GreenPower Certified Retailers in Melbourne: Your Guide to Clean Energy Options
In an era where environmental consciousness is increasingly important, many Melbourne residents and businesses are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One of the most accessible ways to make a positive environmental impact is by choosing GreenPower certified electricity retailers. This guide explores the GreenPower program and highlights the certified retailers operating in Melbourne, helping you make an informed decision about your energy provider.
What is GreenPower?
GreenPower is a government-accredited program that enables Australian households and businesses to purchase renewable energy through their electricity retailers. When you choose a GreenPower product, your retailer commits to purchasing the equivalent amount of renewable energy from government-accredited sources and feeding it into the national electricity grid. This program ensures that your electricity consumption supports the growth of Australia’s renewable energy sector.
The GreenPower program guarantees that:
- The renewable energy purchased is additional to mandatory government renewable energy targets
- The renewable energy comes from new Australian projects built after 1997
- All GreenPower purchases are independently audited
- Your contribution directly supports the renewable energy industry
GreenPower Certified Retailers in Melbourne
Melbourne residents have access to several GreenPower certified retailers, each offering different packages, pricing structures, and percentage options. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the major providers:
AGL Energy
AGL is one of Australia’s largest energy retailers and offers GreenPower options to Melbourne customers.
GreenPower Options:
- 10% GreenPower: A budget-friendly option for those beginning their renewable energy journey
- 20% GreenPower: A mid-range option
- 100% GreenPower: Full renewable energy coverage
Unique Offerings:
- Carbon Neutral options for gas usage
- Flexible billing options and payment plans
- Strong digital platform for tracking energy usage
- Solar-specific plans for households with existing solar installations
AGL has committed to exiting coal generation by 2035 and has invested significantly in various renewable energy projects across Australia.
Origin Energy
Origin Energy provides several GreenPower certified products to Melbourne customers.
GreenPower Options:
- 25% GreenPower: Entry-level option
- 50% GreenPower: Mid-level commitment
- 100% GreenPower: Full renewable energy support
Unique Offerings:
- Green LPG options for homes not connected to the gas network
- Origin Go Zero (carbon offset) plans
- Competitive feed-in tariffs for solar customers
- No lock-in contracts with certain plans
Origin has committed to exiting coal generation by 2032 and is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
Powershop
Powershop has built its reputation as an environmentally conscious retailer and offers 100% carbon neutral electricity as standard.
GreenPower Options:
- 100% GreenPower (“Premium Green”)
Unique Offerings:
- User-friendly app for monitoring usage and purchasing power “packs”
- Opportunities to prepurchase electricity at discounted rates
- Online tools to help reduce consumption
- All customers receive carbon neutral electricity as standard, with GreenPower as an additional option
Powershop is owned by Meridian Energy, which operates renewable energy assets across Australia and New Zealand.
Momentum Energy
Momentum Energy is owned by Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest renewable energy generator.
GreenPower Options:
- 10% GreenPower
- 25% GreenPower
- 100% GreenPower
Unique Offerings:
- Owned by a 100% renewable energy generator
- Simple, transparent pricing structure
- No lock-in contracts
- Australian-based customer service
Energy Australia
Energy Australia is another major retailer offering GreenPower options to Melbourne customers.
GreenPower Options:
- 10% GreenPower
- 20% GreenPower
- 100% GreenPower
Unique Offerings:
- Climate Neutral certification for select plans
- PureEnergy range of products
- Competitive prices for GreenPower options
- Carbon offset programs available
Energy Australia has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and has announced plans to close its coal assets.
Red Energy
Red Energy is owned by Snowy Hydro, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies.
GreenPower Options:
- 10% GreenPower
- 25% GreenPower
- 100% GreenPower
Unique Offerings:
- Backed by Snowy Hydro’s renewable generation
- Rewards program for loyal customers
- Strong focus on local Australian customer service
- Competitive rates and special offers for new customers
Diamond Energy
Diamond Energy positions itself as a truly green retailer, with a focus on renewable energy.
GreenPower Options:
- 50% GreenPower
- 100% GreenPower
Unique Offerings:
- Investments in bioenergy and solar farms
- High feed-in tariffs for solar customers
- Peak/off-peak rates optimization
- Renewable energy focus from the ground up, not just as an add-on service
Energy Locals
Energy Locals is a newer entrant that focuses on transparency and ethical operations.
GreenPower Options:
- 10% GreenPower
- 50% GreenPower
- 100% GreenPower
Unique Offerings:
- Membership-based model with transparent pricing
- Claims to not profit from customer energy usage
- Partners with community energy projects
- Carbon neutral operations
Cost Considerations
GreenPower options typically involve an additional premium on your electricity bill, reflecting the higher cost of renewable energy infrastructure. However, this premium has been decreasing over time as renewable energy becomes more cost-competitive.
On average, Melbourne customers can expect to pay:
- For 10% GreenPower: An additional $0.80-$1.50 per week
- For 50% GreenPower: An additional $4-$7 per week
- For 100% GreenPower: An additional $8-$14 per week
These figures are approximate and vary between retailers and based on household consumption patterns. The actual cost impact will depend on your specific electricity usage.
Making Your Decision
When choosing a GreenPower certified retailer in Melbourne, consider:
- Percentage options: Determine what percentage of GreenPower suits your budget and environmental goals
- Base electricity rates: Sometimes retailers with higher GreenPower premiums have lower base rates, making total costs comparable
- Contract terms: Check for lock-in periods, exit fees, and flexibility
- Additional benefits: Look for retailers offering complementary services like energy efficiency advice or carbon offset programs
- Company sustainability: Research the retailer’s broader environmental commitments and renewable energy investments
Beyond GreenPower
While GreenPower is an excellent way to support renewable energy, consider these complementary approaches:
- Energy efficiency improvements: Reducing consumption through LED lighting, improved insulation, and efficient appliances
- Solar installation: Melbourne offers various incentives for residential and commercial solar panel installation
- Community energy projects: Some Melbourne communities are establishing collective renewable energy initiatives
Conclusion
Melbourne residents are fortunate to have multiple GreenPower certified retailers to choose from, each with distinct offerings and approaches to renewable energy. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward cleaner energy with a 10% GreenPower option or committing fully to 100% renewable electricity, your choice makes a tangible difference in Australia’s energy landscape.
By supporting GreenPower through your choice of electricity retailer, you’re contributing to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and helping Melbourne—and Australia—move toward a more sustainable energy future.
This guide provides general information about GreenPower certified retailers in Melbourne as of April 2025. For the most current pricing and offering details, please contact individual retailers directly.