All About Amber Electric Australia: The Future of Smart Energy
If you’re searching for a modern electricity provider that helps Australians save money and use cleaner power, then Amber Electric is gaining attention across the country. In this blog, we’ll explain what Amber Electric Australia offers, how their pricing works, what customers are saying in Amber Electric reviews, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
Whether you’re curious about amber electricity rates, amber electricity prices, or how this innovative company compares with traditional providers like AGL VPP or Origin Loop VPP, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore what makes Amber Electric a top electricity provider in Australia.
What is Amber Electric Australia?
Amber is a licensed electricity retailer, and its operations are vastly different from all the other retailers that are active within Australia. Amber connects customers directly with the wholesale electricity market, which means that there is no markup on the price. Additionally, customers with solar panels as well as batteries will get the full amount provided by the wholesale market, which sounds quite enticing at times. Amber earns its money through a fee charged per month, which is currently $22.
Amber commenced its activities in 2016 in Sydney. It began as an eastern Sydney and Newcastle-based firm but then spread to South Australia. Today it’s also readily accessible in other parts of New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, and South-East Queensland.
Key features of Amber Electric include:
- 100% Renewable Energy: All plans are backed by renewable sources, helping you contribute to a greener future.
- No Lock-In Contracts: Flexibility is a hallmark, allowing you to switch plans or providers without penalties.
- Smart Meter Integration: Compatible with smart meters for real-time usage tracking and billing.
If you’re searching for “amber energy” or “electricity provider amber,” Amber Electric is often highlighted for its commitment to sustainability. Amber Electric operates across several Australian states, including Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, the ACT, and parts of Queensland.
How Amber Electric Australia Works
Amber Electric connects customers directly to wholesale electricity prices from the National Electricity Market (NEM). Here’s how the system works in simple terms:
Wholesale Market Access
Electricity prices in Australia are set every 30 minutes in the wholesale market. These prices can range from very low (sometimes even negative) to extremely high during peak demand events. Amber Electric customers pay these wholesale rates instead of a fixed retail rate.
Transparent Cost Breakdown
Your Amber electricity bill typically includes:
- Wholesale electricity cost (changes every 30 minutes)
- Network charges
- Environmental and regulatory charges
- A monthly Amber subscription fee
There are no hidden margins added to the electricity price itself, which is why Amber is often described as one of the most transparent electricity providers in Australia.
Are Amber Electricity Rates Cheaper?
Amber electricity rates are not fixed, so whether they are cheaper depends on when and how you use power.
During periods of high renewable generation such as midday when solar energy floods the grid, wholesale electricity prices can drop significantly. Customers who use appliances during these times may pay much less than standard electricity rates.
As of 2023, Amber Electric’s plans are competitive, especially for those with solar panels or off-peak usage. Here’s a breakdown of their popular plans:
- Amber SuperSaver: This is their flagship plan, offering discounted rates during off-peak hours (typically 10 pm to 7 am). Daily supply charges are around 1.50, with usage rates as low as 20-25 cents per kWh during peak times. For solar households, it can lead to significant savings.
- Amber Anytime: A flat-rate plan for those who use electricity evenly throughout the day, with rates around 25-30 cents per kWh.
- Amber EV: Tailored for electric vehicle owners, providing cheaper rates during off-peak hours to support EV charging.
Amber Electric vs Traditional Electricity Providers
At Eco Aspire Energy, we help Australian households choose the smartest VPP options based on real earnings, control, and long-term value. Below is a clear comparison of popular VPP providers available in Australia.
