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What Answers You’ll Get From This Page
Important Points
Finding the right electricity plan can feel overwhelming, especially with so many competitive options. On top of this, managing your energy costs on a fixed income is incredibly important if you’re a senior, pensioner, or concession cardholder. Fortunately, there are several energy plans designed just for you, offering discounts, flexible payment options, and great customer service to help you stay on top of your bills. Let’s explore how you can find the best plan to meet your needs and other important topics that you should know to make an informed decision.
- Seniors and pensioners often spend more time at home, which can lead to higher energy usage and, subsequently, higher energy bills.
- Eligible senior cardholders can claim concessions or rebates that can lower their electricity bills.
- When shopping for a new plan, several factors, such as usage rates, payment flexibility, and discounts, should be considered.
- If you’re tired of high energy bills but don’t have the time or patience to shop around, Electricity Monster can help. We do the hard work for you by analysing your energy bill to help you find the best deal from our network of partnered energy providers. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or want to find a more cost-effective energy deal without the hassle of shopping around, call us today.
Best Energy Plans in the Market
Comparing electricity plans is the key to finding the best value. Regardless of whether you are a senior or not, you’ll want a plan that’s tailored to your usage habits, budget, and preferences. Below, we’ve listed the best electricity plans separated by state so you can make an informed decision on your next plan.
Best VIC Energy Plans
In the table below, you’ll find the best electricity plans in Victoria. To learn more about each plan, call us now.
| Retailer | % Below VDO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Value Select
|
29% | $1,036 |
Boost
|
26% | $1,072 |
Flexi Plan
|
26% | $1,077 |
Free 3 Plan
|
24% | $1,140 |
Power House
|
20.90% | $1,152 |
Kogan Energy with Free Kogan First
|
20.90% | $1,152 |
Sumo Switch
|
19% | $1,183 |
Warm Welcome
|
17% | $1,212 |
HomeSaver
|
16% | $1,224 |
Blue Home
|
13% | $1,270 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Citipower network. The VDO reference price is: $1,571 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets
Best NSW Energy Plans
In the table below, you’ll find the best electricity plans in New South Wales. To learn more about each plan, call us now.
| Retailer | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Power House
|
22.70% | $1,399 |
Kogan Energy with Free Kogan First
|
22.70% | $1,399 |
ENGIE Perks
|
22% | $1,410 |
Living Energy Saver
|
20% | $1,435 |
Sumo Switch
|
19% | $1,464 |
One Plan
|
18% | $1,476 |
Flexi Plan
|
18% | $1,484 |
AGL Value Saver
|
18% | $1,484 |
Boost
|
2% | $1,768 |
*Calculated based on usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Ausgrid network. The DMO reference price is: $1,827 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Best SA Energy Plans
In the table below, you’ll find the best electricity plans in South Australia. To learn more about each plan, call us now.
| Retailer | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Boost
|
22% | $1,736 |
Blue First
|
22% | $1,737 |
Power House
|
17.20% | $1,847 |
Kogan Energy with Free Kogan First
|
17.20% | $1,847 |
ENGIE Saver
|
15% | $1,905 |
Nectr 100% Clean
|
10% | $1,957 |
Warm Welcome
|
12% | $1,958 |
Sumo Switch
|
12% | $1,964 |
Origin Go Variable
|
10% | $2,007 |
Amber Plan
|
7.90% | $2,054 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the SA Power Networks. The DMO reference price is: $2,279 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Best QLD Energy Plans
In the table below, you’ll find the best electricity plans in Queensland. To learn more about each plan, call us now.
| Retailer | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Boost
|
24% | $1,580 |
One Plan
|
23% | $1,596 |
Sumo Switch
|
23% | $1,599 |
Powering On
|
21% | $1,620 |
ENGIE Perks
|
21% | $1,626 |
Switch Saver
|
21.10% | $1,631 |
Kogan Energy with Free Kogan First
|
20.70% | $1,639 |
HomeSaver
|
19% | $1,669 |
Freedom
|
18% | $1,688 |
Living Energy Saver
|
18% | $1,693 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Energex network. The DMO reference price is: $1,969 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Best ACT Energy Plans
In the table below, you’ll find the best electricity plans in ACT. To learn more about each plan, call us now.
| Retailer | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Simple Saver
|
21% | $1,921 |
Origin Go Variable
|
20% | $1,945 |
Living Energy Saver
|
18% | $1,992 |
Nectr 100% Clean
|
16% | $1,993 |
Amber Plan 15
|
10.80% | $2,168 |
Flexi Plan
|
7% | $2,270 |
CovaU Basics
|
1% | $2,418 |
*Calculated based on usage of 6100kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Evoenergy network. The DMO reference price is: $2,152 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Which Providers Offer a Seniors Energy Plan?
Some energy providers offer special plans and discounts tailored for seniors. These plans often include lower rates, additional discounts, or more flexible billing options to help manage costs effectively.
