When it comes to choosing an electricity provider, most people immediately focus on the bottom line—price. And while securing a good deal matters, there’s so much more to the story. In fact, some of the biggest differences between providers aren’t reflected in your monthly bill at all.
Today’s savvy consumers know that service quality, green energy options, flexibility, rewards programs, and transparency are just as important as how much you pay. In this article, we’ll compare Australia’s top electricity providers—AGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, Powershop, and Simply Energy—on everything but price.
Customer Service: When You Need Help, Who Shows Up?
Imagine receiving a massive, unexpected bill or having an urgent connection issue. Who do you want answering your call?
- Red Energy consistently tops customer satisfaction surveys, praised for quick response times and friendly, local customer service teams.
- Powershop also performs strongly, offering easy online support and an intuitive app that solves problems without the need for a phone call.
- EnergyAustralia and AGL, while large and reliable, have faced criticism for longer call wait times compared to smaller retailers.
Pro Tip: Check recent customer service ratings via independent platforms like Canstar Blue or ProductReview before signing up.
Green Credentials: Who’s Really Supporting Renewable Energy?
Australians are increasingly demanding greener energy. Some providers are leading the charge, while others lag behind.
- Powershop is widely regarded as the greenest electricity provider, purchasing renewable energy certificates to match 100% of their customers’ usage.
- Red Energy offers 100% GreenPower options but at a slight premium.
- Origin Energy and AGL provide green add-ons, though critics argue they could move faster on phasing out fossil fuel investments.
- Simply Energy offers GreenPower too, but its parent company’s fossil fuel links can be off-putting to eco-conscious consumers.
Pro Tip: Look for GreenPower-accredited plans if reducing your carbon footprint matters.
Flexibility and Plan Features: Life Doesn’t Always Go to Plan
Beyond the rate you’re charged, how flexible is the provider when life changes?
- Origin Energy shines here, offering flexible billing dates, multiple payment options, and no lock-in contracts on most plans.
- Red Energy and Powershop both feature easy contract exit policies without exit fees.
- EnergyAustralia offers helpful tools like bill smoothing and hardship programs but can be less flexible on changes during a contract term.
- AGL’s plans are fairly flexible, but users have reported some restrictions on when discounts apply.
Pro Tip: Read the fine print regarding moving house, changing plans, or paying bills late—it can save a lot of headaches later.
App and Technology Experience: Managing Your Energy at Your Fingertip
These days, a good app can make managing your energy use easy and even fun.
- Powershop leads the field with its app, offering full bill control, usage tracking, and discounts for proactive buying.
- Origin Energy and AGL both offer strong apps with clear usage tracking, billing, and customer support built-in.
- Red Energy’s app is improving but still lags slightly behind the big players in features.
- Simply Energy’s tech offerings are functional but basic, often requiring users to call for more complex account changes.
Pro Tip: Download the app (or at least check reviews) before committing—it’s often where most of your account management happens.
Rewards and Incentives: Who Gives a Little Extra?
Some providers offer rewards programs that can add genuine value over time.
- Red Energy customers receive access to Red Energy Rewards, offering discounts on movie tickets, groceries, and travel.
- AGL customers can enjoy discounts on everyday expenses and energy-efficient appliance purchases.
- Origin Energy offers bonuses for bundling electricity and gas, as well as solar plans with attractive feed-in tariffs.
- Simply Energy often partners with entertainment and sporting organisations for member discounts, though these vary.
Pro Tip: If two plans are close, rewards programs can tip the scales toward a better overall value.
Transparency: Who’s Upfront About the Fine Print?
Some energy retailers are more straightforward than others.
- Powershop is often praised for clear communication, upfront costs, and plain-language contracts.
- Red Energy also performs well here, keeping bills and offers simple to understand.
- EnergyAustralia, AGL, and Origin are improving, but larger companies sometimes overwhelm customers with complex discount structures and promotional plans that expire after 12 months.
- Simply Energy has faced occasional criticism for confusing promotional offers.
Pro Tip: Simplicity is key. If a plan looks too complicated, it often is.
The Best Provider Isn’t Always the Cheapest
Choosing the right electricity provider is about more than price. It’s about finding a retailer that matches your values, lifestyle, and need for reliable service.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Powershop | Green energy champions, tech lovers |
| Red Energy | Top-rated customer service |
| Origin Energy | Flexibility and solar options |
| AGL | Bundling rewards and solid app |
| EnergyAustralia | Bill smoothing and hardship support |
| Simply Energy | Entertainment rewards |