What are Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards?

Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards recognise companies with the most satisfied customers overall based on consumer surveys.

How many people do we survey for our NSW electricity ratings?

Canstar surveyed 2,043 New South Wales residents with an electricity account who pay their bills about their experience with their energy retailer. Market research company PureProfile manages the survey on Canstar’s behalf.

How do we rate NSW electricity providers?

Respondents rate their satisfaction with their electricity provider from zero to 10, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and 10 is extremely satisfied. Respondents rate how satisfied they are with their providers in the following areas: Value for money. Customer service: e.g. email, telephone service. Bill and cost clarity: i.e. do you understand your bill? Online tools and advice. Ease of sign-up.

How do we work out the winner?

The Most Satisfied Customers Awards identify which categories have the most influence on customer satisfaction and weights them accordingly. The brand with the highest indexed score is awarded the Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Award for that category.

What other awards does Canstar give?

Canstar also gives Star Ratings to top performing financial products, and Outstanding Value Awards to providers with a range of high-performing products. Canstar’s Innovation Excellence Awards also showcase products and services that break new ground when it comes to helping customers.

Does Canstar rate other products?

Canstar rates products and services over a range of consumer categories, in addition to financial services. Explore Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers awards here.

What is the best electricity plan in NSW?

There’s no one ‘best’ electricity plan in NSW, as different people have different energy needs. Things to consider when comparing plans include: How a plan’s annual estimated cost compares to the reference price. The usage charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) and daily supply charge. Whether those charges are variable or fixed for a specific term. If the plan includes a guaranteed or conditional bill discount. Your tariff type: do you need a single rate or time of use tariff, or do you require a controlled load? If there’s benefits for solar owners, such as a feed-in tariff.

How many electricity providers operate in NSW?

Over 20 energy retailers are offering residential electricity plans in NSW.

Do electricity providers offer the same prices across NSW?

No. Your energy bill will be different based on your location, as distribution costs vary between networks. This means, the price of an Origin plan on the Ausgrid network will be different from the price of that same plan on the Endeavour network. NSW is serviced by three electricity distributors: Ausgrid: Network covers inner, northern and eastern Sydney. Endeavour Energy: Network covers southern and western Sydney. Essential Energy: Network covers country and regional NSW.

Best Electricity Provider In NSW

Written by

Tara DonnellyManaging Editor, Utilities

Edited by

Grace KinrossResearcher

17 Feb, 2026

Fact Checked

Consumer Ratings

Most Satisfied Customers

Red Energy has once again topped Canstar’s customer satisfaction ratings for electricity providers in NSW – an award it has now claimed for 12 years straight. Red Energy performed consistently well across the categories that customers find the most meaningful, such as value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, and ease of signup.

About Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers NSW Electricity Providers Awards

Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards shine a light on electricity providers with the happiest customers in NSW. We ask customers to rate their satisfaction with their current electricity provider based on important criteria like customer service, how clear their bill and prices are, online tools and advice, ease of sign-up and value for money.

Numbers crunched by Canstar’s researchers:

2,043 customers surveyed
24 providers assessed
Seven providers shortlisted
One award winner

Read our methodology

The best electricity providers in NSW

The brands rated are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

1. Red Energy

For the twelfth consecutive year, Red Energy has won Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers award for electricity providers in New South Wales. Red Energy has been the best-rated provider in NSW each year since the award’s inception in 2014.

Owned by renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro, Red Energy operates across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and the ACT. Its NSW plans include a range of specialised offers, such as EV plans and Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards.

Red Energy Plans

Here are Red Energy's plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
Red Energy	Living Energy Saver	$1,614	$1,614	18% less
Red Energy	Qantas Red Saver	$1,614	$1,614	18% less
Red Energy	Red BCNA Saver	$1,614	$1,614	18% less

Results updated 23-02-2026 for Red Energy energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

2. Powershop

Owned by Shell Energy, Powershop delivers electricity to NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD and gas in NSW and VIC. Powershop customers can also pre-purchase electricity through ‘powerpacks’ available on their digital management app. Powershop recorded the second highest in overall satisfaction.

Powershop Energy Plans

Here are Powershop Energy plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
Powershop Australia	Power House	$1,591	$1,591	19% less
Powershop Australia	Switch Saver	$1,689	$1,789	9% less
Powershop Australia	Power Offset	$1,789	$1,789	9% less

Results updated 23-02-2026 for Powershop Australia energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

3. Alinta Energy

A major gas and electricity retailer, Alinta Energy focuses on offering competitive rates, alongside a newly-revised rewards program, making it one of the leading challengers to the big three (AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia). Powershop sits at third place for overall satisfaction.