AGL
The AGL Senior Savers Plan offers competitive rates for seniors who want a no-frills, value-driven plan. It includes a one-time credit for eligible customers who switch their electricity and gas to AGL from another provider and zero exit fees. Below is a full breakdown of the plan details, including the current rates, features, and benefits offered.
| Retailer | % Below VDO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
AGL Seniors Saver
|
23% | $1,200 |
Features and Perks
- Discounts: Eligible consumers can get a one-time $175 credit for electricity and $25 for gas on the first bill when they switch their residential energy to AGL from another provider or move their residential energy with AGL.
- No Lock-in Contract: Customers can change their plan at any time without incurring an exit fee.
- Variable Rates: This plan includes variable rates, which means your rates can go up and down at any time. AGL will provide written notice if this occurs.
- Dedicated Support: AGL offers dedicated customer support for billing questions and general enquiries.
ENGIE
The ENGIE Seniors Plan offers competitive rates with no added features or perks. With a guaranteed discount on usage and supply charges, zero exit fees, and no lock-in contracts, this energy deal offers good value for senior energy customers. Below is a full breakdown of the plan details, including the current rates, features, and benefits offered.
| Retailer | % Below VDO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
ENGIE Senior
|
30% | $1,099 |
Features and Perks
- Discounts: Engie offers a guaranteed discount on usage and supply charges. Eligible Victorian energy customers can get 30% off the Victorian electricity default offer when they sign up for the ENGIE Seniors plan.
- No Lock-in Contracts: The plan offers flexibility with no lock-in contracts, allowing seniors to switch or cancel without incurring exit fees.
- Carbon Neutral Energy: One of the standout features of the ENGIE Seniors Plan is its commitment to carbon neutrality. This means ENGIE offsets the emissions generated from your energy usage, making your energy consumption more environmentally friendly.
- MyENGIE App: Seniors can manage their energy usage and accounts on the go with the MyENGIE app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This app allows ENGIE customers to view and pay bills, track their energy usage, and manage their accounts.
Senior Energy Rebates
Eligible seniors can claim various electricity rebates that offer financial support, ranging from annual concessions to a one-off payment. Your ability to claim a seniors energy rebate or concession in your state will depend on your circumstances, which can include whether you are a pensioner concession card holder, your annual income, and your age – to name a few.
Below, we’ve listed each state’s top senior concession or seniors energy rebate available to eligible Seniors Card holders and Pension Concession Card holders. Please note the amount, title, and eligibility requirements vary between each state. Check your state government's website for more information.
| States | Senior Concessions* |
|---|---|
| Victoria | $200 |
| New South Wales | 17.5% of annual electricity usage and service costs |
| Queensland | $372.20 per year |
| South Australia | Up to $263.15 per year** |
| Australian Capital Territory | $175 |
*The figures above are pulled from each state’s government website. The rebate amount and eligibility requirements are accurate as of June 2024.
**From 1 July 2024, the maximum concession amount will be $274.85 per year.
To see what other electricity rebates are available in your area, check out our guide to electricity rebates.
What Should I Look For In A Seniors Energy Plan?
Choosing the right electricity plan is essential for everyone, but it's especially important for seniors and pensioners who often live on fixed budgets and need an energy plan tailored to their usage habits.
Many seniors are eligible for energy concessions and rebates that can significantly reduce their power bills. If you are a residential customer and hold one of the following cards, you may be eligible to claim an electricity concession.
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Seniors Card
- Veterans' Affairs Gold Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
These incentives can offer significant cost savings during your benefit period and offset some of the costs associated with your electricity.
Check for plans that offer specific discounts like sign-up bonuses, one-off payments, and ongoing (monthly, quarterly, or annually) discounts that are applied to your bill.
Origin Energy offers a welcome credit for new or moving customers who sign up for the Origin Everyday Rewards Variable plan or Origin Go Variable plan.
Many electricity plans have different rates for peak and off-peak times. Peak times are when energy demand is highest, typically during the late afternoon and evening. Off-peak times, usually at late night or early morning, have lower demand and, therefore, lower rates. Since seniors might use more electricity during the day, it might be beneficial to find plans that offer lower rates during these times.
If you’re keen on flexibility, consider a provider that offers several different payment and billing options, such as:
- Monthly Billing: To avoid large quarterly power bills.
- Payment Extensions: In case you need more time to pay your bill.
- Instalment Plans: To manage your energy bill more easily.
- Multiple Accepted Payments: To offer flexibility when choosing your preferred payment method.
- Digital and Physical Bill Payment: For consumers who prefer to pay their bills at the post office.
- Paper Bills: To provide you with an option to receive your power bill if you do not want it in a digital format.
