Beatrice Lang
Australia has over 114 electricity companies and energy providers, with a wide range of options to choose from. However, only 21 of these energy companies are Australian-owned. The Australian energy market can be confusing, with various factors to consider when choosing a provider, such as company size, benefits, prices, and customer service ratings. The top three energy providers in Australia by market share are AGL Energy, Origin Energy, and Energy Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electricity companies | Over 114 |
| Number of Australian-owned electricity companies | 21 |
| Oldest company | AGL Energy |
| Largest company by market share | AGL Energy |
| Second-largest company by market share | Origin Energy |
| Third-largest company by market share | EnergyAustralia |
| Number of customers served by Dodo Power & Gas | 100,000 |
| Number of customers served by Energy Locals | 46,000 |
| Number of accounts serviced by AGL Energy | 4.3 million |
| Number of energy providers in Australia | Over 20 |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign vs. Australian-owned companies
There are over 20 energy providers in Australia, with a mix of foreign and Australian-owned companies. While some consumers prefer Australian-owned companies, believing they support the local economy, foreign-owned companies may offer certain advantages, such as renewable energy solutions and competitive deals.
Foreign-Owned Companies
Foreign-owned electricity companies in Australia include EnergyAustralia, OVO Energy, and Alinta Energy. EnergyAustralia, one of the largest energy retailers, serves over 1.7 million customers in multiple states and offers benefits like Virgin Velocity Points and carbon offsets. OVO Energy, available on Compare Club's panel, is rated good by the AER for answering customer calls. Alinta Energy, owned by a Hong Kong-based holding company, operates as both a retailer and generator of power, with offices in major Australian cities.
Australian-Owned Companies
On the other hand, Australian-owned electricity providers include AGL Energy, ActewAGL, and Sumo Power. AGL, founded in 1837, is Australia's oldest energy company, serving approximately 4.3 million accounts. ActewAGL, a partnership between the ACT Government-owned Icon Water and AGL, has been serving the Canberra region for over a century. Sumo Power, Australian-owned and operated, offers excellent customer service and provides internet services, making it an attractive option for bundling.
Other notable Australian-owned companies include Ergon Energy, a Queensland Government-owned corporation, and its subsidiaries; Future X Power, an Australian-owned electricity provider based in Brisbane; and GloBird Energy, a Melbourne-based company that describes itself as 'fiercely independent'.
While some consumers may prefer Australian-owned companies, it is important to note that ownership alone does not determine the quality of customer service, plans, or discounts offered. It is always advisable to research a company's history, location, core interests, and investments before making a decision.
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The cheapest electricity plans
With over 20 energy providers in Australia, it can be challenging to find the cheapest electricity plans. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Understanding the Market
Australia's electricity market is deregulated, allowing providers more freedom to compete. This means that prices and plans can vary significantly between providers and states. Some providers may offer discounted rates or special offers, so it is essential to compare options and stay updated on the market.
Major Electricity Providers
The biggest electricity companies in Australia include AGL Energy, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia, which represent nearly 77.1% of the residential gas market. AGL has the largest market share at 34.6%, followed by Origin Energy at 25.6% and EnergyAustralia at 16.9%. These companies often provide a wide range of plans and may offer competitive rates due to their size.
Smaller Electricity Retailers
Smaller energy retailers, such as Energy Locals, Sumo Power, and Dodo Power & Gas, are also worth considering. While they may have a smaller market share, they can offer competitive rates and unique benefits. For example, Energy Locals provides carbon offsets and solar feed-in tariffs, while Sumo Power offers internet bundling options.
Government-Owned Options
Several government-owned energy companies operate in Australia. Ergon Energy, a Queensland Government-owned corporation, and its subsidiaries are Australian-owned. Hydro Tasmania, a Tasmanian government enterprise, operates Momentum Energy, providing electricity to homes and businesses in NSW, VIC, SEQ, and SA. ActewAGL, jointly owned by the ACT government and AGL, serves the ACT and regional NSW.
Comparison Tools
To find the cheapest electricity plans, it is recommended to use comparison tools such as Canstar Blue or Compare Club. These platforms allow you to compare rates, plans, and provider benefits side by side. They also provide valuable insights into customer service ratings and special offers, helping you make an informed decision.
Remember, the cheapest plan for you will depend on your specific circumstances, energy usage, and location. Be sure to review the plans' terms and conditions and consider using a comparison tool or seeking expert advice to find the best value for your needs.
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Customer service
Some of the red flags to look out for with energy providers include poor customer service, indicated by long wait times or poorly trained staff. Other warning signs include a large number of complaints to the energy regulator, bad reviews online, unexpected rises in billing amounts, and mistakes on bills.
