AGL vs Origin - Compare Plans, Rates & Customer Service
As two of the three biggest energy providers in Australia, it might seem like there isn’t any difference between AGL and Origin Energy. But, are they actually that different? Read on to see our comparison of AGL vs Origin Energy and see their prices, customer service reviews, locations of sevice and more.
Comparison: AGL vs Origin
| Category | AGL | Origin Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Average Customer Review | 1.5 out of 5 stars | 1.4 out of 5 stars |
| Electricity Offered in | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT |
| Gas Offered in | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, WA |
| Green Power Options | 10%, 20% or 100% | 25%, 50% or 100% |
| Solar Energy Options | Solar Panels & Feed-in Tariff | Solar Panels & Feed-in Tariff |
| Greenpeace "Green Electricity Rating" | 1.29 / 10 | 1.6 / 10 |
| Average customer call wait time* | 34 seconds | 145 seconds |
| % of Customer Calls Answered Within 30 Seconds* | 80% | 53% |
| Number of Customer Complaints* | 3% of total customers 41,703 complaints |
1% of total customers 26,598 complaints |
*Source: AER Retail Market Report 2019-2020
AGL and Origin Energy are really similar when you take a look at the comparison table above.
One of the main differences is going to be where they each operate and the strength of their green energy programs. If you aren't interested in green energy, then the difference between the two providers for you will likely come down to location and price.
AGL vs Origin Energy: Where Do They operate?
The first step when it comes to comparing energy providers in Australia is to find out if they retail electricity and gas services to your area.
Bigger energy providers are usually available in most parts of the National Electricity Market however, AGL does not retail in the ACT, nor does it supply natural gas to Queensland.
Origin Energy, however, is available in the ACT and in Queensland while both AGL and Origin Energy retail natural gas to Western Australia.
| AGL Energy | Origin Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Available in: | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT |
| Natural Gas Available in: | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, WA |
AGL vs Origin Plans
In the section below we break down all the options that are available for Origin Energy Plans and AGL energy plans. You can use the drop-down arrows below to read about each plan.
AGL Energy Plans
AGL has three standard plans, ranging from variable rate tariffs to fixed-rate tariffs, all with different benefits. To receive the biggest discount on your bill through AGL, you'll need to choose e-billing, low and variable rates with flexible billing methods, or choose AGL Solar Savers for a higher solar feed-in tariff.
Below the benefits of each tariff is explained.
AGL Flexible Saver
Low, variable rates with an ongoing benefit period with flexible billing methods
AGL Go Variable
Variable rates on a 12-month benefit period with a discount off the reference price
AGL Super Saver
Fixed rates for 12 months with the biggest discount available. E-billing required
AGL Solar Saver
No discount off the reference price but a higher solar feed-in tariff
Origin Energy Plans
Like AGL, Origin Energy also has several different plans available for their customers including two solar energy plans as well as energy plans with variable rates and fixed rates. You will find the details of each below.
Origin Energy Go Plan
12-month fixed rates for gas and electricity with simplified pricing and free Green gas and Green Power. Additional sign up bonus for customers with an Everyday Rewards number. Everyday Rewards members also continue accumulating points through bill pay.
Origin Energy Flexi Rate ePlus
Variable-rate tariff with low rates for gas & electricity with 12-month auto-renewal. E-billing is required. Flexi Rate ePlus is not available in Victoria.
Origin Home Support + Origin Basic Gas
No discount off the reference price. Get 12 months of 24/7 home support with the Allianz Global Network plus two home callouts of up to $300 each.
Origin Basic Plan
A variable-rate default market offer for gas and electricity that is equal to the reference price. Auto-renewal and you are capped at the market reference price.
Origin Solar Boost
A variable-rate electricity tariff with 12-month auto-renewal. Only available for existing solar panel systems and offers a high rate for export.
Origin Solar Boost Plus
Only for customers who purchase Origin Energy solar panel systems and offers the highest export offer that Origin allows. Solar panels are available for purchase on a 24-month interest-free payment plan or for one lump sum. Includes maintenance and repairs from Origin Energy's solar technicians.
Who Has Cheaper Electricity Deals: Origin Energy or AGL
As we mentioned above, the main areas Origin and AGL compete on is price and areas of service. If you are looking for the cheapest electricity plans from AGL or Origin Energy, then look no further.
Below, we've taken the cheapest plans from both companies to see how they stack up against each other in terms of price. Find your state below to see the estimated yearly cost and the percent discount off the reference price for AGL vs Origin. For extra information, visit our guides to AGL electricity and gas rates, and Origin Energy rates
New South Wales
With their cheapest plans, Origin Energy and AGL's rates are almost identical in New South Wales. Therefore, if you are looking to compare plans for these two providers, it's best to look at what other added benefits you will receive apart from price.
| Plan Name | Estimated Yearly Cost | Discount off the Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| AGL Super Saver | $1,142 / year | 18% discount |
| Origin Energy Origin Go | $1,143 / year | 16% discount |
Source: AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
Australian Capital Territory
AGL doesn't offer energy in the Australian Capital Territory, therefore in this comparison, Origin Energy wins out simply because they serve the area.
