1st Energy

1st Energy is a relatively small energy provider in Australia. Read all about them and find out how green they are here through Savvy’s energy review.  

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, updated on August 14th, 2023       

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1st Energy is a small Australian energy retailer formed in 2014 to provide value-based energy solutions. Its head office is in Melbourne, although its call centre is Brisbane-based. However, Shell now has a non-controlling 30% stake in 1st Energy through ERM Power, which Shell bought out in 2019. 1st Energy offers gas and electricity plans in five states of Australia, plus bundled NBN internet plans.  

This combined utility provider was the first competitor to offer alternative electricity plans in competition to Aurora Energy in Tasmania when the energy market was opened up in that state in 2019. It now offers monthly billing as standard, and offers to price-match a competitor if a customer finds a better deal with a different energy retailer.  

1st Energy logo

In which states or territories does 1st Energy offer energy plans?

Currently, 1st Energy offers internet, gas and electricity and solar energy plans in: 

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania

How does 1st Energy compare in size to other energy retailers?

According to the Australian Energy Regulator’s latest report (Q2 2022/2023), 1st Energy now has nearly 24,000 retail electricity customers, and they command around 0.40% of the electricity market share.   

What are the pros and cons of using 1st Energy as your energy provider​?

  • There’s a range of gas and electricity plans on offer 
  • Discounts are offered for paying on time and by direct debit
  • No credit card fees 
  • No exit fees if you want to switch providers
  • Bundled plans available 
  • Dedicated solar plans are available
  • No fixed-cost plans are available
  • Offered rebates are spread over 12 months and are not supplied immediately
  • Poor environmental record
  • No discounts for bundled plans
  • Below-average feed-in solar tariffs on some plans

How is 1st Energy rated as a green energy provider?

According to Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide, 1st Energy has a score of   3.54/10 overall. This comparatively low score is due to the fact they still buy their power from the open market, where the majority of energy producers rely on coal and gas. They have also not taken a strong stand against climate change. * 

Their scores for these specific criteria are: 

  • Providing clean, renewable energy: 30%
  • Ending coal use by 2030: 0%
  • Halting fossil fuel expansion: 100%
  • Support for new renewable energy: 6%
  • Pollution & environmental harm: 50%
  • Transparency in marketing: 30%

*Information from Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide is current as of August 2023, but subject to change 

Why compare energy plans with Savvy?

Common questions asked about 1st Energy

Is 1st Energy an accredited GreenPower supplier?

No, 1st Energy is not an accredited GreenPower supplier.  

How do 1st Energy’s feed-in tariffs compare to other retailers?

For basic electricity plans, 1st Energy’s solar feed-in tariffs are a little lower than average. Their dedicated solar plan offers 5c/kWh in addition to their basic solar feed-in rates, but higher usage tariffs may offset any benefit from these higher rates. 

Does 1st Energy offer solar panel installation in addition to solar electricity plans?

No, 1st Energy is not involved in the solar system installation business. However, they do offer dedicated solar feed-in plans for those who already have a solar system installed.  

Does 1st Energy have a ‘refer-a-friend' offer?

Yes. If you refer a friend to 1st Energy and they make the switch, you could both receive a $50 credit on your next energy bill.  

More energy retailer reviews

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.