This hub tracks Australian electricity prices under the Default Market Offer (DMO), the maximum unit rate and standing-charge that retailers can charge residential and small business customers on a standing-offer contract. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets the DMO each year. Primary source for every figure is the AER, cited below.

2026-27 DMO: prices falling up to 10 per cent

The AER released its Draft Default Market Offer 2026-27 in March 2026. Residential DMO prices are set to fall between 1.3 percent and 10.1 percent from 1 July 2026, depending on the region. Small business DMO prices are set to fall between 7.6 percent and 21.2 percent.

Residential reductions by region (draft)

  • New South Wales: bills fall 2.4 percent ($58) to 8.2 percent ($226).
  • South East Queensland: bills fall 10.1 percent ($216).
  • South Australia: bills fall 1.3 percent ($31).

The AER's final determination is due in late May 2026. The 2026-27 DMO takes effect from 1 July 2026.

What is the DMO

The Default Market Offer applies in New South Wales, South East Queensland and South Australia. It is the maximum amount a retailer can charge a residential or small business customer who has not actively chosen a market offer. If you are on a default or standing-offer contract, the DMO is your price ceiling.

Energy retailers can and do offer below-DMO market contracts, which is why shopping on Energy Made Easy at energymadeeasy.gov.au (Vic customers: Victorian Energy Compare) is usually worth doing once a year.

Solar Sharer Offer

From 1 July 2026, the DMO includes an optional Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) in NSW, SA and SE QLD. The SSO provides three hours of free electricity use each afternoon during the solar-peak window, with a usage allowance of up to 24 kWh during those three hours without incurring usage charges. The design encourages households to shift discretionary load (dishwashers, pool pumps, EV charging) to the solar-peak window.

How to check your bill

  • Your retailer's current rates should be on page two of your bill under "Tariff" or "Unit rate" (c/kWh) and "Supply charge" (c/day).
  • Compare those rates to the DMO reference price on your bill (retailers are required to display it).
  • If your per-kWh rate is more than 5 percent above the DMO reference, you are usually better off switching retailers.
  • Victorian customers use the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) rather than the DMO.

Energy rebates and concessions

Several state and federal rebates apply to energy bills. Check your state:

  • NSW: Low Income Household Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, Seniors Energy Rebate (Service NSW).
  • Victoria: Power Saving Bonus, Annual Electricity Concession.
  • Queensland: Electricity Rebate for concession card holders.
  • South Australia: Cost of Living Concession.
  • Federal: check the Services Australia Energy Supplement eligibility if you receive a qualifying pension or benefit.