| Plan Name | Estimated Yearly Cost | Discount off the Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| AGL Super Saver |
N/A | N/A |
| Origin Energy Origin Go | $1,550 / year | 26% discount |
Source: AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
Victoria
In Victoria, AGL works out to be a bit cheaper than Origin Energy when comparing the following 2 plans.
| Plan Name | Estimated Yearly Cost | Discount off the Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| AGL Super Saver | $1,105 / year | 13% discount |
| Origin Energy Origin Go | $1,120 / year | 12% discount |
Source: AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
Queensland
In our comparison for Queensland, AGL came out a bit cheaper than Origin Energy thanks to their 18% discount off the reference price.
| Plan Name | Estimated Yearly Cost | Discount off the Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| AGL Super Saver | $1,193 / year | 18% discount |
| Origin Energy Origin Go | $1,252 / year | 14% discount |
Source: AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
South Australia
In South Australia, Origin Energy beat AGL on price and was over $100 cheaper.
| Plan Name | Estimated Yearly Cost | Discount off the Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| AGL Super Saver | $1,610 / year | 6% discount |
| Origin Energy Origin Go | $1,476 / year | 14% discount |
Source: AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
Who Has Cheaper Gas Deals: Origin Energy or AGL
Whether you’re looking to bundle electricity and gas or just need a new gas provider, you can find natural gas services through both AGL and Origin Energy.
Below you can find the cheapest gas plans AGL and Origin Energy offer, priced at the average medium usage for each capital city.
| State & Average Usage | AGL Super Saver |
Origin Energy Origin Go |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales 18,542Mj / year |
$739 / year | $770 / year |
| ACT 38,544Mj / year |
N / A | $1,490 / year |
| Victoria 58,035Mj / year |
$1,260 / year | $1,510 / year |
| Qld 7,154Mj / year |
$550 / year | $640 / year |
| South Australia 10,987Mj / year |
$710 / year | $730 / year |
Source: Origin Energy and AGL websites. Valid July 2021. Discounts and annual cost based on the Basic Plan Information Document for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.
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AGL vs Origin Energy: Solar Feed-in tariffs
If you have a solar PV system, or are interested in investing in solar energy, knowing your energy company’s solar feed-in tariff is as important as knowing their rates and discounts. Below, you can find a comparison of AGL and Origin Energy solar feed-in tariffs, for their solar energy plans, and their basic FiT for their standard plans.
| Plan Name | NSW | ACT | VIC | QLD | SA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGL Solar Savers FiT | 17c | N / A | N / A | N / A | 16c |
| AGL Basic FiT | 7c | N / A | 6.7c | 6c | 8c |
| Origin Solar Boost Plus | 20c | 20c | 20c | 20c | 20c |
| Origin Solar Boost | 10c | 8c | 10c | 10c | 10c |
| Origin Energy Basic FiT | 5c | 7c | 6.7c | 5c | 6c |
Valid July 2022. Valid Feb 2022. Must purchase solar panels through Origin Energy to get Solar Boost Plus rates.
Should I Sign up for AGL or Origin Energy?
The best energy provider is the one that fits your household’s needs, whether that's the cheapest provider, the one with the best customer service, or the provider that can get you the most back from your solar PV system. Regardless of your criteria, both AGL and Origin Energy offer something for every household.
AGL plan name AGL plan description AGL Essentials Get a total discount with fixed rates for 12 months AGL Essentials Saver Variable rates on a simple home energy plan AGL Solar A smaller discount off the reference price with a higher solar feed-in-tariff AGL Electric Vehicle Plan Exclusive for EV owners. Get discounted energy rates and additional credits (up to $480 over two years) to help save while charging your car
Origin Energy electricity and gas plans
Origin Energy offers five electricity and gas plans to Australians. These Origin Energy electricity and gas plans come with flexible billing and payment options, as well as numerous incentives with their plans.
| Origin Energy Plan Name | Origin Energy Plan Description |
|---|---|
| Origin Go | Get a discount off the reference price and earn Everyday Rewards |
| Origin Flexi | Flexible billing and payment methods with discounted electricity and gas |
| Origin Solar Boost | No additional discounts but get a higher solar feed-in-tariff |
| Origin Solar Boost Plus | Exclusive for customers who purchase solar PV systems with Origin Energy. Get the highest solar feed-in-tariff on the market |
AGL vs Origin Energy Review
Outside of cost, rates, and solar, it can be helpful to look at other factors when comparing energy providers. Here you can find a summarized comparison of Origin Energy and AGL. For a full review of each provider, see our Origin Energy Review and AGL Review.
| Category | AGL | Origin Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Green Electricity Guide Rating | 3.5 out of 5 stars and “Most Improved” | 3.5 out of 5 stars |
| Average wait time for customer calls (2019-20) | 34 seconds | 145 seconds |
| Calls answered within 30 seconds (2019-20) | 80% | 53% |
| Customer complaints (2019-20) total number and percentage of customers | 41,703 complaints 3% of total customers |
26,598 complaints 1% of total customers |
| Average customer review (various sources on the web) | 1.5 out of 5 stars | 1.4 out of 5 stars |
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