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The Australia Institute help us to Review AGL Energy. Australian families are battling rising energy rates while energy giants like AGL and Origin rake in record profits. Are you paying more than you should for electricity? In this article, we break down electricity costs, show why AGL energy rates are so high, and how to switch to cheaper providers for big savings.
What Drives Electricity Rates Up? Understanding Energy Company Costs
“Every $100 paid by a retail customer of AGL, a mere $12 goes on generating the electricity.”
Electricity bills in Australia are more than just the cost of the power you use. A bill is broken into:
- Wholesale Costs – The cost of buying energy from power generators.
- Network Charges – Fees for using the poles, wires, and grid infrastructure.
- Retail Margins – What electricity retailers (like AGL or Origin or EA) charge to manage and sell your energy plan.
According to the recent Power Gouge report by the Australia Institute, energy retailers have been marking up prices far above their costs. While wholesale prices have fallen in recent years, retail charges have remained stubbornly high. This means households are paying unnecessary premiums.
AGL Electricity Review – Why So Expensive?
AGL, one of Australia’s largest electricity companies, has been criticised for charging customers excessive rates while reporting huge profits. According to the report:
- AGL and Origin combined earned billions in profits while families faced financial stress.
- Retailer margins have grown disproportionately, showing they are not passing on savings from lower wholesale prices.
Many customers remain with AGL out of loyalty or confusion about how to switch providers, but this loyalty comes at a cost. The report’s findings highlight the importance of comparing providers to avoid being overcharged.
Savings by State
Finding the Cheapest Electricity Provider in Australia.
At Energy Umpire, we compare all energy plans for customers and calculate how much you could save. Switching providers is the fastest way to save on your energy bills.
Here’s how much you could save even if you are on cheapest AGL energy plan when compared with the best, most affordable providers in the market.
AGL Energy Review Victoria
AGL Deal in 5 towns in Victoria
AGL customer in 5 towns in Victoria could save $178-$241/year more on their electricity alone by instead choosing the cheapest provider. On gas, the savings are $73 – $202. Overall savings are $251-$443. Nowhere were the AGL energy rates offer the cheapest.
AGL – VIC – Elec and Gas
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Citipower – Camberwell
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Powercor – Bendigo
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Jemena – Heidelberg
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Ausnet – Traralgon
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United Energy – Moorabbin
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VIC – Gas
| Usage | AGL | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.246 | 0.2079 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.2497 |
| Daily charge | 1.117 | 1.1550 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,169 | $1,410 |
| Overpayment | $241 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.2707 | 0.2288 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.2739 |
| Daily charge | 1.2320 | 1.2870 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,736 | $1,557 |
| Overpayment | $179 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.2674 | 0.2266 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.2772 |
| Daily charge | 1.1070 | 1.1330 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,675 | $1,490 |
| Overpayment | $184 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3128 | 0.2640 |
| Peak2 | 0.3128 | 0.3080 |
| Daily charge | 1.2730 | 1.3200 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,951 | $1,736 |
| Overpayment | $215 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.2595 | 0.2222 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.2585 |
| Daily charge | 1.048 | 1.0450 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,616 | $1,437 |
| Overpayment | $178 | – |
| Town Name | AGL Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camberwell | $2,217 | $2,144 | $73 |
| Bendigo | $2,319 | $2,244 | $75 |
| Heidelberg | $2,317 | $2,115 | $202 |
| Traralgon | $2,317 | $2,115 | $202 |
| Moorabbin | $2,217 | $2,144 | $73 |
AGL Energy Review NSW
Customers in NSW could save $311-$350 /year on electricity $122 /year on gas and if they switched to the cheapest provider instead of AGL. We didn’t find a single case where the AGL electricity or gas rates were the cheapest, even comparing with the cheapest AGL energy rates.
