The average electricity usage cost in Australia in 2026 is roughly 28–38 cents per kWh, depending on your state and retailer, among the highest in the developed world. The typical household pays about $1,500–$2,100 a year on electricity, which is exactly why rooftop solar pays back so quickly here.
Average electricity rates and bills by state
| State | Typical usage rate | Avg quarterly bill |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 30–35c/kWh | ~$480 |
| VIC | 27–32c/kWh | ~$450 |
| QLD | 28–33c/kWh | ~$470 |
| SA | 38–45c/kWh | ~$530 |
| WA | 30–32c/kWh | ~$420 |
| TAS | 27–30c/kWh | ~$410 |
| ACT | 25–28c/kWh | ~$460 |
| NT | 26–28c/kWh | ~$380 |
Usage rates exclude the daily supply charge. South Australia is consistently the most expensive in the country.
What you're actually paying for
- Usage charge (per kWh), the rate above, applied to everything you import.
- Supply charge, a fixed ~90c–$1.20 per day regardless of usage.
- Network, wholesale and environmental costs are bundled into both.
How solar cuts your per-kWh cost
Every kWh you generate and use yourself avoids the full usage rate. With grid power at 30c+ and feed-in tariffs at just 4–10c, self-consumption is where the savings are. See what a system costs, compare feed-in tariffs, or estimate your savings.
Common questions
What is the average cost of electricity per kWh in Australia?
Around 28–38 cents per kWh for the usage charge in 2026, plus a fixed daily supply charge of about 90c–$1.20. Rates vary by state and retailer.
Which state has the most expensive electricity?
South Australia, typically 38–45c/kWh, driven by its generation mix and network costs. Tasmania and the ACT are usually the cheapest per kWh.
How much can solar reduce my electricity bill?
Most households cut their bill 50–90% with a well-sized system, because every self-consumed kWh avoids the full 30c+ import rate. Adding a battery pushes the saving higher by covering evening use.