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AGL vs Origin - Compare Plans, Rates & Customer Service

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Person comparing AGL and Origin Energy logos

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.

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.

States Where AGL & Origin Energy Operate
  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 Basics

Low, variable rates with an ongoing benefit period with flexible billing methods

AGL Value Saver

Variable rates on a 12-month benefit period with a discount off the reference price

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 Variable

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 Everyday Rewards Variable

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 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.

Compare Cheapest Electricity Rates NSW: Origin vs AGL
Plan Name Estimated Yearly Cost Discount off the Reference Price
*Cheapest!
SUMO Assure
$1,330 / year 27% discount
Origin Energy Go Variable $1,640 / year 10% discount
AGL Super Saver $1,730 / year 5% discount

Source: Sumo, AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available. *Chepest means that this plan is the cheapeset among the Selectra's recommened plans.

A comparison of AGL and Origin Energy showed that Origin Energy is cheaper than AGL in the NSW region. We also compared the above two companies with Selectra's recommended electricity provider and found that SUMO Energy is the cheapest. SUMO is recommended for switching to the cheapest electricity plan in NSW. Valid March 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

Call Selectra Now and Get a Better SUMO Plan

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.

Compare Cheapest Electricity Rates ACT: Origin vs AGL

Plan Name Estimated Yearly Cost Discount off the Reference Price
Origin Energy Go Variable $1,550 / year 39% discount
*Second Cheapest!
Energy Locals Online Member
$2,030 / year 20% discount
AGL Value Saver N/A N/A

Source: Energy Locals, AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available. *Chepest means that this plan is the cheapeset among the Selectra's recommened plans.

A comparison of AGL and Origin Energy showed that Origin Energy is cheaper than AGL in the ACT region. We also compared the above two companies with Selectra's recommended electricity provider and found that Energy Locals is the cheapest. Energy Locals is recommended for switching to the cheapest electricity plan in ACT. Valid March 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

Call Selectra Now and Get a Better Energy Locals Plan

Victoria

In Victoria, AGL works out to be a bit cheaper than Origin Energy when comparing the following 2 plans.

Compare Cheapest Electricity Rates VIC: Origin vs AGL
Plan Name Estimated Yearly Cost Discount off the Reference Price
*Cheapest!
SUMO Select
$1,010 / year 20% discount
Origin Energy Go Variable $1,170 / year 21% discount
AGL Value Saver $1,340 / year 9% discount

Source: Sumo, AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available. *Chepest means that this plan is the cheapeset among the Selectra's recommened plans.

A comparison of AGL and Origin Energy showed that Origin Energy is cheaper than AGL in the VIC region. We also compared the above two companies with Selectra's recommended electricity provider and found that SUMO Energy is the cheapest. SUMO is recommended for switching to the cheapest electricity plan in VIC. Valid March 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

Call Selectra Now and Get a Better SUMO Plan

Queensland

In our comparison for Queensland, AGL came out a bit cheaper than Origin Energy thanks to their 18% discount off the reference price.

Compare Cheapest Electricity Rates QLD: Origin vs AGL
Plan Name Estimated Yearly Cost Discount off the Reference Price
*Cheapest!
SUMO Assure
$1,390 / year 29% discount
Origin Energy Go Variable $1,870 / year 5% discount
AGL Value Saver $1,960 / year 3% discount

Source: Sumo, AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available. *Chepest means that this plan is the cheapeset among the Selectra's recommened plans.

A comparison of AGL and Origin Energy showed that Origin Energy is cheaper than AGL in the QLD region. We also compared the above two companies with Selectra's recommended electricity provider and found that SUMO Energy is the cheapest. SUMO is recommended for switching to the cheapest electricity plan in QLD. Valid March 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
sumo

Call Selectra Now and Get a Better SUMO Plan

South Australia

In South Australia, Origin Energy beat AGL on price and was over $100 cheaper.

