Understanding your energy plan changes
Plan changes take effect between 1 July and 1 August 2026
We know that with the rising cost of living, any change to your household budget is a big deal. As a 100% Australian-owned business, we’re here to help you navigate these updates as simply as possible.
From finding our best plan for your home or small business to providing extra support if you need it, we’re here to help you stay in control of your energy.
Our Best Offer Commitment
We’re committed to keeping your energy costs as low as possible. We regularly check that you’re on our most cost-effective plan. If a better one is available, we’ll let you know on your bill and via a notification in the Red Energy App. or MyAccount, where you can switch instantly.
Why are prices changing?
We typically review our prices every year in line with movements in our costs of supplying energy to you.
Here is a breakdown of what makes up your rates:
Network costs:
The costs of transporting electricity and gas to your house. These costs include the cost of building, maintaining and operating the natural gas pipelines and electricity poles and wires that transport energy to your home or business.
Wholesale costs:
Energy retailers incur costs when they purchase electricity and gas from generators and producers to retail it to customers.
Environmental costs:
Environmental costs are incurred by energy retailers to comply with government programs designed to provide incentives for energy efficiency and to support the development of renewable electricity.
Retail operating costs and margin:
Your electricity and gas prices include retail operating costs, including managing billing and payments and for the full range of customer services we provide, and a retail margin.
When will my rates change?
Depending on your location and agreement type, changes may take place on either 1 July, 31 July or 1 August this year. To confirm when your changes take place, please refer to the letter or email we sent you.
For customers on a standard retail contract: Your prices will only change once a year for electricity, unless stipulated otherwise by the regulations. This usually occurs on 1 July each year.
For customers on a market retail contract: Your electricity prices will change once a year, unless otherwise permitted by regulations. Typically, an increase to your prices will occur once every 12 months on a date in July (or 1 August for market contracts in Victoria). Decreases to your pricing can occur any time and we will give you written notice as soon as practicable. Please see the table below for applicable price change dates.
| Energy Contract | Location | Price Change Date |
|---|---|---|
| Standard retail contract | NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, VIC | 1 July 2026 |
| Market retail contract | NSW, QLD, SA | 1 July 2026 |
| Easy Mover market retail contract | ACT | 1 July 2026 |
| Market retail contract | ACT | 31 July 2026 |
| Market retail contract | VIC | 1 August 2026 |
For customers in Victoria: If you are on a contract term with a fixed rate period (for your daily supply charges and energy usage rates), you will not have a price change during the period specified in your market retail contract. You will be notified in writing before your contract is due to expire.
Understanding the Default Offers
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For customers in NSW, SA and QLD: What is the Default Market
Offer?
The Default Market Offer (DMO) is the maximum electricity price that retailers can charge residential and small business customers on standard retail contracts and is set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for customers in NSW, SA and QLD. The DMO acts as a comparison price for customers who are on a market retail offer.
View the Default Market Offer prices for 2026-2027.
Learn more about the Default Market Offer .
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For customers in Victoria: What is the Victorian Default Offer?
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) is set annually by the Essential Services Commission and regulates standing offer prices for electricity in Victoria sold to domestic (residential) and small business customers on a standard retail contract.
For most customers who are on a market retail contract, the Victorian Default Offer acts as a comparison price. Energy retailers must compare their electricity offers to the Victorian Default Offer price when advertising.
View Victorian Default Offer prices for 2026-2027.
You can find more information on the Essential Services Commission and the Victorian Default Offer here.
Are my concession entitlements changing?
No. There are no changes to concession entitlements.
Improvements we’re making this year
Introducing 3 Hours of free primary load electricity usage
NSW, QLD and SA
From 1 July, 2026, eligible residential customers with a smart meter can opt-in to our new Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) plan, taking advantage of the abundant solar energy flowing into the grid during peak daylight hours. This plan offers 3 hours of free primary load electricity usage (up to 24kWh per day) everyday at 11am - 2pm for New South Wales and South East Queensland and 12pm - 3pm for South Australia. Supply and controlled load charges still apply during the free usage period.
A fairer, simpler energy agreement
NSW, ACT, QLD and SA
We’re updating our plans to align with new consumer protections. Starting 1 July 2026, these changes will make your energy agreement more transparent and predictable. The best part is, you don’t need to do a thing.
Because these rules can vary depending on where you live or what plan you are on, we’ve broken down the key updates below.
