AGL vs EnergyAustralia: Which is Better, Cheaper?
EnergyAustralia and AGL are two of the biggest energy providers in Australia and members of "The Big 3". Together their services cover around 38% of the energy market in Australia, but are they any good? – What is the difference between AGL and EnergyAustralia? We answer these questions, and more, below. Read on to compare rates, plans, prices and customer service.
Where Do They Operate? EnergyAustralia vs AGL
As you know, depending on where you live in Australia you will have access to some services and not others.
Thanks to their massive size, these two companies operate in the majority of locations across Australia with some exceptions.
For example, AGL does not operate in ACT, Tasmania or the Northern Territory. Likewise, EnergyAustralia lacks operations in Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Here's a table that shows where AGL & EnergyAustralia operate to help you get a clearer picture of which services are available in your area.
| EnergyAustralia | AGL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Gas | Electricity | Gas | |
| New South Wales | ||||
| ACT | ||||
| Victoria | ||||
| Queensland | ||||
| South Australia | ||||
| Western Australia | ||||
| Tasmania | ||||
| Northern Territory | ||||
AGL vs EnergyAustralia Plans and Offers
As we mentioned above, your location will determine what services are available to you through each company.
Some plans may not be available in your area, such as gas plans through EnergyAustralia being unavailable in Queensland.
However, you are sure to be able to get service through one of these companies if you live in the more populous regions of Australia.
In the sections below, we detail the types of plans and tariffs available through EnergyAustralia and AGL.
If you prefer to jump directly into the differences in pricing of AGL vs EnergyAustralia plans, you can skip ahead to the next section where we compare their 2 cheapest electricity and gas plans.
AGL Gas and Electricity Plans
AGL has three standard energy plans you can choose from and 1 solar feed-in tariff.
AGL's cheapest plan on offer is the Super Saver plan.
As not every plan is available in each state remember to check above and see what offers are available for your location.
Here is a full list of AGL's Energy Plans:
| AGL Energy Plan Name | AGL Energy Plan Description |
|---|---|
| Flexible Saver | Low, variable rates with an ongoing benefit period with flexible billing methods |
| Basics | Variable rates on a 12-month benefit period with a discount off the reference price |
| Value Saver | Fixed rates for 12 months with the biggest discount available. E-billing required |
| Solar Saver | No discount off the reference price but a higher solar feed-in tariff |
EnergyAustralia Electricity and Gas Plans
EnergyAustralia also has three standard energy plans and 1 feed-in tariff. Like AGL, not every plan is available in each state.
If you are looking for the cheapest electricity plan, your best bet is to go with the EnergyAustralia Total Plan.
You can see a full list of Energy Australia plan offerings in the table below:
| EnergyAustralia Plan Name | EnergyAustralia Plan Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Home | The default market offer with no discounts, benefit period, or exit fees |
| Flexi Plan | Get simple, low rates for 12 months |
| Balance Plan | The biggest discount off the reference price, with a guaranteed discount on your total energy bill |
| Solar Max | This is a standard-rate feed-in tariff offering little over the minimum value. |
EnergyAustralia vs AGL: Which One is Cheaper?
Now that you have had a look at where each company operates and the different plan offerings, let's take a look at which company comes out to be cheaper when comparing energy plans.
We found that AGL and EnergyAustralia are not the cheapest energy providers available. If you are looking for the cheapest energy plans in each state, you can compare the cheapest energy rates here.
For our price comparison of AGL vs Energy Australia, we decided to separate the tariffs between electricity and gas to offer a clearer picture for those who might only have access to one fuel type.
Below, you can find the cheapest electricity plans for AGL and EnergyAustralia, which includes the annual cost and the discount off the reference price .
| State | AGL Value Saver |
EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 5% discount $1,730 / year |
10% discount $1,640 / year |
| ACT | N/A | 19% discount $2,050 / year |
| Victoria | 9% discount $1,340 / year |
20% discount $1,190 / year |
| Queensland | 3% discount $1,960 / year |
18% discount $1,620 / year |
| South Australia | 7% discount $2,110 / year |
Same as reference price $2,270 / year |
Source: AGL and EnergyAustralia websites. Valid December 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price and average usage from each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
- Who Has The Cheapest Electricity?
- In New South Wales, AGL's electricity is cheaper than Energy Australia's
- In ACT, AGL doesn't offer electricity, so Energy Australia is the only option.
- In Victoria, AGL & Energy Australia offer the same price for electricity.
