Compare Energy Plans
EnergyAustralia vs Red Energy (2025): Pros, cons & Aussie benefits
Choosing an energy provider in Australia isn’t just about keeping the lights on - it’s about aligning with a company that supports your values, lifestyle, and future.
As the energy landscape continues to shift towards sustainability and innovation, two prominent names stand out for very different reasons: EnergyAustralia and Red Energy.
EnergyAustralia in 2025
In 2025, EnergyAustralia is actively positioning itself as a central player in Australia’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. Its partnership with EDF Power Solutions Australia to develop the Lake Lyell pumped hydro project in New South Wales signals a commitment to large-scale renewable storage solutions.
The project, if approved, would provide 385 MW of dispatchable power, supporting over 250,000 homes for up to eight hours.
Meanwhile, the company is also considering extending the life of the Yallourn coal-fired power station in Victoria beyond its planned 2028 shutdown. This move is aimed at ensuring energy supply stability, especially as more intermittent renewable sources enter the grid.
Benefits to Australians
- Provides large-scale energy storage, helping to stabilise the grid and integrate renewable power
- Balances renewable transition with energy security to reduce risk of blackouts
- Invests in infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability goals and reliability
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Investing in large scale energy projects like pumped hydro | Possible backlash over continued coal usage |
| Strong government and private sector partnerships | Complex infrastructure projects may face delays |
| Focused on long-term grid reliability | Brand perception may suffer due to dual-track energy strategy |
Red Energy in 2025
Red Energy remains one of the few fully Australian-owned energy retailers, continuing its focus on simplicity, ethics, and customer-centric offerings.
In 2025, it introduced the “Red Wildlife Saver” plan, which supports conservation initiatives via donations to the Taronga Conservation Society. This move strengthens its brand as a socially responsible energy provider.
The company is not involved in large-scale generation or infrastructure development but instead focuses on service reliability, clear communication, and aligning its values with those of environmentally conscious Australians.
Benefits to Australians
- Offers an Australian-owned alternative for households wanting to support local businesses
- Connects energy consumption with environmental causes through its wildlife initiatives
- Provides transparent, fixed-rate offerings to help consumers plan and budget
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% Australian ownership supports national interests | Lacks investment in major renewable infrastructure |
| Socially responsible plans appeal to eco-conscious consumers | Smaller market footprint and less industry influence |
| Clear, customer-friendly contracts and communications | Limited ability to influence broader energy policy or grid resilience |
Head-to-head comparison
Scale and infrastructure
EnergyAustralia has national reach and invests heavily in infrastructure projects that support the energy transition and grid reliability.
Red Energy, while focused and ethical, operates at a smaller scale and does not contribute significantly to generation or infrastructure.
Environmental and social impact
EnergyAustralia contributes to long-term renewable integration through technologies like pumped hydro and battery storage.
Red Energy offers a more symbolic contribution to the environment through its conservation-focused plans, which resonate with individual consumers.
Customer orientation
Red Energy places customer values and simplicity at the forefront, offering fixed-rate plans and ethical partnerships.
EnergyAustralia balances customer needs with larger system concerns and policy alignment but may feel less personal to some customers.
Policy alignment
EnergyAustralia’s projects align with federal ambitions for renewable growth, grid stability, and emissions reduction.
Red Energy is more reflective of consumer-driven social and environmental values, with less influence on national energy planning.
Summary for the Aussie population
- If you value system-wide change: EnergyAustralia’s infrastructure investments in pumped hydro and batteries strengthen the grid and ensure power reliability during the renewable transition.
- If you value ethics and ownership: Red Energy appeals to Australians who want to support a locally owned company and feel their energy choices support conservation efforts.
- If environmental impact is your priority: EnergyAustralia works on systemic, structural environmental solutions, while Red Energy empowers consumers to make smaller but meaningful contributions.
- If customer experience matters most: Red Energy’s focus on transparency, simplicity and social responsibility may offer greater peace of mind for everyday households.
In 2025, both EnergyAustralia and Red Energy serve important, complementary roles in Australia’s energy sector:
- EnergyAustralia is focused on securing the future of Australia’s energy infrastructure through massive renewable and storage investments, while maintaining system stability.
- Red Energy champions ethical consumer engagement and national ownership, offering a reliable and socially conscious alternative for households.
Ultimately, the better choice depends on your priorities: long-term system impact and energy resilience with EnergyAustralia, or values-driven, customer-focused service with Red Energy.
Contact Compare Energy today
Choosing the right energy provider can feel overwhelming - especially when you're weighing up long-term benefits, environmental impact, and customer experience.
Whether you're drawn to EnergyAustralia's large-scale investment in renewable infrastructure or Red Energy's ethical, Australian-owned approach, making the best decision for your household or business starts with the right advice.
For expert, obligation-free guidance tailored to your needs, call Compare Energy on 1300 790 106 today. Our friendly team can help you understand your options and connect you with an energy plan that aligns with your values, lifestyle and long-term goals - without the confusion or sales pressure. Make your next energy choice an informed one.
