Pondering the benefits of opting for a lesser-known energy supplier
In a landscape dominated by large energy providers, smaller retailers are making a significant impact with their focus on customer service, environmental consciousness, and competitive pricing. According to a recent assessment by the independent consumer advocacy organization, CHOICE, the top performing small electricity retailers in Australia are Energy Locals, GloBird Energy, Tango Energy, Nectr, and 1stEnergy.
Energy Locals
Highly rated for customer service, Energy Locals boasts a Trustpilot star rating of 4.8 in Victoria. The provider is praised for its friendly and helpful responses, setting a high standard for customer service.
GloBird Energy
GloBird Energy, with a customer base of 60,985, has multiple recognitions for value energy plans in New South Wales. In August 2025, it was named the overall best value plan on Canstar Blue, earning a strong value score of 9.6. While some customers have expressed concerns about price increases, the provider generally receives positive feedback.
Tango Energy
Tango Energy stands out for its strong environmental credentials. Operating under Pacific Hydro Australia, a large renewables generator, Tango Energy has a Green Electricity Guide rating of 6.49/10, placing it among the greener providers.
Nectr
Nectr scores well on Trustpilot with a 4.5-star rating, indicating generally favorable customer service experiences. The provider is a solid choice for those seeking both good service and a commitment to the environment.
1stEnergy
1stEnergy also has a high Trustpilot rating of 4.4 and is mentioned as a recommended provider in Victoria. Its strong performance in customer service and reliability makes it a viable option for many.
Diamond Energy and Enova Energy have perfect scores for their Green Energy Guide ratings, further highlighting the environmental focus of these smaller providers. It's worth noting that Momentum Energy and Aurora Energy are also fully GreenPower accredited, supporting their environmental credentials in regional markets.
Smaller energy retailers like these often have shorter call wait times compared to larger companies, providing a more personalised service experience. However, depending on the location, switching electricity retailers may not be an option due to limited or non-existent choices.
The market leaders, Origin, AGL, and EnergyAustralia, have millions of customers each, but smaller retailers are gaining ground due to their higher customer satisfaction and better green energy options. It's recommended to review your electricity supplier every year or so to ensure you're getting the best deal and are with the retailer that suits you best.
For more information about pricing, you can visit the government's Energy Made Easy website or Victorian Energy Compare. Keep in mind that Energy Australia customers have an average call wait time of 111 seconds. On the other hand, Diamond Energy answers 100% of incoming phone calls from customers within 30 seconds, setting a quick response benchmark.
By choosing a smaller electricity retailer, you can support a more customer-focused and environmentally conscious energy market in Australia.
Technology plays a crucial role in allowing smaller energy retailers like Energy Locals, GloBird Energy, Tango Energy, Nectr, and 1stEnergy to deliver exceptional customer service, as they leverage digital platforms for efficient communication and service delivery.
In the competitive landscape of the Australian energy industry, finance ensures these retailers can maintain their commitment to environmental sustainability through investments in renewable energy resources, such as those offered by Diamond Energy and Enova Energy.