- In Queensland, AGL offers cheaper electricity than Energy Australia.
- In South Australia, AGL's electricity plan is slightly cheaper than Energy Australia's
Compare Gas Prices: AGL vs EnergyAustralia
Below we have compared the cheapest gas plans from EnergyAustralia and AGL to find out which company offers the better deal.
| State & Average Usage | AGL Value Saver |
EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales 18,542Mj / year |
$860 / year | $1,040 / year |
| ACT 38,544Mj / year |
N / A | $1,100 / year |
| Victoria 58,035Mj / year |
$1,260 / year | $1,020 / year |
| Qld 7,154Mj / year |
$720 / year | N / A |
| South Australia 10,987Mj / year |
$960 / year | $1,170 / year |
| Western Australia (Plan: Set & Forget) 4,015Mj / year |
$124 / quarter | N / A |
Source: AGL and EnergyAustralia websites. Valid December 2024. Estimated annual cost is based on the Basic Plan Information Document for each capital city in each available state or territory. Discounts and annual cost based on the Basic Plan Information Document. Comparison does not include all offers available.
- Who Has The Cheapest Gas?
- In New South Wales, AGL offers cheaper gas than Energy Australia.
- In ACT, AGL doesn't offer gas. Only Energy Australia is available.
- In Victoria, Energy Australia offers cheaper gas than AGL.
- In Queensland, Energy Australia doesn't offer gas. AGL is available.
- In South Australia, AGL offers cheaper gas than Energy Australia.
- In Western Australia, Energy Australia doesn't offer gas. AGL is available.
AGL vs EnergyAustralia: Solar Feed-in Tariffs
If you’re planning on investing in solar energy, or you’ve already had solar panels installed on your home, you'll want to take a look at the solar feed-in tariffs available through AGL & Energy Australia.
AGL is an end-to-end solar retailer and Clean Energy Council accredited solar installer, and offers a solar-specific electricity plan with a higher feed-in tariff to customers in New South Wales and South Australia. This means you can purchase, install, and receive an FiT deal all through AGL.
EnergyAustralia, however, does not currently offer solar installation, and only offers a standard single-rate solar feed-in tariff.
Heres a table showing the solar feed-in tariffs available through AGL and EnergyAustralia.
| Plan Name | NSW | ACT | Vic | Qld | SA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGL Solar Savers FiT | 12c | N / A | 12c | 12c | 12c |
| AGL Basic FiT | 5c | N / A | 4.9c | 5c | 6c |
| EnergyAustralia Basic FiT | 7.6c | 7.6c | 5.4c | 6.6c | 8.5c |
Valid December 2024.
When comparing solar FiT, it’s important to remember that energy companies will often offer a higher solar FiT in exchange for a lower (or no) discount off the reference price. For customers with smaller solar PV systems, it might be better to choose the higher discount, even if it means a lower feed-in tariff.
Which is Better: AGL or EnergyAustralia?
Choosing between AGL and EnergyAustralia really comes down to what it is you’re looking for in an energy plan and provider.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest electricity, best gas plan, good customer service, or something else, both AGL and EnergyAustralia offer something for every household.
If price is your deciding factor, AGL electricity is cheaper in all the states it operates, unless you live in Victoria, where you will find that both companies offer the same price for gas and electricity. In terms of gas, AGL was cheaper in all states except for in NSW.
Therefore, in terms of price, you have a better chance of saving money with AGL. However, price shouldn't be your only deciding factor for switching.
AGL clearly beats out Energy Australia in terms of customer service. According to the AER market report which tracks customer service and complaints, AGL has an average call wait time of only 34 seconds. That means you can expect to wait on hold with EnergyAustralia for more than a minute longer on average.
AGL also has a very low number of complaints with only 3% of customers filing complaints. However, when looking at the total amount of customer complaints, EnergyAustralia wins out as they only had 17,806 customers complain vs 41,703 customer complaints received by AGL.
If you are basing your decision on green energy, both companies rank fairly low as is reflected in their Greenpeace ratings and offer the exact same amount of Green Power options. However, AGL does offer better variety for solar feed-in tariffs with higher payout rates as well as options for purchasing solar panels.
