Few things make your stomach drop like opening that electricity bill. If you’re an AGL customer—or considering switching—the numbers on that statement probably raised some questions. This guide lays out exactly what AGL charges across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, how its rates stack up against Origin and EnergyAustralia, and what the upcoming July 2026 price adjustments could mean for your next bill.

4 related posts

Bill Credits Offered: Up to $400 ·
Tariff Types: Peak, Off-peak, Shoulder ·
Markets Covered: NSW, Victoria, QLD ·
Plans Compared: Electricity and Gas ·
Solar Support: Feed-in Tariffs

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current per kWh rates require account login
  • Post-July 2026 adjusted rates not yet confirmed
  • Distributor-specific variations within states
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • NSW and QLD customers may see reduced rates from mid-2026
  • Victorian market remains highly competitive
  • Solar feed-in tariff structures under review
Metric Value
Provider AGL
Key Feature Up to $400 bill credits
Tariffs Peak, Off-peak, Shoulder
Comparison Sites Wattever.com.au
Average Usage Rate 28.5c/kWh
Supply Charge $1.05/day
Annual Bill Estimate $1,490
Markets Served NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT

Why is AGL expensive?

AGL sits among Australia’s largest energy retailers, and with that scale comes a pricing structure that reflects broader market pressures. Electricity prices vary by state, tariff type, usage levels, the generation mix, and—critically—network charges that make up a significant portion of what appears on your bill, according to Finder’s energy cost analysis.

Factors driving AGL pricing

AGL’s rates include both usage charges (per kWh) and a daily supply charge. As of April 2026, AGL’s average usage rate across plans is 28.5c per kWh—below the national average of 33c per kWh noted by Finder. However, that average masks considerable state-by-state variation.

  • Network costs vary by distributor zone, even within the same state
  • Generation mix differences affect wholesale pricing
  • Retail operating costs and margins factor into plan design
  • Market competition is notably higher in Victoria, where numerous retailers vie for customers

Peak vs off-peak impacts

Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs create significant cost swings depending on when you use power. AGL’s NSW peak window runs 14:00 to 19:59, while Victoria’s extends from 15:00 to 21:00, and Queensland’s from 16:00 to 20:59. Running major appliances during these windows costs considerably more than during off-peak periods that can stretch to 75% of the week in Victoria.

Bottom line: AGL’s 28.5c/kWh average looks competitive against the 33c national benchmark, but regional spreads and time-of-use patterns mean your actual bill depends heavily on where you live and when your household is most active.

Which is cheaper, AGL or Energy Australia?

Comparing AGL against EnergyAustralia requires looking beyond headline rates, since both retailers structure their plans differently with varying benefit offers.

Usage rates breakdown

AGL’s average usage rate of 28.5c/kWh positions it competitively, though EnergyAustralia also fields plans in the 26–35c/kWh range depending on the state and specific offer. Finder’s comparison data suggests EnergyAustralia tends toward slightly lower usage rates in some markets, though AGL often compensates with perks like bundled electricity and gas discounts.

Supply charges and credits

Both retailers charge daily supply fees—AGL averaging $1.05/day—that apply regardless of consumption. AGL currently offers sign-up credits up to $400 for new customers, a perk EnergyAustralia may or may not match at any given time. Supply charges in NSW reportedly range from $1.00–$1.20 daily for AGL, though exact figures vary by distributor zone and plan type.

The trade-off

AGL edges EnergyAustralia on bundled plan perks and solar integration, but EnergyAustralia may offer lower base usage rates in certain states. Run your specific postcode through a comparison aggregator before committing.

Which electricity is cheaper, AGL or Origin?

Origin Energy competes directly with AGL across the same states, and both command significant market share. The honest answer depends on your exact usage pattern, location, and which plan features you prioritize.

Plan and pricing comparison

Origin typically fields plans ranging from roughly 25–37c/kWh across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. AGL’s 28.5c/kWh average falls comfortably within that band. EnergyPlans notes that both retailers offer similar plan structures: fixed and variable rate options, solar integrations, and green energy add-ons.

  • Both offer time-of-use and single-rate plans
  • Both provide solar feed-in tariff options
  • AGL holds a slight edge in total plan variety with offers across more states
  • Origin has historically been competitive in Victoria’s highly contested market

State-specific variations

Victoria’s high retail competition—where numerous retailers actively compete for customers—creates more aggressive pricing pressure, benefiting consumers. AGL’s Victoria rates reportedly span 26–34c/kWh, while Origin has been observed below that range in some postcode zones. Queensland and NSW tend to show narrower gaps between the two retailers.

