Electricity prices in New South Wales depend on where you live, how much electricity your household uses, and the tariff type on your meter.

In 2026, most NSW households are supplied through one of three electricity distribution networks:

• Ausgrid (Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter)
• Endeavour Energy (Western Sydney, Illawarra, Blue Mountains)
• Essential Energy (regional and rural NSW)

Prices vary between these networks, which means the cheapest electricity plan in Sydney may not be the cheapest plan in regional NSW.

Many households remain on higher-priced or default plans simply because they have not compared alternatives recently. The most reliable way to reduce electricity costs is to compare plans based on estimated annual cost using your own usage.

Our comparison tables uses real-time data from the government-regulated Energy Made Easy and Victoria Energy Compare, ensuring you see the most accurate, up-to-date electricity prices available.

Find the best Electricity Plan in your area now:

Want to compare electricity plans across states in Australia? See all states compared here.

Cheapest Electricity Plans in NSW

Key Factors to Compare Electricity Plans in NSW

When choosing the best electricity plan in New South Wales, it’s important to look beyond just the cheapest headline rate. Here are the key features to consider when comparing providers:

• Daily Supply Charges:
  Every plan includes a fixed daily fee just to stay connected to the grid. Lower daily supply charges can significantly reduce your overall electricity bill, especially if you use less power.
• Usage Rates (c/kWh):
  Your usage rate is what you pay for each unit of electricity you consume. If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, check the peak, shoulder, and off-peak pricing carefully to match your energy habits.
• Solar Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs):
  If you have solar panels, a higher feed-in tariff means more savings when you export excess energy back to the grid. Compare FiT rates between providers if you’re solar-powered.
• Discounts & Promotions:
  Some plans offer pay-on-time discounts, direct debit incentives, or signup bonuses. When possible always read the fine print. The genuine discounts should reduce your bill without hidden fees or “catches”.
• Contract Terms & Exit Fees:
  Flexibility matters. Look for no-lock-in contracts or short-term agreements, and avoid plans that charge high early exit fees if you want to switch later.
• Billing Options & Hidden Fees:
  Check for extra costs like paper bill fees, payment processing fees, or late payment penalties. These small charges can add up over time and inflate your true electricity costs.
• Green Energy Options:
  Many electricity providers now offer 100% renewable energy plans or GreenPower accredited options. If sustainability is a priority, compare providers that support cleaner energy sources.

Government Energy Rebates & Incentives for NSW

In 2026, NSW bill support is mainly delivered through targeted rebates and concessions for eligible households, plus hardship support for people struggling to pay.

NSW Low Income Household Rebate

This rebate helps eligible concession card holders reduce electricity costs.

• Retail customers (most households): $285 per year (applied to your electricity bill once approved).
• Embedded network customers (some apartments, retirement villages): $313.50 per year.
  How to apply: retail customers usually apply through their electricity retailer; embedded network customers apply via Service NSW.

Medical Energy Rebate

This rebate supports households where a resident cannot self-regulate body temperature in extreme hot or cold conditions (with medical certification).

• Retail customers: up to $285 per year.
• Embedded network customers: $313.50 per year.

Family Energy Rebate

This rebate supports eligible families receiving Family Tax Benefit.

• Retail customers: up to $180 per year (or $20 if you also receive the Low Income Household Rebate).
• Embedded network customers: up to $198 per year (or $22 if you also receive the Low Income Household Rebate).

Hardship support and emergency help

If you are struggling to pay your bill, NSW households may be able to access:

• retailer hardship programs and payment plans, and
• NSW Government support such as Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) in eligible circumstances.

Rebate amounts and eligibility can change over time. For the most current rules and application steps, start here:
NSW Government rebates and support page: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/grants-rebates
Service NSW application pathways: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

With half a decade experience in the solar energy industry, specialising in business strategy and marketing for solar companies. He has worked with top solar distributors in Canada and now collaborates with solar manufacturers and installers across Australia via Solar Choice, Australia's leading solar comparison platform. With degrees in business technology, science, and marketing, James combines in-depth market insights with technical knowledge, positioning him as a trusted authority in renewable energy.

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