Which energy companies are Australian-owned?

Choosing an electricity provider can be confusing, especially when it comes to knowing which companies Australian-owned and which ones are not.

For instance, despite its name, EnergyAustralia is not owned locally. While being owned by an international company isn't necessarily a bad thing, studies show that many customers prefer Australian-owned brands when making comparisons.

In this article, we'll help you identify energy providers that are Australian owned, along with details on their plans and pricing, and highlight those that keep their operations, including customer service, within Australia.

Australian energy companies 2024

The list below shows Australia's largest electricity companies, including those that are fully Australian-owned, partially Australian-owned, and those that are fully owned by foreign companies or investors.

Fully Australian-owned

Amber Electric

Founded in 2017 and led by co-CEOs Chris Thompson and Dan Adams, Amber Electric is backed by Australian investors like Square Peg Capital, Main Sequence Ventures, and CommBank.

Aurora Energy

Owned by the Tasmanian Government, Aurora Energy is a state-run entity acting on behalf of the Tasmanian community.

CovaU

CovaU is a subsidiary of TPC Consolidated Limited, an Australian company based in Sydney.

Diamond Energy

An Australian company committed to renewable energy, sourcing electricity from over 60 renewable generators.

Discover Energy

100% Australian-owned and run by a tech-focused team aiming to innovate within the energy sector.

Dodo

Operates under Vocus Communications, which is ASX-listed. While headquartered in Australia, the level of foreign shareholding in Vocus is unclear.

Ergon Energy

Owned by the Queensland Government, making it fully Australian-owned.

Future X Power

Founded in Brisbane in 2014, Future X Power remains Australian-owned.

GEE Energy

A 100% Australian-owned energy retailer with a customer service centre based in Brisbane.

GloBird Energy

Based in Melbourne, GloBird claims to be fiercely independent and fully Australian-owned.

Glow Power

A relatively new entrant to the energy retail space, Glow Power is based in Victoria and is Australian-owned.

LPE (Locality Planning Energy)

An Australian energy retailer headquartered in Maroochydore, Queensland.

Lumo Energy

Owned by Snowy Hydro, which is government-owned, Lumo is an Australian entity.

Momentum Energy

Part of Hydro Tasmania, a government-owned business focused on clean energy.

Radian Energy

Founded by David Aaskov and Dr. David Ireland, Radian Energy is 100% Australian-owned.

Red Energy

Also owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a fully Australian government-owned retailer.

Smart Energy

Describes itself as entirely Australian-owned and operated.

Sumo

A 100% Australian-owned company based in Melbourne.

Synergy

Owned by the Western Australian Government, with no current plans for privatisation.

1st Energy

An Australian-based provider with some external investment — notably Shell Energy holds a minor stake.

Partly Australian-owned

ActewAGL

A 50/50 joint venture between Icon Water and AGL, meaning a mix of public and private interests.

AGL

Listed on the ASX and majority-owned by Australian investors. Technically not fully Australian-owned due to international shareholding, but Australian in origin.

Arcline by RACV

A joint venture between RACV and Energy Locals. Due to US-based investor Quinbrook’s stake in Energy Locals, Arcline is only partly Australian-owned.

EnergyAustralia

Despite the name, this company is wholly owned by CLP Group, a Hong Kong-based energy conglomerate. It was formerly a state-owned entity before being sold to TruEnergy (now EnergyAustralia) in 2011.

Energy Locals

While it operates locally and was founded by Australian Adrian Merrick (still its largest shareholder), Energy Locals has backing from Quinbrook, a US-Australia-based investor.

Kogan Energy

An extension of the well-known Kogan online brand. Kogan is ASX-listed, which makes it partially Australian-owned with some international shareholders.

Nectr

Founded in Australia, but backed by Hanwha Energy, a major Korean energy group, making it foreign controlled.

Origin Energy

ASX-listed with significant foreign investment, Origin has strong Australian roots but is only partially locally owned.

OVO Energy

A UK-originated company. In Australia, OVO operates with a majority stake held by AGL, adding a complex ownership structure.

Powershop

Previously owned by a New Zealand firm, Powershop is now owned by Shell, making it part of a global oil and gas conglomerate.

ReAmped Energy

Founded by Australian Jason Donald, with financial support from New Zealand and UK investors. Notably, many employees have ownership stakes, giving it a partially Australian identity.

Tango Energy

Tango Energy, originally part of Pacific Hydro, is based in Melbourne and markets itself on its renewable credentials. However, it has been fully owned by China's State Power Investment Corporation since 2016. So while the operations are local, the ownership is foreign.

Foreign-owned companies

Alinta Energy

Bought by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises of Hong Kong in 2017. Alinta maintains a significant presence across Australian cities and owns several power stations. It has invested in renewable energy initiatives such as wind and battery storage projects.

ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy)

ENGIE is a French multinational and one of the largest energy companies globally. In Australia, it operates through the brand Simply Energy, which many customers still associate with as a local provider. However, both ENGIE and Simply Energy are 100% foreign-owned.

ENGIE has a large operational presence in Australia, involved in both retail and generation. While its size can lead to pricing advantages and large-scale infrastructure investment, the company's profits ultimately return to France.

This highlights a broader industry trend: some brands may look local but are part of international conglomerates.

Why choose Australian-owned energy companies?

There are many reasons why you might prefer to buy electricity from an Australian-owned company.

Choosing an Australian-owned energy retailer has several benefits. First, it supports local jobs and encourages innovation within the Australian energy sector. This helps keep more money and resources within the country.

Another advantage is having access to local customer service. With Australian call centres, you are more likely to speak with someone who understands your needs and concerns.

Lastly, buying energy from an Australian-owned retailer means benefiting from local expertise. These companies understand the needs of Australian customers and have experience navigating the local market, which can result in better service.

By choosing an Australian energy company, you’re not just keeping your money in the country - you’re also supporting a provider that truly understands the Australian market.

It’s worth noting that some foreign-owned companies, like ENGIE or Alinta, still operate significant infrastructure in Australia and employ thousands locally. However, ownership affects where profits go and who ultimately controls decisions.

Before choosing an energy provider, it’s important to know their background, location, main priorities, and where they invest. Just because a company is Australian-owned and supports the local economy doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best prices or customer service.

On the other hand, a foreign-owned provider might offer better deals or renewable energy options but may not have easily accessible call centres. Understanding these factors is key to making a decision you’ll be happy with in the long run. Stay informed to make the best choice for your needs.

How to find the best energy prices

Finding an energy plan that fits your lifestyle and usage can be challenging. Instead of spending hours sifting through all the available options, Compare Energy simplifies the process of comparing electricity and gas prices online.

Whether your goal is to lower your utility bills or choose an Australian-owned energy provider, we’re here to help you find the perfect plan.

At Compare Energy, we focus on matching you with affordable electricity and gas options tailored to your specific needs. To start saving today, begin comparing now and call our team on 1300 790 106.