Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Pacific Blue Energy Review : A Quick Recap
- Service Areas: VIC, NSW, QLD and SA. Electricity only.
- Average Annual Electricity Cost: $2,130 (21% higher than the best provider)
- Customer Satisfaction: 1.2/5 based on recent verified customer feedback and reviews. That’s a shocker!
Introduction
Choosing the right energy company in Australia requires careful consideration of multiple factors including pricing, service quality, and plan features. This Pacific Blue electricity review provides an objective analysis of what this energy provider offers, examining both strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We’ll evaluate their pricing structure, customer service performance, and overall value proposition in the competitive Australian energy market. Note that this review is at a point in time, and rates can change in the blink of an eye. For the latest comparison click here.
Who is Pacific Blue?
Pacific Blue operates as the retail division of Meridian Energy Australia, backed by New Zealand’s largest 100% renewable electricity generator. This connection gives Pacific Blue access to substantial renewable energy resources and positions them as a specialist in renewable energy generation.
The company primarily serves Australian households and businesses seeking renewable energy options, with operations across multiple States. Their business model focuses on leveraging their parent company’s renewable generation capabilities to offer customers access to wind and hydro-powered electricity.
Their retailing operation relies on grid supllied electrcity and in practice is no more ‘renewable’ than other providers. While the company’s generation is renewable, their retail operation is no more renewable that any other provider. The way to be genuinely renewable and to see through Green Washing is to source GreenPower.
Pacific Blue Review: What Pacific Blue Could (and Should) do Better
Like other energy companies, Pacific Blue Electricity has areas where they could enhance their offering:
Pricing Considerations: Pacific Blue’s rates typically position them in the mid-to-upper price range, well above the cheapest options available. Customers prioritizing the lowest cost may find more competitive rates elsewhere. They rely on their somewhat dubious renewable energy branding to sustain their premium.
Customer Service Performance: Pacific Blue receives a low average customer rating of 1.2 out of 5, based on independent review platforms. While some customers report helpful service, many highlight issues such as long response times, unresolved complaints, and inconsistent support. These problems are not unique to Pacific Blue, as customer service concerns are common across the Australian energy sector, but it’s an important factor to weigh before switching.
Additional Benefits: Pacific Blue focuses primarily on energy supply rather than offering extensive additional perks, loyalty programs, or promotional incentives that some larger retailers provide.
What are Pacific Blue’s Energy Plans Like?
Pacific Blue’s plan structure centers on their renewable energy expertise:
Residential Focus: Their primary market is household electricity customers, with plans designed for typical residential usage patterns.
Business Options: Pacific Blue also serves commercial customers with business energy solutions, though these may be less customised than specialized business energy providers offer.
Renewable Energy: A claimed feature of Pacific Blue plans is their renewable energy branding. although this is of dubious quality.
Rate Structures: Plans typically include both variable and fixed-rate options, with availability depending on location and current market conditions. Variable rates provide flexibility but can fluctuate, while fixed rates offer price certainty for specified periods.
Solar Integration: For customers with solar panels, Pacific Blue electricity provides feed-in tariffs for excess energy exported to the grid. The competitiveness of these rates should be compared with other renergy companies in your area.
Standard Services: Customers receive regular billing (monthly or quarterly) with various payment method options available.
Compare Pacific Blue Energy Plans with the Cheapest Options
Understanding Pacific Blue’s market position requires comparing their pricing with the most competitive available rates.
Victoria – Pacific Blue Energy Review
Our expert assessment in Victoria (VIC) shows that Pacific Blue customers could be facing notable overpayments. For instance, in Moorabbin, our analysis indicates potential excess costs of up to $106 annually compared to the best available plans. Similar discrepancies are observed in Bendigo, with a $104 potential overpayment, and Traralgon, at $102. In Camberwell and Heidelberg, the additional costs are approximately $66 and $81 respectively. From our independent standpoint, these figures warrant closer examination by Victorian consumers.
Pacific Blue – VIC – Elec
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Citipower – Camberwell
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Powercor – Bendigo
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Jemena – Heidelberg
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Ausnet – Traralgon
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United Energy – Moorabbin
Usage | Pacific Blue plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak | 0.1941 | 0.1957 |
Daily charge | 1.0890 | 0.8872 |
Yearly Cost | $1,320 | $1,254 |
Overpayment | $66 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.2411 | 0.1583 |
Peak2 | 0.2411 | 0.3520 |
Daily charge | 1.0340 | 1.6300 |
Yearly Cost | $1,523 | $1,419 |
Overpayment | $104 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.2211 | 0.1578 |
Peak2 | 0.2211 | 0.3108 |
Daily charge | 1.0450 | 1.4900 |
Yearly Cost | $1,432 | $1,351 |
Overpayment | $81 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest Plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.2805 | 0.1980 |
Peak2 | 0.3003 | 0.4087 |
Daily charge | 1.0340 | 1.6500 |
Yearly Cost | $1,724 | $1,622 |
Overpayment | $102 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak | 0.2263 | 0.2093 |
Daily charge | 0.9460 | 0.8763 |
Yearly Cost | $1,421 | $1,314 |
Overpayment | $106 | – |
NSW – Pacific Blue Energy Review
In New South Wales (NSW), our independent review highlights even more significant potential overcharges for Pacific Blue customers. Our analysis suggests that households in Mount Druitt could be overpaying by as much as $596 per annum. In Mosman, the potential annual premium is $590, while in Smithtown, it stands at $573. As independent energy experts, we find these discrepancies particularly noteworthy and indicative of a potential value gap in Pacific Blue’s NSW offerings.
