signing up in case you change your mind.

• Can I switch energy providers if I rent?

  Yes, as long as the energy account is in your name. You don't need your landlord's permission.

  The exception is if your building is an embedded network, where switching is harder (more on that below).

  Moving into a new rental? Our moving house utilities checklist covers getting connected.

• What is an embedded network?

  An embedded network is where a building owner, like an apartment block, retirement village or caravan park, buys energy in bulk and on-sells it to residents.
  If you're in one, you usually can't switch providers, but you're still entitled to NSW rebates, often at the higher embedded network rates listed in our rebates table above.
  Not sure? Ask your building manager or check your bill for an on-seller's name instead of a regular retailer.

• Is electricity cheaper at night or on weekends in NSW?

  Only on Time of Use plans, where nights and parts of the weekend can fall into off-peak or shoulder pricing, depending on your provider.
  On a single rate plan, the price is the same around the clock, all week. Not sure which suits you? See our guide comparing Time of Use vs single rate tariffs.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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