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Updated October 2026. AGL and EnergyAustralia are two of Australia’s biggest electricity retailers, and they’re often the first names households compare. But which is actually cheaper? We checked both retailers’ current residential plans against official government plan data for every network where they sell electricity. The answer depends on where you live: EnergyAustralia is cheaper in NSW, Queensland and South Australia, while AGL wins in most of Victoria.
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AGL vs EnergyAustralia: Which electricity provider is right for you?
AGL and EnergyAustralia are two of the largest electricity providers in Australia, and they offer a wide range of plans to choose from. So, how do they compare?
Compare AGL and EnergyAustralia
We compared each retailer’s standard single-rate plan: AGL’s Residential Smart Saver and EnergyAustralia’s Flexi Plan, or Home 365 – Peak Only in Victoria. EnergyAustralia’s prices are higher on paper, but its plans include a guaranteed discount of 6–12% that applies whether or not you pay on time. Once that discount is included, the result looks quite different.
| NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW) | ||||
| ACT | ||||
| VICTORIA | ||||
| QUEENSLAND (QLD) | ||||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA (SA) | ||||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA) | ||||
| TASMANIA (TAS) | ||||
| NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) | ||||
The key takeaways:
- NSW: EnergyAustralia is cheaper on all three networks. The gap is small in Sydney (about $40 a year) and biggest in regional NSW (about $155 a year on Essential Energy).
- Victoria: AGL is around $60 a year cheaper in inner Melbourne (CitiPower), south-east Melbourne (United Energy) and western Victoria (Powercor). On Jemena and AusNet, the two are virtually identical.
- Queensland: EnergyAustralia is about $100 a year cheaper in south-east Queensland.
- South Australia: EnergyAustralia is about $47 a year cheaper.
- ACT: EnergyAustralia is the only option, as AGL doesn’t sell electricity there.
Compare energy plans and prices
On paper, AGL’s rates look lower everywhere. EnergyAustralia’s headline rates sit at the government reference price, while AGL’s Smart Saver is 5–14% below it. But EnergyAustralia’s guaranteed discount comes off your energy charges every bill, so you need to compare the price after the discount. It’s an easy mistake to make, and it’s why some comparison sites rank AGL as cheaper everywhere.
Both retailers also offer fixed-rate options. EnergyAustralia’s Rate Fix plan has the same base rates as Flexi but a smaller guaranteed discount (3–7%), in exchange for prices that won’t rise during the fixed period. AGL’s “New to AGL” plans have the same rates as its standard plans. Its partner versions (BP, Velocity, Westpac and Netflix) add perks rather than lower prices.
| State | Network | AGL usage · supply | AGL est. per year | EnergyAustralia usage · supply (discount) | EnergyAustralia est. per year | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Ausgrid (Sydney) | 29.82c/kWh · $1.50/day | $1,709 | 33.13c/kWh · $1.66/day (12% off) | $1,671 | EnergyAustralia |
| NSW | Endeavour | 30.35c · $1.67 | $2,095 | 33.72c · $1.85 (12% off) | $2,048 | EnergyAustralia |
| NSW | Essential | 32.90c · $2.56 | $2,447 | 35.00c · $2.72 (12% off) | $2,291 | EnergyAustralia |
| VIC | CitiPower | 22.32c · $1.04 | $1,273 | 25.96c · $1.21 (10% off) | $1,333 | AGL |
| VIC | United Energy | 23.52c · $1.02 | $1,315 | 27.35c · $1.19 (10% off) | $1,376 | AGL |
| VIC | Powercor | 24.27c · $1.19 | $1,404 | 28.21c · $1.38 (10% off) | $1,469 | AGL |
| VIC | Jemena | 24.73c · $1.14 | $1,407 | 27.47c · $1.27 (10% off) | $1,406 | Tie |
| VIC | AusNet | 28.79c · $1.15 | $1,573 | 31.98c · $1.28 (10% off) | $1,572 | Tie |
| QLD | Energex (SEQ) | 26.57c · $1.82 | $1,888 | 27.97c · $1.92 (10% off) | $1,789 | EnergyAustralia |
| SA | SA Power Networks | 39.81c · $1.71 | $2,217 | 41.91c · $1.80 (7% off) | $2,170 | EnergyAustralia |
| ACT | Evoenergy | Not available | – | 36.82c · $1.36 (6% off) | $1,852 | EnergyAustralia only |
Rates include GST and come from retailer plan data published by the Australian Energy Regulator, current as at 20 October 2026. Annual estimates use each network’s standard benchmark usage (3,900–4,900 kWh a year) and include EnergyAustralia’s guaranteed discount. Your actual cost depends on your postcode, meter and usage. Check your exact plan on Energy Made Easy or, in Victoria, Victorian Energy Compare.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing an electricity retailer:
- Energy usage: The more energy you use, the more important it is to find a plan with a competitive price.
