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Compare Electricity Providers in ACT
Compare Electricity Providers in ACT
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Dean IpavizSee our range of Energy Providers
iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all plans offered by our partners in your area. Not all plans or special offers are available to all customers and some may only be available over the phone or on the website. Learn more.
How does the electricity market work in the ACT?
As with other parts of the country, electricity retailers can pick a price to charge (sometimes tempting you with lower ones). However, there’s a Bush Capital twist to this. The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission sets the prices for standing offers in the ACT.
This means you can compare and pick an electricity plan you like or stick with your standing offer plan. Sure, it may not always be the cheapest plan, but it’s a good safety net to make sure you won’t be overpaying for electricity. So, whether you don’t want to or can’t get involved in the retail market, the standing offer can mean no more uncertainty in your bills, just peace of mind.
Why should I compare electricity providers in the ACT?
Comparing electricity plans is like test-driving cars. You wouldn’t just buy the first one you see without considering other options, right? Taking a look at all those little details can be the key to finding something that fits your budget and needs.
Imagine signing up for a plan because of the low price only to find out it’s a time-of-use tariff. That means higher rates during peak hours – bad news if you’re out working during cheaper off-peak times. Comparing plans upfront can save you from surprises and the urge to invent time travel to undo your decision.
It’s easy to get a better deal with iSelect
Tell us about yourself
Share a few details about your household and the type of electricity plan you’re after.
Explore your options
Search and filter a range of electricity plans based on what’s important to you.
Pick your preferred plan
Once you’ve found an electricity plan you like, you can close the deal online or speak with one of our electricity comparison experts over the phone.
Get connected, no worries
Let us know which plan you’d like to move to, and we can handle the switch, saving you time and hassle.
Compare a range of electricity providers in the ACT
See if you can find a better deal for your home
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Easily compare, select, and save from our range of plans and providers.
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Since 2018, iSelect has helped everyday Aussies compare electricity plans online more than 1.7 million times.
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If you’re tangled up in tariffs or trying to figure out what plans you’re eligible for, we can help you cut through the jargon.
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Sometimes a good deal just can’t be beat. If we can’t offer you a better value plan, we’ll be upfront with you.
Compare how you want to
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How much does electricity cost in the ACT?
Something handy about that standing offer is that it also doubles as a baseline expectation for ACT electricity prices. While what you end up paying can be higher or lower, it’s a fair price that factors in the costs of selling you electricity.
For 2024–25, assuming you’re using 6,500 kWh, you’d be paying around $2,334 on the standing offer.1Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission – Commission releases final report on regulated retail electricity prices for 2024-27 That’s not bad when you consider that prices in other states come in at least 3% higher, while some are even over 25% more. And if you get a market offer that’s even less than the ACT standing offer? Well, you’d be laughing.
What does the future of electricity prices look like in the ACT?
The future is full of surprises, but for ACT residents, early signs are positive that coming electricity prices might be something to smile about. This is, in part, due to the ACT’s forward-thinking adoption of renewable energy.
Since 2020, the ACT has been flexing its renewable energy muscles, sourcing all of its electricity from renewables. Not only is this a win for the planet, but it’s also helped keep electricity prices steady, even when other Australian states and territories have seen their prices skyrocket.
And while the ACT may already be at the 100% renewable electricity target, they’re not stopping there. They’ve got their sights set on an even bigger prize: zero net emissions by 2045. But it doesn’t stop there. With programs like the 10-year zero-interest loans for solar panels and batteries, along with other energy-efficient products, more ACT households are getting the chance to produce their own electricity (and reduce those bills).
Even renters might be able to get in on the action. It’s all thanks to the $3.6 million in funding from the ACT Government that’s pledged as rebates and concessional loans to get solar on multi-unit dwellings, including apartments. That means more apartment dwellers can tap into cleaner, cheaper electricity – whether they own their home or not.
The ACT might be the youngest of Australia’s states and territories, but it’s years ahead of the pack when it comes to electricity.
What should I keep in mind when comparing ACT electricity providers?
Whether you’re a proud Canberran or hail from Hall, there are a few things to keep in mind as you look over electricity plans.
Charges
Your electricity bill is split into two main charges: your supply and usage charges. These will ultimately dictate what you need to pay when your bill comes home to roost. The supply charge is a flat rate each day (even if you aren’t home or using any electricity), while the usage charge is applied to how much electricity you use. Both are important, but one could get you into some hot water if you’re living wild and free with your electricity usage.
Tariff types
Usage charges come in a variety of flavours, known as tariffs. You could think of single rate as vanilla, with the same rates charged no matter the time of day. Time of use is like choc chip, with peak times seeing higher usage charges and off-peak times coming in cheaper and sweeter. Then there are demand tariffs, which are like hokey pokey, since they come with your usual usage charges, plus an additional rate for how intensely you’re using that electricity all at once. Just make sure you know the flavour (tariff) that works for your home.
