How we worked this out
The ACT is served by a single distributor (Evoenergy) and prices are overseen by the ICRC rather than the AER. Fewer retailers compete here than in NSW or Victoria, so the gap between the standing offer and the best market offer is narrower. Canberra households also tend to use more electricity through winter.
Typical bills use average single-rate residential rates for 2026–27 (effective 1 July 2026), from the AER Default Market Offer and ESC Victorian Default Offer determinations, reviewed 20 July 2026. Cheapest plan figures are indicative, based on the lowest-cost plans on our panel excluding conditional discounts. Your bill depends on your retailer, tariff type, meter and usage pattern. This is a guide, not a quote.
The ACT electricity market has some retail competition, with ActewAGL (a joint venture between AGL and Icon Water) as the incumbent retailer on the Evoenergy distribution network. Several other retailers also operate in the ACT including Origin Energy, Red Energy, and EnergyAustralia.
The ACT is notable for its ambitious renewable energy targets: the territory has been powered by 100% renewable electricity since 2020, achieved through a combination of wind farm power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates. While the physical electrons still come from the NEM grid, the ACT's contracted renewable generation matches or exceeds its total consumption.
Our take on electricity in the ACT
ACT residents have fewer retailer options than NSW or Victoria but more than Tasmania or WA. The competitive market works, and switching from a standing offer to a market offer can save $200 to $400 per year for a typical Canberra household.
The ACT's cold winters mean heating costs are a significant part of electricity bills. If you use reverse cycle air conditioning for heating (which most Canberra homes do), a time-of-use tariff can help if you pre-heat your home during off-peak hours and maintain temperature during peak. The ACT's unique split peak periods reflect the high proportion of government workers with regular 9-to-5 schedules.
From March 2026, eligible ACT retailers are required to offer a flat rate tariff option to any small customer with a smart meter, ensuring households can access simple pricing during the smart meter rollout period.
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