July 2019 – Why electricity spot prices are hitting zero – When Snowy Hydro underwrote the Tailem Bend solar farm in 2017, it included a safety net allowing the $170 million plant to be switched off if power prices ever went below zero.
June 2019 – ‘Significant shift’ as big three power retailers lose share – Australia’s “big three” electricity retailers have lost their outright dominance in south-east Queensland and South Australia as new competitors entered the market and switching rates reached record levels, undermining the justification behind the federal government’s threatened “big stick” divestment legislation.
February 2019 – Simple deals, no discounts: Small power companies beat big end of town – Big power bill discounts are no longer attracting customers as consumers flock to more simple, less confusing deals from small electricity retailers.
Green Electricity score
This score is based on the company’s Green Electricity Guide star rating.
Complaints score
This score is based on the number of complaints measured as a proportion against the number of customers. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
Call response score
This score is based on how likely the retailer is to answer a call within 30 seconds. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
Lumo Energy is owned by Australian company Snowy Hydro. The company was established in 2010, and offers energy supplied by one of the biggest and longest running renewable energy generators operating in Australia.
Which states does Lumo Energy supply?
Lumo Energy is available in South Australia and Victoria.
CHOICE Expert Rating on Lumo Energy
CHOICE Expert rating: 76% (average 67%)
Green electricity score: 66% (average 49%)
Complaints score: 98% (average 98%)
Call response score: 67% (average 61%)
CHOICE verdict on Lumo Energy
Environment
- Through its parent company (Snowy Hydro), Lumo Energy owns and operates predominately renewable power plants. The company’s emissions intensity is close to zero.
- However, Snowy Hydro still owns and operates three gas-fired power stations and is currently building another one.
- Lumo offers a lower-than-average price on GreenPower offsets, and has equitable solar offers for customers. However, the company is not carbon neutral.
- Lumo Energy and Snowy Hydro have not made their position on investment in coal and coal seam gas known.
- Snowy Hydro claims to deliver one third of total renewable energy to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Customer service
- 4,345 (2.1%) of Lumo Energy customers filed complaints against the company, according to the Australian Energy Regulator’s 2021–22 data.
- 73% of customer service calls made to Lumo are answered within 30 seconds.
- The average wait time for calls made to the company is 51 seconds.
- 2.9% of calls made to Lumo Energy are abandoned before being answered.
Lumo Energy’s energy sources
Lumo’s energy sources were not transparent during our 2020-21 survey. Sources listed below are from our 2019-20 survey.Hydro: 74%
Gas: 23.5%
Diesel: 2.5%
July 2019 – Why electricity spot prices are hitting zero – When Snowy Hydro underwrote the Tailem Bend solar farm in 2017, it included a safety net allowing the $170 million plant to be switched off if power prices ever went below zero.
June 2019 – ‘Significant shift’ as big three power retailers lose share – Australia’s “big three” electricity retailers have lost their outright dominance in south-east Queensland and South Australia as new competitors entered the market and switching rates reached record levels, undermining the justification behind the federal government’s threatened “big stick” divestment legislation.
February 2019 – Simple deals, no discounts: Small power companies beat big end of town – Big power bill discounts are no longer attracting customers as consumers flock to more simple, less confusing deals from small electricity retailers.
Green Electricity score
This score is based on the company’s Green Electricity Guide star rating.
Complaints score
This score is based on the number of complaints measured as a proportion against the number of customers. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
Call response score
This score is based on how likely the retailer is to answer a call within 30 seconds. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
July 2019 – Why electricity spot prices are hitting zero – When Snowy Hydro underwrote the Tailem Bend solar farm in 2017, it included a safety net allowing the $170 million plant to be switched off if power prices ever went below zero.
June 2019 – ‘Significant shift’ as big three power retailers lose share – Australia’s “big three” electricity retailers have lost their outright dominance in south-east Queensland and South Australia as new competitors entered the market and switching rates reached record levels, undermining the justification behind the federal government’s threatened “big stick” divestment legislation.
February 2019 – Simple deals, no discounts: Small power companies beat big end of town – Big power bill discounts are no longer attracting customers as consumers flock to more simple, less confusing deals from small electricity retailers.
Green Electricity score
This score is based on the company’s Green Electricity Guide star rating.
Complaints score
This score is based on the number of complaints measured as a proportion against the number of customers. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
Call response score
This score is based on how likely the retailer is to answer a call within 30 seconds. The higher the percentage, the better. Data via the Australian Energy Regulator – updated annually.