AGL – NSW – Elec and Gas
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Ausgrid – Mosman
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Endeavour Energy – Mount Druitt
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Essential Energy – Smithtown
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NSW – Gas
| Usage | AGL Senior | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3616 | 0.3045 |
| Daily charge | 0.9807 | 0.9697 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,338 | $2,021 |
| OverPayment | $317 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3662 | 0.2662 |
| Daily charge | 1.0285 | 1.6764 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,380 | $2,069 |
| OverPayment | $311 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3928 | 0.3349 |
| Daily charge | 1.8073 | 1.7173 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,810 | $2,460 |
| OverPayment | $350 | – |
| Town Name | AGL Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton South | $2,413 | $2,290 | $122 |
AGL Energy Review Queensland
The Customer in the Energex area would pay $119-$291/year more on electricity by instead picking the cheapest provider. We didn’t find a single case where the AGL power or gas rates were the cheapest.
AGL – QLD – Elec
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Brisbane – Energex – Single rate
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Brisbane – Energex – Time of Use
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Brisbane – Energex – Single rate + Controlled Load
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Brisbane – Energex – Time Of Use + Controlled Load
| Usage | AGL | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.3379 | 0.2898 |
| Daily Charge | 1.3171 | 1.2271 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,294 | $2,003 |
| OverPayment | $291 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4473 | 0.4396 |
| Off Peak | 0.2236 | 0.2438 |
| Shoulder | 0.3379 | 0.2658 |
| Supply charges | 1.3171 | 1.2433 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,293 | $2,169 |
| OverPayment | $124 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3379 | 0.2898 |
| Peak 2 | 0.3379 | N/A |
| CL | 0.1767 | 0.1804 |
| Supply charges | 1.3171 | 1.2271 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,509 | $2,231 |
| OverPayment | $278 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4473 | 0.4396 |
| Off Peak | 0.2236 | 0.2438 |
| Shoulder | 0.3379 | 0.2658 |
| CL | 0.1767 | 0.1804 |
| Supply charges | 1.3171 | 1.2433 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,558 | $2,440 |
| OverPayment | $119 | – |
AGL Energy Review South Australia
The Customer in the South Australia area would pay $387-$431/year more on electricity by and $35/year on gas instead choosing the cheapest provider. We didn’t find a single case where the AGL power rates were the cheapest.
AGL – SA – Elec and Gas
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Adelaide – SAPN – Single rate
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Adelaide – SAPN – Time of Use
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SA – Gas
| Usage | AGL | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.4363 | 0.36856 |
| Peak2 | 0.4363 | 0.3870 |
| Daily charge | 1.0803 | 1.0028 |
| Yearly cost | $2,917 | $2,530 |
| Overpayment | $387 | – |
| Usage | AGL | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.5264 | 0.4023 |
| Off Peak | 0.3421 | 0.2299 |
| Shoulder | 0.2419 | 0.3135 |
| Supply charges | 1.803 | 1.4744 |
| Yearly cost | $2,600 | $2,169 |
| Overpayment | $431 | – |
| Town Name | AGL Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $1,164 | $1,129 | $35 |
FAQs for AGL Energy
Contact AGL via the complaints line at 1800 775 329, email Complaints@agl.com.au, or submit an online complaints form. Clearly explain the issue, attach bill copies or meter photos, and request a formal investigation. AGL normally resolves complaints within 5–10 business days
Yes. You can ask for your case to be elevated to a Complaint Manager or request an internal review if unresolved within their timeframe. A written escalation often speeds up resolution. Mentioning the Ombudsman can also prompt faster attention internally
AGL provides payment extensions, instalment plans, and hardship assistance. You must contact them proactively to arrange this (via phone or online portal) before late actions or disconnections begin
If AGL doesn’t respond appropriately or within a reasonable period, escalate your issue to your state’s Energy Ombudsman:
NSW (EWON): 1800 246 545
VIC (EWOV): 1800 500 509
QLD (EWOQ): 1800 662 837
SA (EWOSA): 1800 665 565
Phone (General Enquiries): 131 245
Phone (Complaints): 1800 775 329
Email: Complaints@agl.com.au
Online: My Account portal or AGL’s “Complaints” form page
