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Government regulated energy pricing

Learn how to use electricity prices set by the government to compare electricity plans.

Regulated energy pricing basics

To make it easier for customers to compare electricity prices between different energy retailers, the government sets benchmark electricity prices. We’re required by law to compare our plan price estimates to these regulated prices.

  • In New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia it’s called the comparison price set by the AER.

  • In Victoria it’s called the Victorian Default Offer (VDO).

The regulated price reflects how much a representative customer would pay over the course of a year on a standard retail contract. It can also vary depending on factors such as:

  • where you live

  • the average energy costs and usage in your area

  • your tariff type

  • whether you are a residential or business customer.

Using regulated pricing to compare electricity plans

When you compare electricity plans and enter your address, you’ll see the details for your region and your tariff type if we can access it.

In NSW, SA and QLD, our energy plans list in order:

  • our estimated yearly plan price

  • the percentage you save compared to the comparison price set by the AER

  • the current comparison price set by the AER.

In VIC, our energy plans list in order:

  • the percentage you save on the plan compared to the Victorian Default Offer (VDO)

  • our estimated yearly plan price.

Plan A

(NSW, SA, QLD)

Electricity

$1,785

estimated per year or $149 per month

15%

Less than
comparison price set by AER of

$2,100

per year

Plan B

(VIC)

Electricity

15%

less than the Victorian
Default Offer (VDO)

$1,785

estimated per year
or $149 per month

Treat regulated pricing as a guide only

Regulated pricing is based on the energy usage of a representative customer. This may be different to how much energy you use, and therefore how much you'll pay under the same plan. It also may not account for extra plan benefits you may find worthwhile.

Regulated price comparisons are based on the energy usage of a representative customer. A representative customer is essentially a hypothetical customer as defined by the government. This customer:

  • uses an average amount of energy

  • lives in a particular region

  • is on a particular tariff.

As an example, the AER may decide a representative customer in the Ausgrid distribution zone of NSW using 3,900kWh annually on a single-rate tariff translates to a comparison price of $2,000.

Although this can be a helpful guide, keep in mind that a representative customer intends to reflect an average person’s energy usage. This may differ to how much energy you use, and therefore how much you'll pay under the same plan.

Your tariff refers to how your electricity usage charges are calculated. Most customers are on a single-rate tariff, which means their rates don’t change depending on the time of day they use electricity.

Regulated pricing is different depending on your tariff type. You can see regulated price for other tariff types when you compare energy plans.

Choose your new energy plan

Whichever way you use your energy, we have the right plan for you.