What to watch

The AER’s July 1, 2026 price reset could shift the competitive balance. If AGL implements the expected 5–10% reduction in NSW and Queensland as anticipated, it may gain an edge over Origin in those markets by mid-2026.

What is AGL electricity rate per kWh?

This is where things get granular—and where readers often hit a wall. AGL publishes plan rates, but the exact per kWh figure depends on your specific plan, distributor zone, and whether you’re on a single-rate or time-of-use tariff.

State Usage Range (c/kWh) Supply Charge ($/day) Solar FiT (standard)
NSW 30–38 $1.00–$1.20 4c/kWh
Victoria 26–34 $0.90–$1.10 1.5c/kWh
Queensland 28–36 $1.00–$1.25 3c/kWh

These ranges come from aggregated data as of April 2026. The national average sits at 33c/kWh, according to Finder, and AGL’s state-specific spreads generally track around that benchmark—lower in Victoria, higher in parts of NSW.

NSW rates

New South Wales customers see the highest rate range of the three major states, with usage reportedly spanning 30–38c/kWh. AGL’s NSW Solar Savers plan offers an enhanced feed-in tariff of 8c/kWh for the first 10kWh exported daily, dropping to 4c/kWh thereafter, per Canstar’s solar tariff data.

Bottom line: NSW customers face the steepest usage rates among the three states but get better-than-average solar export terms with the Solar Savers enhanced tier.

Victoria rates

Victoria consistently shows the lowest AGL usage rates, with reports indicating 26–34c/kWh. The state’s competitive retail market benefits consumers through more frequent discounting. However, AGL’s standard solar feed-in tariff in Victoria is notably lower at 1.5c/kWh—among the least generous FiT offers nationally, per Canstar.

Bottom line: Victorian consumers win on usage pricing but lose on solar export value—those with panels export at one of the lowest FiT rates in the country.

QLD rates

Queensland occupies the middle ground with AGL rates reportedly spanning 28–36c/kWh. AGL’s Solar Savers FiT in Queensland is particularly competitive: 10c/kWh for the first 10kWh daily export, then 3c/kWh beyond that threshold, according to Canstar’s solar comparison.

Plan Type Description Best For
Single-Rate One flat rate regardless of time Predictable budgeting, simpler households
Time-of-Use (TOU) Peak, shoulder, off-peak pricing Flexible households that can shift usage
Solar Savers Enhanced feed-in tariffs on first 10kWh Solar panel owners seeking better export rates
Green Energy Carbon offset or renewable matching Environmentally focused consumers
Seniors Saver Discounted rates for eligible customers Concession card holders

Five distinct plan architectures serve different customer profiles, from fixed-rate simplicity to solar-optimized exports.

Bottom line: Victoria offers the cheapest usage rates but the least rewarding solar export terms. Queensland solar owners get the best feed-in tariffs. NSW sits in the middle on both fronts—and all three states could see rate changes by July 2026.

What are AGL electricity rates off-peak times?

Off-peak pricing rewards households that shift heavy consumption to low-demand windows. Understanding AGL’s specific time windows matters more than most customers realize—running a dishwasher at the wrong hour can cost significantly more.

Peak, shoulder, off-peak defined

AGL structures its time-of-use plans around three pricing windows:

  • Peak: High demand hours when grid stress is highest—prices spike during these periods
  • Shoulder: Transitional periods with moderate pricing
  • Off-peak: Low demand windows with the lowest per kWh rates

State-by-state time windows

The table below shows AGL’s peak and off-peak windows by state—the spread between them determines how much you can save by shifting usage to low-demand periods.

State Peak Hours Off-peak Hours Weekly Peak %
NSW 14:00–19:59 22:00–06:59 18%
Victoria 15:00–21:00 21:00–00:00 & 00:00–15:00 25%
Queensland 16:00–20:59 09:00–15:59 21%

Victoria offers the most favorable off-peak spread at 126 hours weekly (75%), while NSW customers have the shortest peak window at just 18% of the week. Jackery’s tariff guide provides detailed breakdowns of these windows.

Time-of-use savings tips

Practical strategies for households on TOU tariffs:

  • Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers overnight (NSW) or mid-morning (QLD)
  • Pre-cool or pre-heat homes using timers synced to off-peak windows
  • Charge electric vehicles overnight in NSW, during midday off-peak in QLD
  • Avoid using major appliances during late afternoon peak windows across all states
The upshot

A household that shifts 40% of its consumption to off-peak hours could reduce its usage charges by 15–25%, depending on the state and plan. The catch: not all households have the flexibility to reorganize when appliances run.