Simpler discounts
Fewer fees and extra support
Predictable pricing
A new way to save in Victoria
As the energy grid evolves to use more solar power, a new daytime pricing structure is being introduced across Victoria. If your notice mentions a ‘Smart Rate,’ you now have a daily 5-hour window when rates are at their lowest.
You don’t need solar panels to benefit. By shifting heavy appliances usage to the middle of the day, you could beat your yearly estimate.
Learn more about the VIC update
How to check and accept your Best Offer instantly
We regularly check your usage to see if you could save more on a different plan. The fastest way to see and switch to a better offer is by using our digital tools – no need to call us.
Step 1: Check the Red Energy App or MyAccount
Log into the Red Energy App or MyAccount. If a better offer is available for you, a notification will be waiting on your dashboard.
App
Myaccount
Download the Red Energy App today
Or log into MyAccount,
Step 2: Accept your offer
Simply follow the prompts on your screen to accept the new offer instantly.
Why use our digital tools?
Once you’ve logged in, you can also use the app or MyAccount to:
- Track your usage: See your daily costs in dollars and cents.
- Easy bill payments: View your current balance and pay securely.
- Simple self-service: Update your details or manage a move anytime.
- View plan details: Check your current rates and solar feed-in tariffs.
Other ways to check if you’re on the best offer
You can also find this information on your latest bill. If there is a better offer available for you, a 'Better Offer' message will be clearly highlighted on the front page.
For help to see what it looks like or where to look on your bill, check out our bill explainer here under “Understanding your bill”.
Our commitment to supporting you
We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. Whether you’re experiencing temporary financial difficulty or need longer-term assistance, our team is committed to working with you to find a solution.
- Flexible Payment Plans : Set up a schedule that works for you, including options like EvenPay® to smooth out your costs.
- Grants & Concessions: We’ll help you check your eligibility for government concessions to lower your balance.
- Payment Assistance: Access tailored assistance and advice through our specialised support program.
Other help and support
We’re here to help. For any questions, please reach out via our 100% Australian-based support options.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a standard retail contract?
A standard retail contract contains a set of regulated terms and conditions. Our pricing under a standard retail contract must be no higher than the Default Market Offer in NSW, SA and QLD and equal to the Victorian Default Market Offer in VIC. This contract has different terms and conditions to a market retail contract.
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How will I be notified about the price change?
We will notify you in writing in advance of any change to your energy prices. You will receive an email or letter, depending on your communication preferences.
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What if my bill covers a period before and after the rate change?
All rates and charges will be detailed on the bill. Your bill will be calculated with rates for the billing period prior to the price change date and with new rates for the billing period after the price change is effective.
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How much will my bills change by?
The changes in your electricity and gas bills are influenced by factors such as your consumption, chosen energy plan and the distribution area for your residence or business. The letter/email we issue you regarding your changes will display the rates you are currently billed on and the ones they are being changed to.
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Why are my energy prices changing?
We typically review our prices every year in line with movements in our costs of supplying energy to you.
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What makes up my energy prices?
Wholesale costs Energy retailers incur costs when they purchase electricity and gas from generators and producers to retail it to customers.
Network costs Network costs are the costs of transporting electricity and gas to your house. These costs include the cost of building, maintaining and operating the natural gas pipelines and electricity poles and wires that transport energy to your home or business.
Environmental costs Environmental costs are incurred by energy retailers to comply with government programs designed to provide incentives for energy efficiency and to support the development of renewable electricity.
Retail operating costs and margin Your electricity and gas prices include retail operating costs, including managing billing and payments and for the full range of customer services we provide, and a retail margin.
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Can I monitor my energy usage?
Yes! You can monitor your usage and manage your account anytime by downloading the Red Energy App.
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I’ve got solar. Are feed-in tariff (FiT) rates
changing?
We will notify you in advance of any changes to your solar feed-in tariffs. Learn more about solar here.
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How can I make the most of the electricity I generate?
To maximise your solar savings, it’s best to use as much of your own generated electricity as possible.
Here’s how you can make the most of your solar energy:
- Run appliances during peak solar hours where possible - Use your washing machine, dishwasher, and other appliances when your solar photovoltaic (PV) system is producing electricity.
- Charge devices and batteries - Plug in phones, laptops, and home batteries during the day to store power for later.
- Monitor your solar output - Check the Red Energy App to see energy exported and credits earned.
Making small changes around how you use electricity can help you reduce your energy usage and get the most out of your solar investment.
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What support does Red Energy offer customers finding it difficult to pay?
Red Energy offers a range of options to assist customers who are facing payment difficulties. You can find more information here.