The Top 11 Australian Energy Retailers: 2025 Guide

Australia’s energy market is one of the most competitive and dynamic in the world, shaped by rapid innovation, increased sustainability demands, and a growing focus on customer experience. With over 300 licensed retailers and a market size exceeding $50 billion in 2025, choosing the right energy provider can be daunting for households and businesses alike. This comprehensive guide profiles the top 11 Australian energy retailers, offering expert insights, recent developments, and practical takeaways to help you make an informed decision.

The State of Australia’s Energy Retail Market

The Australian electricity retailing industry has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% over the past five years, reaching $50.4 billion in 2025. The market is highly competitive, with deregulation spurring the rise of innovative new players and challenging the dominance of the traditional “big three”: Origin Energy, AGL, and EnergyAustralia. However, recent regulatory changes like the Default Market Offer (DMO 7) and the updated Victorian Default Offer are expected to push up short-term prices, with increases of up to 6.5% in New South Wales and 2.7% in South Australia forecast for 2025–26.

The Top 11 Energy Retailers in Australia

Below, we profile the leading energy retailers, highlighting their market presence, unique features, and customer feedback.

1. Origin Energy

• Market Leader: Holds the largest market share among Australian energy retailers, with revenues exceeding $9.3 billion in 2025.
• Coverage: Serves residential and business customers in VIC, NSW, SA, ACT, QLD, and WA.
• Sustainability: Committed to halving carbon emissions by 2032; offers carbon-neutral and renewable energy plans (25–100% renewable).
• Innovation: Origin App provides daily usage tracking and bill management.
• Customer Satisfaction: Rated highest in customer satisfaction in 2024, scoring 4.01/5 nationally and 4.18/5 for customer service.
• Recent Developments: Expanded EV charging network and large-scale renewable projects.

Takeaway: Origin’s blend of scale, innovation, and sustainability makes it a top choice for both value and green energy.

2. AGL Energy

• Market Position: One of the “big three,” with revenues of $7.2 billion in 2025.
• Unique Offerings: Custom solar packages, subscription-based billing, and flexible plans.
• Community Engagement: Invests in local events and environmental education.
• Coverage: Major presence in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and ACT.

Takeaway: AGL stands out for its flexible billing, solar expertise, and strong community presence.

3. EnergyAustralia

• Market Reach: Serves over 1.7 million customers nationwide.
• Customer Perks: Earn Virgin Velocity Points, carbon offsets available, and a 66% call answer rate within 30 seconds.
• Innovation: Partnerships with battery and clean tech firms; key player in renewable targets.
• Coverage: Available in NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, and QLD.

Takeaway: EnergyAustralia is known for reliability, innovative partnerships, and strong customer incentives.

4. Red Energy

• Ownership: Owned by Snowy Hydro, a government entity.
• Reputation: Consistently high customer satisfaction, especially in NSW (4.18/5 overall, 4.46/5 for trust).
• Green Credentials: Offers carbon-neutral plans and has won multiple service awards over 14 years.
• Coverage: Services all states except TAS, WA, and NT.

Takeaway: Red Energy excels in customer trust and service, with strong green options.

5. Alinta Energy

• Pricing: Known for aggressive, flexible pricing strategies.
• Customer Feedback: Positive reviews for transparent billing and mobile support.
• Coverage: Significant presence in the Gold Coast and expanding nationwide.

Takeaway: Alinta is ideal for value-focused customers seeking transparent, low-cost plans.

6. Simply Energy

• Market Approach: Straightforward plans, competitive pricing, and green power options.
• Coverage: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, and WA.
• Reputation: Reliable for both residential and commercial customers.

Takeaway: Simply Energy is a strong contender for no-fuss, affordable, and green energy plans.

7. Ovo Energy

• Sustainability: 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral plans at no extra cost.
• Innovation: Transparent pricing, strong UK heritage, and focus on customer service.
• Coverage: Over 10,000 homes in NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA.

Takeaway: Ovo is leading the charge for affordable, sustainable energy with a customer-first approach.

8. Tango Energy

• Simplicity: Focuses on transparent, competitive pricing.
• Green Options: Certified GreenPower available on all plans, though not a core brand value.
• Coverage: VIC and SA.

Takeaway: Tango is best for customers in Victoria and South Australia seeking simplicity and savings.

9. 1st Energy

• Customer Focus: Prioritizes simplicity, transparency, and competitive pricing.
• Coverage: NSW, QLD, TAS, SA, and VIC.
• Green Credentials: Does not currently offer carbon-neutral plans.

Takeaway: 1st Energy appeals to those wanting straightforward, no-frills service.

10. Powershop

• Innovation: Known for unique, flexible plans and a strong digital platform.
• Sustainability: Emphasizes renewable energy and customer empowerment.
• Coverage: Australia and New Zealand.

Takeaway: Powershop is ideal for tech-savvy, environmentally conscious consumers.

11. Lumo Energy

• Customer Satisfaction: Top-rated in South Australia, scoring 4.28/5 in 2024.
• Coverage: Strong presence in SA and VIC.
• Value: Known for competitive rates and solid customer service.

Takeaway: Lumo is a favorite in South Australia for value and satisfaction.

Key Trends and Insights

Market Competition and Deregulation

• Deregulation has spurred a wave of new entrants, increasing competition and driving down prices for consumers.
• The “big three” (Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia) still command significant market share—up to 74% in NSW and SA—but their dominance is waning as smaller retailers gain ground.

Sustainability and Green Energy

• Demand for renewable and carbon-neutral plans is surging. Most top retailers now offer GreenPower or carbon offset options, with some (like Ovo and Powershop) making sustainability their core value proposition.
• Government policy and consumer sentiment are accelerating the transition to renewables, though coal remains the largest source of electricity generation.

Customer Experience and Technology

• Providers are investing in digital platforms, mobile apps, and real-time usage tracking to enhance customer engagement.
• Customer satisfaction is increasingly influenced by transparency, ease of switching, and value-added perks (e.g., loyalty points, sign-up credits).

Pricing and Regulatory Changes

• Regulatory changes like DMO 7 and the Victorian Default Offer are pushing up prices in the short term, with increases of up to 6.5% in some states forecast for 2025–26.
• The best value depends on your location, usage, and eligibility for discounts or green options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the “big three” energy retailers in Australia?

Origin Energy, AGL, and EnergyAustralia are the largest, holding the majority of market share in most states.

What should I look for in an energy provider review?

Key factors include price, customer service, sustainability credentials, digital tools, and customer reviews.

Are smaller retailers reliable?

Yes. Many smaller retailers like Red Energy, Powershop, and Ovo Energy have won awards for customer satisfaction and offer innovative, sustainable plans.

How can I find the best deal?

Compare live pricing using government sources (AER, Victoria Energy Compare), consider your usage, and look for sign-up bonuses or green energy options.

Strategic Implications for Consumers

• Switching Pays Off: With high competition, switching providers can yield significant savings and better service.
• Go Green: Opting for renewable or carbon-neutral plans supports Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future and can offer long-term cost stability.
• Stay Informed: Regulatory changes and new entrants mean the best deals shift frequently—review your plan annually.

Conclusion: Make Your Energy Choice Count

Australia’s energy market offers more choice than ever, with leading retailers competing on price, service, and sustainability. Whether you prioritize green energy, customer service, or simply the lowest rates, there’s a provider to match your needs. Use independent reviews, compare plans regularly, and don’t hesitate to switch—your wallet and the planet will thank you.

Ready to compare? Start by reviewing your current usage and checking live offers tailored to your location.