Good customer service can make a world of difference when it comes to billing questions, issues, and other enquiries. See if your provider offers ease of use regarding customer support. Does the provider offer multiple ways to contact them, or are you stuck with one dedicated option? Is there a live chat messenger for those who prefer to stay away from the phone? Can you get your answers through the provider’s online portal? Is the energy retailer known for providing reliable customer service? Everyone has their own preferences, so it’s worth exploring each retailer’s support options so you can get the most convenient level of service when it matters.
If this sounds like too much work for you, call Electricity Monster instead. Our energy experts will compare energy deals within our network of partnered electricity providers – regardless of whether you are a senior or not. On top of this, we may be able to apply for energy concessions or rebates on your behalf. If you’ve been with the same energy provider for years, your loyalty could be a disadvantage. Electricity plans change frequently, and you could pay more than you should if you’re not on the best rate. We’ll handle all of the paperwork and get your electricity connected fast. Our process is simple, straightforward, and convenient. Call our team now and see how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Loyalty Tax”?
The term "loyalty tax" refers to the higher prices that long-term energy consumers often pay compared to new customers who are enticed by promotional rates and discounts.
When you sign up for a new energy plan, providers often offer generous discounts and promotional rates for a specific period, known as the benefit period. This period varies but is typically around 12 months, depending on the provider and the plan. During this time, customers might enjoy low rates through discounts or other incentives.
Once the benefit period expires, the promotional rates often revert to the retailer’s standard rates, which are generally higher. The increased rates may include higher usage charges, supply charges, or both, leading to what is effectively a “loyalty tax”.
If you’ve been with the same electricity provider for years, your loyalty could be a disadvantage. Call Electricity Monster today, and we’ll check to see if you’re on the sharpest rate.
Does Origin Energy Have a Senior Energy Plan?
At the time of writing, Origin Energy does not have a senior electricity plan. However, if you are with Origin Energy and hold an eligible concession card, you may be able to claim an energy concession or rebate on your bill if you are the primary account holder of your electricity account. Origin customers can add their concession details through Origin’s dedicated portal, ‘My Account’.
Does Energy Australia Have a Senior Energy Plan?
EnergyAustralia does not have a dedicated senior energy plan, but they do provide concessions and discounts for eligible Seniors Card members. Customers who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Seniors Card, or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card may be able to receive rebates and discounts on their energy bills. Additionally, EnergyAustralia offers various plans that may be suitable for seniors, including fixed-rate and time-of-use plans.
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Disclaimer
This publication reviews electricity plans in VIC, NSW, SA, QLD, and ACT that are accurate as of 06/05/2024
Important Points to note are:
- The plans displayed have been taken from the energy fact sheets published on the retailer's website. We do not guarantee that this information is correct or that it applies to every household in Australia.
- Comparisons have been made on the peak rates in single rate plans from retailers, plus their daily electricity supply charges.
- The Citipower network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in Victoria.
- The Ausgrid network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Jemena gas network has been used to compare gas plans in NSW.
- The SA Power Networks network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in Victoria.
- The Energex network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in QLD.
- The Evoenergy network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Jemena gas network has been used to compare gas plans in the ACT.
- The ACTO network has been used to compare gas plans in WA.
- The reference price/VDO/GAS comparison will differ based on tariff type and location (distribution area). Your actual energy bill may be significantly different from these estimates if your usage differs from the average amounts used in this calculation.
- The information in this blog cannot substitute for legal advice. No financial decisions should be made based on information from this blog.
- The average electricity price in Victoria is drawn from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), Residential Electricity Price Trends 2021, Final report, 25 November 2021. This figure reflects the default energy usage of a 2 person household.
- All dollar figures include GST.
- The plans displayed may be different than those advertised.
- The plans offered on this page may not be available in our call center.
- 'Get Best Offer’ is indicative of the best offer available in our database from our partners
- ‘Get More Info’ does not mean we will sign you up for the plan listed. Electricity Monster will provide offers in our database. We do not claim to be affiliated with the retailer.
- When you click 'Sign Up Now' you agree to be contacted by our energy experts. Plans with said button are affiliated with our partnered retailers only.
- Electricity plans are now compared to a regulated price called the Victorian Default Offer (VDO). This makes it easier to compare energy plans across the market. The VDO comparison and annual estimate is calculated based on an average usage customer.
- When calculating our rates we include in the price/year estimate the GST (unless otherwise stated), any advertised non-conditional discounts (e.g. guaranteed discount), and any one-off credits.
- What's not included in the price/year estimate are conditional discounts, green energy charges, any concessions or rebates which may apply to you, solar feed-in tariff credits that your solar system could generate.
- The VDO comparison will differ based on tariff type and location (distribution area). Your actual energy bill may be significantly different to these estimates if your usage differs from the average amounts used in this calculation.
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Benjamin Tom
Benjamin Tom covers the retail energy market, with a focus on electricity, solar, and Internet. His interests include helping people navigate the complexities of the energy market while saving money on their power bills.