A BOOST in wind energy production has contributed to a mammoth increase in power prices in South Australia, a report has revealed.

The GoSwitch energy sector update showed the state's residents were paying 40 per cent more for electricity than a year ago.

An average annual bill in South Australia jumped from $2303 to $3247 after price rises on July 1, making it the country's second most expensive region.

Country New South Wales has the highest power prices in Australia with an average bill of $3257, up 20.5 per cent.

Central and eastern Victoria has the third-most expensive rates, with an average bill of $2721, a rise of 22.73 per cent.

GoSwitch chief executive Ben Freund said such rises were ``astronomical'', noting prices would continue to jump over the coming years.

He said the carbon tax was largely responsible for the unprecedented boom, adding around 10 per cent to the price increase in NSW.

An increase in the amount of energy produced by wind in South Australia to 26 per cent played a large part in its rising power costs, Mr Freund said.

"Electricity generators for wind power are very, very expensive,'' he said.

"The more you have of it in the grid, the more expensive it makes every kilowatt hour in the grid.''

Victoria was better positioned because of its largely privatised status, which allowed consumers to find discounted rates.

Mr Freund said Australians could reduce their bills by shopping around for cheaper providers and adopting energy-saving techniques.