- Location: Electricity prices can vary depending on your location.
- Needs: Do you need a plan with green energy options? Do you want a plan with a sign-up bonus?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on electricity each month?
- Sign-up bonuses and discounts: AGL and EnergyAustralia offer sign-up bonuses and discounts, but the specific offers can vary depending on the plan and state.
- Rewards programs: AGL and EnergyAustralia have rewards programs, but the specific rewards can vary.
- Solar feed-in tariffs: If you have solar panels, the feed-in tariff offered by the provider is important. AGL offers some states a solar-specific plan with a higher feed-in tariff, while EnergyAustralia’s tariffs are more standardised.
Which is best for solar customers?
On standard plans, EnergyAustralia generally pays more for the solar energy you export:
| State | AGL standard feed-in | EnergyAustralia standard feed-in |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 3c/kWh | 3c/kWh |
| VIC | 0.5c/kWh | 1.5c/kWh |
| QLD | 2c/kWh | 4c/kWh |
| SA | 1c/kWh | 3c/kWh |
| ACT | – | 3c/kWh |
Both retailers also have dedicated solar plans with a higher feed-in rate of 8c/kWh:
- AGL Solar Savers pays 8c on the first 8 kWh you export each day.
- EnergyAustralia Solar Max pays 8c on the first 10 kWh you export each day.
The trade-off is that you pay more for the electricity you use. AGL’s Solar Savers has higher usage rates than Smart Saver, and Solar Max doesn’t include EnergyAustralia’s guaranteed discount. A solar plan generally only pays off if you export a lot of power during the day. If you have a battery and export very little, a standard plan is usually cheaper.
Which is better: AGL or EnergyAustralia?
Choosing between AGL and EnergyAustralia ultimately depends on your needs, location, and preferences. Both companies offer competitive pricing, renewable energy options, and additional services. To make an informed decision, it’s advisable to obtain quotes from both providers, research their customer reviews, and assess the suitability of their plans for your energy consumption patterns. Additionally, keep an eye on any special promotions or discounts they may offer new customers. Selecting the right electricity provider can lead to cost savings and a more sustainable energy future for your household.
AGL and EnergyAustralia are both good options for electricity providers. If price is your top priority, then you’ll need to compare each provider’s specific plans in your state. AGL and EnergyAustralia are good options if you’re looking for a provider with a wide range of features. And if you’re concerned about customer service, you’ll need to research to see which provider has a better reputation.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer
The best electricity provider for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your location, budget, environmental preferences, and desired plan features.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
- Choose EnergyAustralia if: you live in NSW, Queensland, South Australia or the ACT, or you have solar on a standard plan and want a higher feed-in tariff.
- Choose AGL if: you live in inner or south-east Melbourne or western Victoria (CitiPower, United Energy or Powercor networks), or you want perks like Velocity points or BP fuel discounts bundled with your plan.
- It’s a toss-up if: you’re on the Jemena or AusNet networks in Victoria. Choose on features or service.
Ultimately, the best way to choose between AGL vs. EnergyAustralia is to research, compare plans, and consider all the factors that matter to you. Remember, you can always switch providers if your needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is AGL better than EnergyAustralia?
Neither is better everywhere. On price, EnergyAustralia is cheaper in NSW, Queensland and South Australia once its guaranteed discount is included, while AGL is cheaper across most of Victoria. Solar owners on standard plans generally get a higher feed-in tariff from EnergyAustralia.
Which is cheaper, AGL or EnergyAustralia?
As of October 2026, EnergyAustralia is cheaper in NSW (by about $40–$155 a year depending on your network), Queensland (about $100) and South Australia (about $47). AGL is about $60 a year cheaper on Victoria’s CitiPower, United Energy and Powercor networks, and the two are effectively tied on Jemena and AusNet. Prices change, so always check the plans for your postcode.
Are AGL and EnergyAustralia the same company?
No. AGL and EnergyAustralia are separate companies with their own plans, pricing and customer service. They’re two of Australia’s largest electricity retailers, along with Origin Energy.
Does AGL sell electricity in the ACT?
No. AGL doesn’t offer electricity in the ACT, so EnergyAustralia is the choice there between the two.
Going solar
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