Contract types
Flexibility isn’t just for Pilates enthusiasts. Electricity plans can either be flexible or have fixed periods. In exchange for a little less flexibility, fixed plans might offer cheaper rates or fixed rates, which won’t change during the contract term. But if you decide to leave before your fixed end date, it could mean an exit fee. On the other hand, a flexible plan could offer lower costs, but your provider can chop and change your plan’s rate to follow the flow of the market.
Fees
Speaking of fees, different plans and providers may have a variety of fees. These can include ones for late payments or paying by credit card, as well as ones for disconnecting and reconnecting your electricity supply. Although you might not be dealing with fees all that often on your bill, they can be worth keeping an eye on as you compare electricity plans.
Discounts
Discounts can sweeten the deal, but not all discounts from ACT electricity providers are created equal. They can either be unconditional or conditional – either you’ll get the discount no matter what or you’ll need to meet certain conditions for it to apply. You might want to crunch the numbers to see if a discount is truly worth it, especially if you’re not sure you’ll always be able to meet the conditions.
Helpful tip
Try reviewing your electricity usage before you start looking at plans. This will help you get a better idea of how you use your energy so you can tailor a suitable plan for your usage. For instance, if you’re on a time-of-use plan, it might be worth taking a look at when you’re using electricity the most. Then you could aim to reduce your usage during the plan’s peak hours or look for a plan that offers a lower peak rate. Either could be your way to a cheaper bill.
Dean Ipaviz
Sustainability Expert and Presenter
Frequently asked questions
Who is my distributor in the ACT?
Electricity distributors are the ones working behind the scenes to keep the lights on at your home. Think of it like this: distributors are the bees to your honey. They collect electricity (pollen) and work it into a usable form (honey), while providers act as the beekeepers, selling it to you in a nice little package.
Unlike other states with a handful of distributors (ahem … Victoria), the ACT only has one main one. So, whether you live in the city or out in the countryside border, Evoenergy is likely the one who’ll transport electricity through your power poles and cable lines. While you don’t get to choose your distributor, you do get to choose who sells your power to you. So, no matter who you’re signed up with Evoenergy will probably be the ones who make all the magic happen.
Who are some of the ACT’s electricity providers?
ACT is a powerhouse of electricity providers.
Some of the electricity retailers in ACT compared by iSelect include:
There are some other electricity retailers in ACT including:
- 1st Energy
- ActewAGL
- Alinta Energy
- Amber Electric
- Ampol Energy
- CovaU
- Diamond Energy
- Dodo
- Energy Locals
- Future X Power
- Globird Energy
- Indigo Power
- Kogan Energy
- Locality Planning Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Nectr
- Next Business Energy
- OVO Energy
- Pacific Blue Retail
- Powershop
- SUMO
- Tango Energy
Just remember that iSelect can’t help you compare from all of these retailers.
What are peak, off-peak and shoulder times in the ACT?
Peak, off-peak, and shoulder times are pretty much what they sound like – they’re all about managing demand on the main grid. Think of peak times as the grid rush hour – often between 7 and 9 am and 5 and 8 pm, when everyone’s home and cranking their appliances on. Then there are shoulder periods, which tend to lie between 9 am and 5 pm and between 8 pm and 10 pm. Finally, off-peak times are when usage is low, generally 8 pm to 7 am.
If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, deciding what time you turn on your washing machine or dishwasher could mean a slightly cheaper bill. Just make sure to check your peak and off-peak times, since they can change from one provider to another.
What rebates and concessions apply in the ACT?
It’s not the Dark Ages – electricity is an essential service these days. So, if you’re doing it tough, you shouldn’t have to go without. That’s why there’s the ACT Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate is here to help cover the cost of your electricity needs.
This is a daily concession with rates changing across the seasons, totalling $800 a year.2ACT Government – Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate You just need to have one of the following cards to claim the concession:
- Health Care Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- ACT Services Access Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veteran Gold Card (Prisoner of War, War Widow or Totally Permanently Incapacitated).
And there’s more good news. For 2024–25, the Australian Government is spreading some more electricity bill relief with the Energy Bill Relief Fund. With it, you can claim up to $300.3ACT Government – Energy Bill Relief Fund The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger, since the rebate is automatically added to your bill.
If you can’t claim or are looking for any extra relief, you can still make use of other ACT Government rebates to try to tame your electricity bills. There are a few floating about to help make your home run a bit more efficiently, like to buy a hot water heat pump or install a solar panel system.
How could iSelect help me save on electricity?
The ACT may be small, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with big electricity bills. In fact, the power is yours to seek out possible savings, whether that means switching electricity plans or providers. And iSelect is here to make it even easier. Compare energy retailers online – we’ll take care of the legwork and find you a suitable plan from a range of providers. Alternatively, you can always call our team on 1800 664 532 to discover just what your future electricity bills could look like.
Get started on comparing energy plans today!
Save time and effort by comparing a range of energy plans with iSelect
iSelect does not compare all energy providers or plans in the market. The availability of plans may change from time to time, depending on who iSelect’s providers are and what plans they make available to iSelect. Not all plans made available from iSelect providers may be compared by iSelect either due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, so not all plans or providers compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Some plans and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Energy plans are available only for properties located in eligible areas of Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, South Australia and ACT. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.