VPP Provider Comparison Table Australia
Feature | AGL VPP | Amber Electric (SmartShift) Best Choice | Engie VPP | Origin Loop VPP |
How you earn | $1 per kWh during VPP events + $20 every quarter | Real-time wholesale feed-in tariff (FiT) pass-through, earning up to $19/kWh during grid events | Monthly bill credit ($15–$20) | $1 per kWh during VPP events |
Earning limit | Max $250 per year | No earnings cap. Customers can unlock an estimated $1,000+ additional value per year* | No extra earnings | Max $200 per year |
Battery control | Limited | Full control (you decide) | Limited | Limited |
Sign-up bonus | $200 credit | No bonus (higher ongoing earnings) | $200 credit | $200 credit |
Pricing type | Normal retail price | Real-time wholesale price | Normal retail price | Normal retail price |
Battery optimisation strategy | Optimised mainly for VPP events; minimal optimisation outside events | Household-first optimisation, or manual control for daily savings | Event-based optimisation only | Event-based optimisation only |
Best for | Simple fixed rewards | Maximum savings & smart users | Hands-off users | Simple VPP users |
Traditional electricity providers make money by adding margins to electricity rates. Amber Electric removes this margin and charges a flat subscription instead.
This fundamental difference makes Amber one of the most disruptive electricity providers in Australia. While traditional retailers focus on predictability, Amber focuses on transparency and market efficiency.
👉Note: Estimated average value based on analysis of Amber battery customer performance. Check our Get A Quote tool for a personalised estimate.
Amber is Not For Everyone
With wholesale electricity prices steadily dropping throughout the day due to renewable energy, signing up for Amber may be an attractive option. However, wholesale prices can also spike dramatically outside of these times or when there is a problem with the grid, such as when a coal fired power generation plant blows up. Amber does offer some protections against these events, but this version of Amber will not fit everyone’s needs. Amber is targeted at electricity users that have the ability to shift their consumption so they can take advantage of lower costs.
For those with solar panels, home batteries, or electric vehicles (EVs), Amber may be an even more appealing choice. Solar panel/battery systems will earn their owners incredibly high feed-in tariffs during wholesale price spike events. Likewise, battery or EV owners can take advantage of cheaper, zero or negative wholesale prices to charge their batteries/EVs.
The company claims that Amber for Batteries customers are receiving $1,000 of additional value from their batteries each year and $1,000 of value through smart automation; helping to accelerate the payback period for home batteries.
How to Switch to Amber Electric Australia
Switching to Amber Electric is simple and can be done online in minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you’re in a supported state and have a smart meter if required.
- Compare Plans: Use the Amber Electric website or Energy Made Easy to compare “amber electricity rates” with your current provider.
- Sign Up: Provide your details, and they’ll handle the rest, including notifying your old provider.
- Monitor Savings: Track your usage via the app to maximize benefits.
⚠️ Remember, switching is free, and you can exit anytime without fees.
Final Thoughts
Amber Electric Australia is not just an electric company, but they are helping people build a better future. With their competitive amber electric prices and other features, customers can rely on them as a reliable option if they are concerned about the environment. Maybe they are looking for something like “amber electric reviews,” or maybe they are interested in going green and want to save some money by checking out what they have to offer.
If Amber does not suit your needs, you can consider other options like the services provided by Eco Aspire Energy, which offer personalized solutions for renewable energy options. Ready to make the switch? Get personalized advice and quotes for electricity solutions today at Eco Aspire Energy!
FAQs
1. Is Amber Electric a licensed electricity provider in Australia?
Ans: Yes. It is a fully licensed Australian electricity provider operating under national energy market regulations.
2. Are Amber electricity rates cheaper than other providers?
Ans: The rates can be cheaper if you use power during low-price periods or have solar and batteries. Costs depend on usage behaviour.
3. Can amber electricity prices become very high?
Ans: Yes, prices can spike during extreme demand events, but these periods are usually short and visible in advance via the Amber app.
4. Is Amber Electric good for solar owners?
Ans: Absolutely. It is one of the most solar-friendly electricity providers in Australia, especially for battery-equipped homes.
5. Do I need a battery to join Amber Electric?
Ans: No, but batteries significantly improve savings and protection from price volatility.
6. Is Amber Electric good for EV charging?
Ans: Yes. EV owners can charge during low-price or negative-price periods, reducing running costs significantly.
7. Is Amber Electric safe?
Ans: Yes. It is a licensed Australian electricity retailer operating under national energy regulations.