Here's a table showing an overall summary of AGL vs EnergyAustralia:
| Category | EnergyAustralia | AGL |
|---|---|---|
| GreenPeace Green Electricity Guide Rating 2018 | 1.35 / 10 | 1.2 / 10 |
| Average wait time for customer calls* | 101 seconds | 34 seconds |
| Calls answered within 30 seconds* | 66% | 80% |
| Customer complaints: Total number and percentage of customers* | 17,806 complaints 2% of total customers |
41,703 complaints 3% of total customers |
| GreenPower percentages | 10%, 20% or 100% | 10%, 20% or 100% |
| Solar energy | Solar panels: No Solar FiT: Yes |
Solar panels: Yes Solar FiT: Yes |
*Source: AER Retail Market Report 2019-2020. Valid December 2024.
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Compare the Cheapest Electricity Rates & Plans
In searching for the best electricity plan, it is important to compare electricity rates from all the top energy retailers. Below we have compared the rates, per state, for a few of Selectra’s top choices for energy retailers.
Compare Electricity Rates in New South Wales
| Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
 SUMO Assure |
$1,330 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 88.00c/day |
|
 Ovo Energy The One Plan |
$1,430 / year | Benefits: GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 82.50c/day |
|
 Energy Locals Online Member |
$1,610 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 57.00c/day |
|
| Origin Go Variable | $1,640 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 88.02c/day |
|
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan | $1,640 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 95.70c/day |
|
| AGL Value Saver | $1,730 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 87.58c/day |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don't compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on electricity distributor for Sydney (2000) with an average use of 3900kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2024.
Important Information Show Less
Compare Electricity Rates in Australian Capital Territory
| Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Go Variable | $1,550 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 104.83c/day |
|
Energy Locals Online Member |
$2,030 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 59.00c/day |
|
| Energy Australia Flexi Plan | $2,050 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 104.04c/day |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don't compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on electricity distributor for Canberra (2600) with an average use of 6100kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2024.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Victoria
| Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
SUMO Select |
$1,010 / year | Benefits: No Lock-In Contract Daily Supply Charge: 105.27c/day |
|
Ovo Energy The One Plan |
$1,050 / year | Benefits: Ongoing Contract & Interest Rewards Daily Supply Charge: 108.90/day |
|
Energy Locals Online Member |
$1,120 / year | Benefits: No Lock-In Contract, Solar Feed-In & $50 Referral Credit Daily Supply Charge: 52.38c/day |
|
| Origin Go Variable | $1,170 / year | Benefits: No Lock-In Contract Daily Supply Charge: 91.05c/day |
|
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan | $1,190 / year | Benefits: Carbon Neutral, 1 Year Benefit Plan & $50 Onlne Sign Up Credit Daily Supply Charge: 115.25c/day |
|
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $1,340 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, Variable Rate Plan & GreenPower Daily Supply Charge: 103.72c/day |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don't compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on electricity distributor for Melbourne (3000) with an average use of 4,000kWh/year. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2024.
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Compare Electricity Rates in Queensland
| Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
SUMO Assure Advantage |
$1,390 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 101.20c/day |
|
Ovo Energy The One Plan |
$1,540 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 93.50c/day |
|
| EnergyAustralia Basic Home | $1,620 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 103.95c/day |
|
Energy Locals Online Member |
$1,740 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 85.00c/day |
|
| Origin Go Variable | $1,870 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 127.29c/day |
|
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $1,960 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 133.36c/day |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don't compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on electricity distributor for Brisbane (4000) with an average use of 4,600kwh/year. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2024.
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Compare Electricity Rates in South Australia
| Rank | Energy Provider + Plan | Estimated Yearly Price | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Ovo Energy The One Plan |
$1,760 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 106.15c/day |
|
SUMO Lite Residential |
$1,840 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 101.00c/day |
|
| Origin Value | $1,890 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 108.67c/day |
|
Energy Locals Online Member |
$2,080 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible Daily Supply Charge: 78.00c/day |
|
| AGL Residential Value Saver | $2,110 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 106.66c/day |
|
| EnergyAustralia Flexi Plan | $2,270 / year | Benefits: Solar Feed-In Daily Supply Charge: 104.50c/day |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only and don't compare all products, providers, plan features, offers, or rates. Products are compared like-for-like and any distinctions between products are clearly marked. Not all offers may be available in all locations or distribution networks. Rates based on electricity distributor for Adelaide (5000) with an average use of 4000kWh. Calculations are based on the reference price for this area. Any offers or estimated costs compared are for example purposes only and may change based on your individual circumstances or habits. Selectra advises you to do your own research at energymadeeasy.com before determining if you should sign up for a new energy plan. Offers and availability are subject to change. Read more about Basic Plan Information here. Valid December 2024.
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