Alinta Energy plans

Here are Alinta Energy plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
Alinta Energy	HomeDeal On	$1,674	$1,674	15% less
Alinta Energy	SolarBalance Go	$1,926	$1,926	2% less
Alinta Energy	Standing Offer	$1,965	$1,965	Equal to

Results updated 23-02-2026 for Alinta Energy energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

4. Engie Energy

Formerly known as Simply Energy, Engie offers electricity and gas in VIC, NSW, SA, and QLD, plus gas in WA. Its plan offerings include unique perks such as discounts for senior cardholders, movie fans and NRMA members. Engie places fourth for overall satisfaction.

Engie Energy plans

Here are Engie Energy plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
ENGIE	ENGIE GreenPower NRMA	$1,729	$1,729	12% less
ENGIE	ENGIE NRMA	$1,729	$1,729	12% less
ENGIE	NSW _ENGIE Perks Elec	$1,729	$1,729	12% less

Results updated 23-02-2026 for ENGIE energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

5. Origin Energy

As one of the big three providers, Origin Energy offers a variety of variable rate plans, most of which come with a 12-month benefit period and no lock-in contracts. Origin Energy also offers benefits such as its Origin Energy Rewards program and the chance to earn free hours of electricity through Origin Spike. Origin Energy sits at fifth place in terms of overall satisfaction.

Origin Energy plans

Here are Origin Energy plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
Origin Energy	Go Variable	$1,651	$1,651	16% less
Origin Energy	Origin Everyday Rewards Variable	$1,729	$1,729	12% less
Origin Energy	Go Solar Variable	$1,808	$1,808	8% less

Results updated 23-02-2026 for Origin Energy energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

6. AGL

AGL, one of Australia’s largest providers, offers a small selection of market contracts in NSW, including solar-specific and seniors plans, with variable rates and a range of value-add features (e.g. Netflix subscriptions and rewards programs). It also offers its own rewards program, giving customers access to exclusive retail discounts. AGL came in sixth for overall satisfaction.

AGL Energy Plans

Here are AGL Energy plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
AGL	Seniors Saver	$1,612	$1,612	18% less
AGL	Smart Saver	$1,651	$1,651	16% less
AGL	Netflix Plan	$1,673	$1,673	15% less

Results updated 23-02-2026 for AGL energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

7. EnergyAustralia

First known as TruEnergy, EnergyAustralia provides customers in NSW with a range of market offers, with conditional discounts and credits often available. EnergyAustralia offers fixed-rate plans and generally high solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs). EnergyAustralia was shortlisted in seventh place in Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers award in NSW for electricity providers. EnergyAustralia sits at the bottom of our list for overall satisfaction.

EnergyAustralia Energy Plans

Here are EnergyAustralia plans on our database for NSW.

Provider	Plan name	Est. annual cost (inc. all discounts)	Est. annual cost (ex. conditional discounts)	Reference price comparison (Basic Plan Information)
Energy Australia	Flexi Plan	$1,651	$1,651	16% less
Energy Australia	Rate Fix	$1,808	$1,808	8% less
Energy Australia	Solar Max	$1,965	$1,965	Equal to

Results updated 23-02-2026 for Energy Australia energy plans on Canstar's database. The results in the table above are sorted by Estimated annual cost including all discounts (Low-High) then Estimated annual cost excluding conditional discount (Low-High). Results for residential customers in Sydney 2000, Australia in the Ausgrid network, where general usage is 3,900 kWh / year on a Single Rate tariff. Lowest annual cost displayed, your bill will differ based on actual usage. Based on general usage, the AER Reference Price is $1,965 / year. *All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.

Previous winners in NSW

Red Energy has been the exclusive winner of Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers award for NSW Electricity Providers for 12 consecutive years.

2024: Red Energy
2023: Red Energy
2022: Red Energy
2021: Red Energy
2020: Red Energy
2019: Red Energy
2018: Red Energy
2017: Red Energy
2016: Red Energy
2015: Red Energy
2014: Red Energy

FAQs about Canstar's NSW electricity provider award

Meet our energy experts

Tara DonnellyManaging Editor, Utilities

Tara Donnelly is Canstar's Managing Editor, Utilities, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology. For more than a decade she has authored hundreds of articles covering these topics across Australia, the US and Canada, including seven years as part of the Canstar Group. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC , The Australian Financial Review, 4BC Radio and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. She has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident. You can follow Tara on LinkedIn.

Grace KinrossResearcher

Grace is in the final semester of her Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) degree at The University of Queensland, majoring in Business Analytics and Marketing. Her studies have equipped her with strong capabilities in data analysis and consumer research. Grace began her journey with Canstar in early 2025 as a casual research assistant and has since progressed into her current role, where she oversees the consumer research ratings across a wide range of product and service categories. She is responsible for survey design and consumer data analysis, and enjoys her focus on uncovering insights that inform Canstar’s ratings and awards and help support consumers to make more informed decisions.