Compare Cheapest Electricity Rates SA: Origin vs AGL
Plan Name Estimated Yearly Cost Discount off the Reference Price
*Cheapest!
Ovo Energy The One Plan
$1,760 / year 23% discount
Origin Energy Value $1,890 / year 17% discount
AGL Value Saver $2,110 / year 7% discount

Source: Ovo, AGL and Origin Energy websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the reference price for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available. *Chepest means that this plan is the cheapeset among the Selectra's recommened plans.

A comparison of AGL and Origin Energy showed that Origin Energy is cheaper than AGL in the SA region. We also compared the above two companies with Selectra's recommended electricity provider and found that Ovo Energy is the cheapest. Ovo Energy is recommended for switching to the cheapest electricity plan in SA. Valid March 2024.

Selectra's Recommendation
ovo

Call Selectra Now and Get a Better OVO Energy Plan

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 discover both AGL gas plans and Origin Energy gas plans.

Below you can find the cheapest gas plans AGL and Origin Energy offer, priced at the average medium usage for each capital city.

Compare AGL and Origin Energy Gas Rates
State & Average Usage AGL
Value Saver
Origin Energy
Go Variable
New South Wales
18,542Mj / year
$860 / year $960 / year
ACT
38,544Mj / year
N / A $1,230 / year
Victoria
58,035Mj / year
$1,080 / year $1,040 / year
Qld
7,154Mj / year
$720 / year $770 / year
South Australia
10,987Mj / year
$960 / year $980 / year

Source: Origin Energy and AGL websites. Valid March 2024. Discounts and annual cost based on the Basic Plan Information Document for each capital city. Comparison does not include all offers available.

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.

Compare Solar Feed-in Tariffs: AGL vs Origin Energy (c/kWh)
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
Origin Solar Boost Plus 14c to 20c 14c to 20c 14c to 20c 14c to 20c 14c to 20c
Origin Solar Boost 12c 12c 12c 12c 12c
Origin Energy Basic FiT 7c 8c 4.9c 5c 6c

Valid March 2024. 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 Electricity & Gas 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

Compare 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 summarised comparison of Origin Energy and AGL. For a full review of each provider, see our Origin Energy Review and AGL Review.

Origin Energy vs AGL
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.

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

Compare Electricity Rates in NSW
Rank Energy Provider + Plan Estimated Yearly Price Additional Information
  Sumo
SUMO Assure
 
$1,330 / year Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
88.00c/day
  Ovo
Ovo Energy The One Plan
 
$1,430 / year Benefits:
GreenPower
   
Daily Supply Charge:
82.50c/day
  Energy Locals
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 March 2024.

Important Information Show Less

Compare Electricity Rates in Australian Capital Territory

Compare Electricity Rates in ACT
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
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 March 2024.

Important Information Show Less

Compare Electricity Rates in Victoria

Compare Electricity Rates in VIC
Rank Energy Provider + Plan Estimated Yearly Price Additional Information
  Sumo
SUMO Select
 
$1,010 / year Benefits:
No Lock-In Contract
   
Daily Supply Charge:
105.27c/day
  Ovo
Ovo Energy The One Plan
 
$1,050 / year Benefits:
Ongoing Contract & Interest Rewards
   
Daily Supply Charge:
108.90/day
  Energy Locals
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 March 2024.

Important Information Show Less

Compare Electricity Rates in Queensland

Compare Electricity Rates in QLD
Rank Energy Provider + Plan Estimated Yearly Price Additional Information
  Sumo
SUMO Assure Advantage
 
$1,390 / year Benefits:
Solar Feed-In & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
101.20c/day
  Ovo
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
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 March 2024.

Important Information Show Less

Compare Electricity Rates in South Australia

Compare Electricity Rates in SA
Rank Energy Provider + Plan Estimated Yearly Price Additional Information
  Ovo
Ovo Energy The One Plan
 
$1,760 / year Benefits:
Solar Feed-In, GreenPower & Smart Meter Compatible
   
Daily Supply Charge:
106.15c/day
  Sumo
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
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 March 2024.

Important Information Show Less