When it comes to choosing an electricity provider, some companies have a good reputation for customer service. Sumo Power, an Australian-owned company, provides electricity to over 100,000 customers and is known for its excellent customer service. EnergyAustralia, one of the largest energy retailers, provides electricity to over 1.7 million customers and is rated average by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for answering 66% of its calls within 30 seconds. Red Energy, a subsidiary of Snowy Hydro, also has a five-star rating for overall satisfaction, including high marks for customer service and ease of sign-up.
Other providers like ActewAGL, a joint venture between AGL and Icon Water, answer 62% of customer calls within 30 seconds and offer comprehensive energy efficiency products. AGL, one of Australia's oldest companies, services over 4.5 million customers and provides an energy reporting tool to track energy usage. Origin Energy, Australia's largest energy company, offers customer benefits like SpikeHour challenges to reduce energy usage and win prizes.
In summary, while there are many electricity providers in Australia, the quality of customer service varies. It is important to consider factors such as wait times, staff knowledge, and the ease of accessing information when evaluating the customer service of different electricity providers.
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Renewable energy companies
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy are experiencing rapid growth in Australia. The country has been transitioning to renewable energy, generating green energy for its residents, and exporting it to other countries. Driven by supportive government policies, Australia's renewable energy sector has been growing since 2010, with wind and rooftop solar energy witnessing significant development. In fact, Australia now has the highest uptake of rooftop solar in the world.
Several renewable energy companies are powering this transition in Australia. For instance, Sundrive Solar develops high-efficiency solar cells for PV panels, using copper instead of silver, making their product more cost-effective and ultra-efficient. Allume Energy's SolShare is a solar-panel system that allows multiple apartments in a building to access solar energy, distributing power evenly through a "sharing algorithm". ACEN Australia, based in Tasmania, creates and operates solar, wind, and energy-storage products that help power homes and businesses with clean energy. Canadian Solar, with offices and warehouses across Australia, provides power to 172,000 Australian homes annually and offers return-and-recycle plans for old photovoltaic panels, reducing carbon emissions.
Hysata, based in Port Kembla, manufactures electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen, which has fewer emissions than grey hydrogen, a fossil fuel by-product. Ohme, based in Sydney, offers an EV battery charger that allows users to customize and get more charge during less expensive times of the day. Snowy Hydro, founded in 1949, is undertaking the Snowy 2.0 project, which will connect two existing dams to a new underground power station to produce on-demand hydroelectric power.
Shell Energy Australia offers Renewable Energy Contracting Options (RECO) to help customers buy renewable energy and achieve sustainability goals. Brighte, an Australian greentech company, sells electric products like stove tops, LED lighting, and rooftop solar panels, providing financing options to help households transition to renewable energy. The National Renewable Network (NRN) is also working to make renewable energy accessible to all Australians with no upfront costs.
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The largest electricity companies
Australia has over 20 energy providers, with the largest companies dominating the market. The top three gas suppliers by market share are AGL Energy, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia, which together represent almost 77.1% of the residential gas market.
AGL Energy, founded in 1837, is Australia's oldest energy company, with around 4.3 million accounts. It retails electricity and gas in NSW, VIC, SEQ, and SA, and gas only in WA. AGL maintains the largest market share at 34.6%.
Origin Energy is Australia's largest energy retailer, with over 4.7 million customers. It retails electricity and gas across the country, except in Western Australia, where it only sells natural gas. Origin Energy held the largest share of the residential electricity market in Australia as of June 30, 2024, with a 26.3% market share.
EnergyAustralia is the third-largest energy company, with a 16.9% market share. It retails electricity and gas in South Australia and natural gas in Western Australia.
Other large energy companies in Australia include ActewAGL, Red Energy, Alinta Energy, and Sumo Power. ActewAGL is jointly owned by the ACT government and AGL and operates in the ACT and regional parts of New South Wales. Red Energy and Lumo Energy are retail subsidiaries of Snowy Hydro, a federal government-owned energy generation company. Alinta Energy, owned by a Hong Kong-based holding company, is both a retailer and generator of power, operating power stations across Australia and investing in renewable energy projects. Sumo Power is Australian-owned and operated, providing electricity and gas in NSW and Victoria, and electricity-only plans in Queensland.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, there are over 114 electricity companies and energy providers in Australia. However, only 21 of these companies are Australian-owned.
The top electricity companies in Australia are highly dependent on what the customer is looking for. For instance, some may be looking for the cheapest plan, while others may want the best return on solar panels. Based on customer service, prices, and more, the top companies include Sumo Power, Dodo Power & Gas, Energy Locals, and Red Energy.
As of June 30, 2024, Origin Energy held the largest share of the residential electricity market in Australia, with a market share of 26.3%. Tier 2 retailers followed with a 22% share.
The best way to save money on electricity bills is by comparing energy plans and keeping an eye out for current offers. It is also recommended to work with experts such as those from Compare Club to find better deals.
When choosing an electricity company in Australia, it is important to remember that not every provider is available in every state, and the plans they offer may differ. Some factors to consider are customer service, billing and cost clarity, online tools and advice, ease of sign-up, and value for money.