Upsides

  • Average usage rate (28.5c/kWh) below national average (33c/kWh)
  • Up to $400 sign-up credits available for new customers
  • Solar Savers plans offer enhanced FiTs (8–10c/kWh for first 10kWh)
  • Bundled electricity and gas plans simplify billing
  • Strong off-peak spread in Victoria (75% of week)

Downsides

  • NSW and QLD rates on higher end of national range
  • Solar FiT in Victoria notably low (1.5c/kWh)
  • Daily supply charges apply regardless of usage
  • Exact rates require account login to verify
  • Expected July 2026 price changes create short-term uncertainty

Three retailers dominate the comparison landscape, each positioning slightly different plan structures and perks.

Feature AGL Origin EnergyAustralia
Average Usage Rate 28.5c/kWh ~26–35c/kWh ~26–35c/kWh
Sign-up Credits Up to $400 Varies Varies
Solar FiT (NSW) 4c/kWh standard Competitive Competitive
Solar FiT (QLD) 10c/kWh first 10kWh Competitive Competitive
States Served NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT
Bundled Plans Yes Yes Yes

AGL Energy electricity plans average 28.5c/kWh, with a typical annual bill estimate of $1,490 for a household consuming 18 kWh per day.

— EnergyPlans (comparison aggregator, updated April 2026)

According to the AER’s March 2026 draft determination, we expect to see a price drop of 5% to 10% in many regions like Queensland and New South Wales starting July 1, 2026.

— EcoFlow (energy technology publication, March 2026)

The average cost of electricity in Australia varies depending on where you live, typically around 33 cents per kWh.

— Finder (consumer financial comparison platform)

Related reading: Age Pension Rates Australia

Shoppers assessing AGL electricity rates in NSW, Victoria and Queensland can uncover valuable discounts through their AGL energy plans across these states.

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Frequently asked questions

What factors affect AGL electricity rates?

AGL rates are influenced by state-specific network charges, your chosen tariff type (single-rate vs time-of-use), total consumption, the generation mix in your region, and distributor zone differences. Supply charges also apply daily regardless of usage. Finder’s analysis breaks down these pricing factors in detail.

How do AGL peak times work?

AGL’s time-of-use plans divide the day into peak, shoulder, and off-peak windows. Peak times run roughly 14:00–20:00 depending on your state, when electricity demand—and rates—spike highest. Off-peak periods offer the lowest per kWh rates. NSW peaks at 14:00–19:59, Victoria at 15:00–21:00, and Queensland at 16:00–20:59. Jackery’s guide covers the specifics.

What is the AGL Seniors Saver plan?

The AGL Seniors Saver plan offers discounted electricity rates for eligible concession card holders. Benefits typically include a reduced usage rate and sometimes a waived or discounted supply charge. eligibility requires holding a relevant Australian Government concession card. Contact AGL directly or check their website for current eligibility criteria and discount percentages.

Are there AGL solar feed-in rates?

Yes. AGL offers solar feed-in tariffs that vary by state. Standard FiTs are 4c/kWh in NSW, 1.5c/kWh in Victoria, and 3c/kWh in Queensland. Enhanced Solar Savers rates jump to 8–10c/kWh for the first 10kWh exported daily before dropping to the standard rate. Canstar’s solar tariff comparison provides detailed state-by-state breakdowns.

How to compare AGL gas plans?

AGL bundles gas with electricity for customers seeking a single retailer relationship. Gas plan rates vary by state and distributor zone, similar to electricity structures. Comparison sites like Wattever and Compare the Market allow postcode-specific gas plan comparisons alongside electricity options.

What support options does AGL offer for payments?

AGL provides several payment assistance options including bill smoothing (spreading costs across smaller regular payments), Payment Plans for customers experiencing financial difficulty, and concessions for concession card holders. Customers facing payment challenges should contact AGL’s support team directly to discuss tailored arrangements before bills go overdue.

For households reviewing their energy costs heading into mid-2026, the calculus is straightforward: AGL’s 28.5c/kWh average sits below the national benchmark, but state-level spreads and off-peak timing matter more than most customers realize. Victoria offers the cheapest usage rates and longest off-peak windows, while Queensland solar owners win on feed-in tariffs. If the AER’s July 2026 adjustment materializes as expected, NSW and QLD customers may see 5–10% relief—but that relief is not yet locked in.