AGL, Origin or EnergyAustralia: Which provider is best?

Fact Checked

As far as power companies go, it doesn’t get any bigger than AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.

Known as the ‘big three’ energy providers in Australia, these giants still hold most of the market share and are often turned to as a reliable choice for consumers. But, does size really matter when it comes to household energy, and if it does, which retailer offers the cheapest electricity prices and best customer rewards? Let’s find out.

Cheapest ‘Big Three’ provider in Australia

It goes without saying that price is arguably the most important factor when comparing energy providers. Recent Canstar Blue research found that almost a third of Australians (32%) were attracted to lower rates, while one in four shopped (26%) around and compared plans on price. With this in mind, take a look below to see which of the big three is cheapest in your state.

• New South Wales: EnergyAustralia is currently the cheapest in Sydney on the Ausgrid network
• Victoria: EnergyAustralia, Origin and AGL are currently all tied for cheapest in Melbourne on the Citipower network
• Queensland: AGL is currently cheapest in Brisbane on the Energex network
• South Australia: Origin is currently cheapest in Adelaide on the SA Power network.

Keep in mind electricity prices change all the time and will vary across different energy distribution networks. Prices are calculated on Canstar Blue’s database and are based on specific household energy usage assumptions for residential customers on a single rate tariff. Compare AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin in detail by scrolling to your state below.

Which is cheapest in NSW?

In Sydney, EnergyAustralia currently has the cheapest priced plans. However, it may come down to what else is on offer, such as rewards programs or sign-up incentives when picking between these retailers

Here are the cheapest plans from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin on our database for NSW. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which is cheapest in VIC?

All three energy providers tie for the cheapest electricity prices in Melbourne. But it’s always good to compare providers on other factors too, like customer service and rewards programs.

Here are the cheapest plans from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin on our database for Victoria. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower energy network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which is cheapest in QLD?

AGL currently has the cheapest plan of the three in QLD. That being said, it could be worth comparing providers on more than just price.

Here are the cheapest plans from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin on our database for QLD. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which is cheapest in SA?

In Adelaide, Origin is currently offering the cheapest price but, it could come down to rewards programs, feed-in tariffs or other plan incentives to seal the deal for these providers.

Here are the cheapest plans from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin on our database for SA. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power energy network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Aside from price, what deals and incentives are on offer?

AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin all have unique selling points for customers to consider, including switching deals and promotions. Here’s what’s on offer as of December 2024:

AGL

Up to $100 in online sign-up credit is available across selected plans in New South Wales, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia. Its market offer plans come with no exit fees or lock-in contracts. Bill payers will also have access to AGL Rewards – a membership packed with discounts and vouchers on dining, supermarkets and more.

Origin

Customers can collect up to 12,000 Everyday Rewards points when signing up for electricity and gas across selected plans (5,000 per energy type and 2,000 for opting-in for energy off-set products), plus an additional point per dollar spent on bills on the Origin Everyday Rewards plan.

EnergyAustralia

Certain plans in select areas also come with a guaranteed discount off usage and supply charges for 12 months.

What makes AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin appealing?

Our latest survey findings uncovered that 22% of Australians chose their energy provider based on name recognition. This could mean that many bill-payers find comfort in companies they’ve heard of before. While there’s no issue with playing it safe (so to speak), electricity all comes from the same poles and wires regardless of how well-known a provider may be.

Which is best for solar customers?

All three offer compelling deals and feed-in tariffs for customers with solar panels. AGL’s solar range includes the ‘Solar Savers’ plan in New South Wales, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia that offers a higher feed-in tariff (FiT) rate than its standard electricity plans. EnergyAustralia also offers a feed-in tariff to customers with solar panels in New South Wales, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia, as well as a solar and battery system with no upfront costs in New South Wales. Last but not least is Origin’s solar packages, where customers can sign up to its deals, one of which has a boosted FiT if a solar system is installed by the retailer.

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Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: urbans/Shutterstock