Pacific Blue – NSW – Elec
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Ausgrid – Mosman
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Endeavour Energy – Mount Druitt
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Essential Energy – Smithtown
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.3652 | 0.2684 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.3069 |
Daily charge | 1.0450 | 0.8800 |
Yearly Cost | $2,381 | $1,791 |
Overpayment | $590 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.3607 | 0.2673 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.2992 |
Daily charge | 1.1990 | 0.9680 |
Yearly Cost | $2,412 | $1,817 |
Overpayment | $596 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.3774 | 0.3080 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.3443 |
Daily charge | 2.0790 | 1.5510 |
Yearly Cost | $2,825 | $2,252 |
Overpayment | $573 | – |
QLD – Pacific Blue Energy Review
Our independent analysis for Queensland (QLD), with a focus on Brisbane, also points to considerable potential overpayments for Pacific Blue customers. For those on Pacific Blue’s “Anytime” plan, our data suggests a potential annual overspend of $604. Customers on the “Anytime + CL” plan could be facing $499 in extra costs, while “Time of use” customers may be paying an additional $453. Our expert opinion is that more cost-effective alternatives are likely available to Brisbane residents.
Pacific Blue – QLD – Elec
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Brisbane – Energex – Single rate
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Brisbane – Energex – Time Of Use
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Brisbane – Energex – Single rate + Controlled Load
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest Plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.3427 | 0.2552 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.2937 |
Daily Charge | 1.2925 | 0.9240 |
Yearly cost | $2,310 | $1,706 |
OverPayment | $604 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest Plan |
---|---|---|
Peak | 0.3828 | 0.3344 |
Off Peak | 0.2937 | 0.2376 |
Shoulder | 0.3432 | 0.2376 |
Supply charges | 1.2925 | 1.0230 |
yearly cost | $2,268 | $1,815 |
OverPayment | $453 | – |
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest Plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.3427 | 0.2552 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.2937 |
CL | 0.2190 | 0.2750 |
Daily charge | 1.2925 | 0.9449 |
Yearly Cost | $2,588 | $2,089 |
OverPayment | $499 | – |
SA – Pacific Blue Energy Review
Finally, our independent energy expert review for South Australia (SA) indicates that Adelaide residents on Pacific Blue’s “Anytime” plan could be overpaying by a substantial $579 each year. For “Time of use” plan customers, the potential additional cost is $531. Our analysis concludes that Pacific Blue customers in SA may not be securing the most competitive rates.
Pacific Blue – SA – Elec
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Adelaide – SAPN – Single rate
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Adelaide – SAPN – Time of Use
Usage | Pacific Blue Plan | Cheapest plan |
---|---|---|
Peak1 | 0.4535 | 0.3443 |
Peak2 | N/A | 0.3685 |
Daily charge | 1.0890 | 1.2320 |
Yearly cost | $3,020 | $2,440 |
Overpayment | $579 | – |
Pacific Blue Review: Customer Service Analysis
Customer service experiences with Pacific Blue show typical industry variation:
Support channels include phone and online contact options, with response quality varying based on individual experiences and inquiry complexity. Some customers report helpful, knowledgeable service aligned with their renewable energy focus, while others experience longer wait times or require multiple contacts to resolve issues.
Independent review platforms provide mixed feedback, with ratings generally reflecting industry averages rather than exceptional performance in either direction. Potential customers should review recent customer feedback specific to their region when evaluating service expectations.
Pacific Blue Review: Making Your Decision
The most effective approach to energy provider selection involves comprehensive market comparison. Pacific Blue represents one option among many, with branding in renewable energy sourcing and straightforward plan structures, balanced against higher costs and limited plan variety.
Use comparison tools to evaluate Pacific Blue alongside all available retailers in your area, considering your priorities regarding cost, renewable energy sourcing, plan features, and service requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures you select the retailer that best matches your specific needs and preferences.
FAQs for Pacific Blue Energy
Pacific Blue is an Australian-owned renewable energy company that owns and operates a large portfolio of wind and hydro power stations across Australia. Pacific Blue Retail is their energy retail business.
Reference: https://www.pacificblue.com.au/about-us/
Pacific Blue’s key promise is that for every unit of electricity its customers use, it ensures a matching unit of electricity is generated and sent to the grid from its own 100% renewable sources. This directly links customer usage to the company’s renewable generation.
Reference: https://www.pacificblue.com.au/
Yes. While both support renewables, GreenPower is a government-accredited scheme where retailers buy certificates. Pacific Blue’s model directly matches your usage with electricity generated from their own portfolio of wind and hydro assets.
Reference: https://www.pacificblue.com.au/our-difference/
Yes, Pacific Blue states that when you call for support, you’ll be speaking with their local team based in Melbourne.
Reference: https://www.pacificblue.com.au/contact-us/
Their plans are designed to be simple and transparent, focusing on their core offering of providing energy backed by their own renewable generation, rather than complex discounts or gimmicks.
Reference: https://www.pacificblue.com.au/our-plans/
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