Who are the best gas suppliers in NSW?

The New South Wales gas market has experienced significant transformation since deregulation in 2017, creating a competitive landscape with approximately 10-11 gas retailers operating across various network regions. For NSW residents and businesses seeking the best gas suppliers, the choice depends on several key factors including pricing competitiveness, customer service quality, network coverage, and specific business requirements.

NSW became the last Australian jurisdiction to deregulate retail gas prices in July 2017, removing government price regulation and allowing retailers to set their own rates. This deregulation has created both opportunities and challenges – while it increased retailer competition and pricing options, it also eliminated the safety net of regulated pricing, making supplier selection more critical for consumers.

The market is dominated by the “Big Three” retailers – AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia, who collectively hold approximately 83% of the market share. However, the post-deregulation period has seen increased competition from alternative retailers including Red Energy, Alinta Energy, Simply Energy (now ENGIE), Energy Locals, and others.

NSW’s gas distribution network comprises multiple regional operators, with Jemena Gas Networks serving as the largest, covering over 1.5 million customers across Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong, and more than 20 regional centers. Other significant network operators include Australian Gas Networks (serving Albury, Riverina, and other regional areas), Evoenergy (Queanbeyan and Nowra), and APA Group (Tamworth and Tweed Heads).

Understanding your network operator is crucial because not all retailers operate in all network areas. The Jemena network, covering most of eastern and central NSW, offers the widest retailer choice, while regional areas may have limited options.

For residential customers prioritising affordability, Energy Locals, AGL, and Sumo Energy offer the most competitive rates. Based on typical residential gas usage of 18,542 MJ per year in the Jemena network area, significant savings are possible:

• Energy Locals emerges as a standout option for price-focused consumers, offering some of the lowest usage rates while maintaining reasonable customer service standards. Their plans typically feature competitive pricing structures with minimal conditional discount requirements. Perfect for those looking for cheap gas to run their small or large hot water systems, heaters or other appliances.
• AGL, despite mixed customer service reviews, remains competitively priced and offers the widest network coverage at 90% of NSW. AGL provides various plan options including their unique fixed monthly cost arrangement where customers pay a set amount based on previous 12-month usage, regardless of actual consumption.
• Origin Energy offers competitive rates across all NSW network areas with their Go Variable and Everyday Rewards plans providing good value, particularly in regional networks. Origin’s plans often include loyalty program benefits and bundling discounts.

For customers prioritising service quality over pure cost savings, Red Energy consistently tops satisfaction rankings:

Red Energy has maintained its position as the most customer-satisfied gas supplier in NSW, earning 4.2 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction ratings. The company offers:

• 100% Australian-owned operations with local customer service
• Award-winning customer service for 15 consecutive years
• Qantas Points earning opportunities on eligible plans
• Transparent pricing with no credit card fees

Alinta Energy represents another strong service-focused option, offering Australian-based customer support and competitive rates across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA. Alinta scored well in reliability and customer service categories.

NSW’s diverse network structure means supplier choice varies significantly by location:

Sydney Metro and Major Cities (Jemena Network): Widest choice of suppliers including all major retailers plus alternatives like Red Energy, Energy Locals, and Simply Energy.

Regional NSW (Australian Gas Networks): More limited options, typically including AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, and Red Energy, with specific retailers authorised for each region.

Border Towns (Albury area): Australian Gas Networks coverage with Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia, and Red Energy as primary options.

Business gas requirements differ significantly from residential needs, with higher usage volumes, different pricing structures, and enhanced customer service requirements. The optimal supplier choice depends on business size, gas consumption patterns, and operational requirements.

Origin Energy offers competitive small business plans across all NSW network areas, with business-specific pricing tiers and dedicated business customer service. Their plans typically feature:

• Higher first-tier usage allowances suited to commercial operations
• Business-specific supply charges
• Dedicated business support lines
• Integration with electricity plans for dual-fuel businesses

AGL provides comprehensive business solutions with flexible pricing structures and dedicated business account management. Despite residential customer service challenges, AGL maintains stronger business service standards with dedicated commercial support teams.

EnergyAustralia offers specialised business plans with competitive usage rates and business-focused customer service. Their business plans often include:

• Tiered pricing structures for different consumption levels
• Business-specific terms and conditions
• Integration with broader business energy solutions

NSW gas customers have experienced significant price increases in recent years, with residential prices rising by 35% over the past four years and business customers facing nearly 50% increases [1]. The most recent financial year saw residential prices increase by 13% between June 2023 and June 2024, representing an annual increase of almost $140 for typical customers.

These increases primarily reflect rising wholesale gas costs and network tariff adjustments. The median annual gas bill for NSW households is currently $870, with typical homes consuming 17,357 MJ annually.

For residential customers prioritising price, Energy Locals and AGL offer the most competitive rates, with potential annual savings of $377 compared to standing offers. However, customers should carefully evaluate customer service capabilities, particularly with AGL’s documented service challenges.

For customers valuing service excellence, Red Energy remains the clear leader with 11 consecutive years of customer satisfaction awards and comprehensive Australian-based support. While potentially costing slightly more than the cheapest options, Red Energy provides superior customer experience and billing transparency.

Business customers should focus on Origin Energy or AGL for comprehensive commercial solutions, with direct negotiation recommended for medium to large operations requiring customised pricing structures.

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Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be read on its own. Always perform your own research before making a purchasing decision.

Sources:

[1] – https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/