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Electricity costs in the ACT

The Australian Capital Territory has a relatively small but active electricity market. The average ACT household pays between $1,500 and $2,100 per year for electricity. Canberra's cold winters drive significant heating demand, making winter bills noticeably higher than summer. The ACT government has committed to 100% renewable electricity, sourcing power from wind and solar farms through long-term contracts — though this does not directly lower retail prices, it does influence the territory's energy policy and the types of plans available to consumers.

Price regulation in the ACT

The Default Market Offer (DMO), set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), applies in the ACT. The DMO caps the maximum price retailers can charge on standing offers and serves as the benchmark against which all market offers are compared. The ICRC (Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission) also regulates electricity prices in the ACT, setting the regulated retail price for ActewAGL's standard contract customers. If your bill shows you are on a standing offer or regulated tariff, there is a good chance you could save by switching to a competitive market offer, which are typically 5-15% below the DMO.

Retailers and distribution in the ACT

Evoenergy is the sole electricity distributor in the ACT, managing the poles and wires across the territory. ActewAGL is the dominant retailer and serves the majority of Canberra households. However, several other retailers also operate in the ACT, including Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Red Energy, and smaller players like Energy Locals and ReAmped Energy. Because the ACT has a single distribution network, comparing plans is straightforward — network charges are the same regardless of which retailer you choose, so the differences come down to energy rates, discounts, and contract terms.

Common tariff types

ACT households are typically on a flat rate (single rate) tariff or a time of use (TOU) tariff. Controlled load tariffs are also available for off-peak hot water heating. TOU tariffs charge higher rates during peak periods — usually weekday evenings — and lower rates during off-peak and shoulder periods. With Canberra's cold winters, households that use electric heating may benefit from TOU pricing if they can use timers to heat during off-peak hours. If you have rooftop solar, a TOU tariff often makes sense because you can export during the day and benefit from lower rates in the evening and overnight.

ACT-specific tips

Many ACT households default to ActewAGL without comparing alternatives. While ActewAGL offers solid plans, other retailers sometimes undercut their prices. Check whether your current plan is a standing offer or a market offer — the difference can be significant. The ACT government offers various energy efficiency programs, including rebates for insulation and heat pumps, which can reduce your consumption and lower your bill over time. Canberra's climate makes reverse-cycle air conditioning one of the most cost-effective heating options available. If you have solar, compare feed-in tariff rates across retailers — there can be meaningful differences. Upload your bill to BillDecoder to see exactly how your costs stack up.

Territory energy market information is general guidance current as of March 2026. Verify specific rates and regulations with the AER or the ICRC.