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Red Energy Vs 1st Energy- Who Offers the Cheapest Plans?
The main difference between Red Energy and 1st Energy is the price of each retailer’s energy plans. While both retailers have competitive market offers available, one brand stands out with its cost-effective rates. Read below to find out more.
In our latest article, we cover two unique electricity retailers, Red Energy and 1st Energy. If you’re wondering what each has to offer, we’ve got you covered. From the latest electricity plans to each retailer’s current solar feed-in tariff rates, you’ll get an in-depth look at each provider so you can see if they’re right for you.
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Plans NSW
In NSW, Red Energy’s Living Energy Saver plan is more cost-effective than 1st Energy’s 1st Saver plan.
| Plan Name | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Living Energy Saver
|
20% | $1,435 |
1st Saver
|
11% | $1,617 |
*Calculated based on usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Ausgrid network. The DMO reference price is: $1,810 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Plans VIC
In VIC, Red Energy’s Living Energy Saver plan is more cost-effective than 1st Energy’s 1st Saver plan.
| Plan Name | % Below VDO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Living Energy Saver
|
14% | $1,245 |
1st Saver
|
11% | $1,301 |
*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: $1,456 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Plans QLD
In QLD, Red Energy’s Living Energy Saver plan is more cost-effective than 1st Energy’s 1st Saver plan.
| Plan Name | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Living Energy Saver
|
13% | $1,788 |
1st Saver
|
6% | $1,948 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Energex network. The DMO reference price is: $2,066 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Plans SA
In SA, Red Energy’s Living Energy Saver plan is more cost-effective than 1st Energy’s Standing Offer plan.
| Plan Name | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Living Energy Saver
|
5% | $2,107 |
Standing Offer
|
0% | $2,225 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the SA Power Networks. The DMO reference price is: $2,230 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Plans ACT
In ACT, 1st Energy does not service the area. Red Energy offers the best value by default.
| Plan Name | % Below DMO* | Price/year (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Living Energy Saver
|
18% | $1,992 |
*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: $2,432 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Solar FiT
Next, we’ll cover the latest solar feed-in tariffs (FiT) offered by 1st Energy and Red Energy. Solar feed-in tariffs have become popular in the solar community, offering numerous financial benefits for solar owners. Want to learn more about solar plans? Give us a call today and speak with one of our solar experts to learn more.
| State | Red Energy |  |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 10.00 | 5.00 |
| QLD | 8.00 | 5.00 |
| VIC | 4.90 | 3.30 |
| SA | 4.50 | 1.50 |
| ACT | 5.00 | n/a |
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Features
1st Energy and Red Energy have an array of features that come exclusive with being a customer. From a rewards program to a full-service online portal, energy retailers are attracting customers with various incentives. Want to see what Red Energy and 1st Energy offer? See the table below.
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Billling | ||
| Bill Smoothing | ||
| Online Account | ||
| Energy App | ||
| Rewards | ||
| Green Power Option | ||
| Carbon Neutral Option | ||
| Internet Bundles |
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Payment Options
Wondering whether 1st Energy and Red Energy accept your preferred billing method? Before you switch retailers, it’s always recommended to check which types of payments are accepted so you don’t run into billing issues.
| Payment Option | | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ||
| Direct Debit | ||
| Phone | ||
| BPAY | ||
| Post Office | ||
| Centrepay | ||
| Cheque |
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Renewables
Do 1st Energy and Red Energy rank high in renewable energy support? Retailers have been transitioning to cleaner sources of energy and promoting their efforts to the public. However, it’s important to see the actual data so you can see if they are as ‘clean’ as they advertise.
Red Energy and 1st Energy participated in a study that measured their efforts toward sustainability and support for renewable energy. The data shown below was pulled from the Green Electricity Guide (GEG) by Greenpeace.
Red Energy scored numerous tens in various categories, with its only zero coming in the category of ‘halting fossil fuel expansion’.
1st Energy on the other hand, had mixed results with a ten in the category of ‘halting fossil fuel expansion’ but below-average scores in every other category outside of ‘pollution & environmental harm’.
The overall rating given by the Green Energy Guide has Red Energy listed at a respectable 6.6 out of 10 and 1st Energy at an abysmal 3.54 out of 10.
| Criteria | | |
|---|---|---|
| Providing clean, renewable energy | 6/10 | 0/10 |
| Ending coal use by 2030 | 10/10 | 0/10 |
| Halting fossil fuel expansion | 0/10 | 0/10 |
| Support for new renewable energy | 10/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Pollution & environmental harm | 10/10 | 0/10 |
| Transparency in marketing | 10/10 | 0/10 |
Red Energy vs 1st Energy Results
| Categories | Winner |
|---|---|
| Electricity Prices | |
| Solar FiT | |
| Features |  |
| Payment Options | |
| Renewables | |
Should I Switch to Red Energy or 1st Energy?
There you have it. Both retailers have a wide range of competitive electricity plans, feed-in tariffs, and more, making them intriguing options. In regards to energy rates, Red Energy has plans in every state but in VIC and NSW, where 1st Energy services, it came out as a tie. In regards to solar fed-in tariffs and renewables, Red Energy offered higher rates and more support for renewable energy over 1st Energy.
But before switching to either one of these retailers, we recommend phoning us at Electricity Monster on 1300 232 848 and let our energy experts work to find you the best deal we have available.
If you’re worried about overpaying on your energy bill, need a new connection, or just want to switch to a new electricity provider, give us a call at 1300 232 848. At Electricity Monster, we offer various free solutions to help you find a fair deal. Best of all, our comprehensive service is 100% free to use, and our energy experts pride themselves on finding you the best deal we have available. Don’t settle for high rates in this volatile energy climate, call us today and secure the best deal we have available.
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Disclaimer
This publication reviews Red Energy and 1st Energy’s plans in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, and WA published on their website as of 09/08/2024.
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 to 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.
- All dollar figures include GST.
- The plans displayed may be different than 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
- Data regarding renewable energy was pulled from the publication Green Energy Guide by GreenPeace.Plans from the rate tables have been listed in order of lowest price first. Please check the details of these plans directly with the retailer before making any purchase decisions.
- 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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When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
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.