With so many energy retailers competing for your business, there’s no reason to settle for less when it comes to your electricity and gas plan. In fact, we’ve broken it down and explored two popular energy providers to uncover which one offers the cheapest electricity prices. In the blue corner, it’s heavyweight giant AGL, while in the red corner (or should that be yellow!), it’s rising star Simply Energy climbing the ranks.
Aside from cheap electricity rates, we take a look at the sign-up incentives and other benefits on offer from these retailers in New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland and South Australia.
On this page:
AGL vs Simply Energy – Which provider has the cheaper deals?
We’ve compiled the cheapest published deals currently on our database for AGL and Simply Energy across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, with any conditional discounts factored in. As you’ll see below, there are potentially some notable savings on offer by switching from one provider to the other, depending on where you live.
NSW: Which deal is cheapest?
Simply Energy is currently offering the cheaper priced plan in NSW. Looking for more variety when it comes to energy deals? Review our NSW price comparison report for further details.
Here are the AGL and Simply Energy plans on our database for NSW. This table includes products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/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.
VIC: Which deal is cheapest?
Simply Energy’s cheapest offer comes out on top in Victoria. Want to compare a broader range of energy plans? Read our Victoria energy price comparison report.
Here are the AGL and Simply Energy plans on our database for Victoria. This table includes products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower 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.
QLD: Which deal is cheapest?
In QLD, AGL just beats Simply Energy on price. If you live in the south east of the state and want to see what else is on offer, check out our QLD cost comparison report.
Here are the AGL and Simply Energy plans on our database for SEQ. This table includes products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/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.
SA: Which deal is cheapest?
Simply Energy has come out on top for price in SA. Whether you’re in Adelaide or Victor Harbour, make sure you consider other energy plans in your area by browsing our SA comparison report.
Here are the AGL and Simply Energy plans on our database for South Australia. This table includes products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/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.
What plans do AGL offer?
AGL is one of Australia’s biggest energy retailers, delivering electricity and gas to millions of customers. AGL has a few market offers, most of which offer attractive usage and supply rates. The retailer also has an incentive program called AGL Rewards, which gives customers exclusive access to discounts at supermarkets and vouchers for cheap cinema tickets, to name just a few.
AGL Plans
AGL currently offers two main plans in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, as listed below:
- Value Saver: Value Saver is a variable rate plan where customers must sign up to e-billing. A small sign-up credit is also available for customers in QLD.
- Netflix Plan: This offer includes an ongoing Netflix Standard with ads subscription, or a discount on Netflix Standard and Netflix Premium. This is a variable rate plan with no lock-in contract.
What plans to Simply Energy offer?
Simply Energy is making a name for itself as a serious contender for electricity in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. It also provides natural gas to customers in VIC, SA and some areas of NSW. The retailer has made strong headwinds in the energy market by offering sign-up incentives, affordable electricity and gas rates, plus other rewards like movie tickets and bill credits.
Simply Energy Plans
There are currently two or three market offers for customers in VIC, NSW, QLD and SA. Depending on which state you live in, each plan may have a different title, as well as energy rates and other features. Make sure you use our comparison tool and input your details for a more accurate range of quotes based on your location.
- Simply NRMA: For members of this motoring club, Simply Energy is offering customers extra savings off their power bill in the form of unconditional discounts.
- Simply Basics: This plan offers supply and usage rates, aligned with the default rates in the state. This offer is unavailable to new customers in NSW and QLD.
- Simply For Good: This GreenPower offer matches 100% of a customer’s energy usage with renewable energy from accredited renewable generators for a small additional cost.
- Simply Movie Perks: Exclusive to Victorians, this plan comes with 1,000 Vrewards points each month for customers with a Village Cinemas membership. It also comes with a guaranteed discount off usage charges.
- Simply Energy Saver: Available to customers in NSW, QLD and SA, this offer comes with a generous guaranteed discount off usage and supply charges.
- Simply Blue Perks: Available to customers in Victoria, this offer comes with a 12-month complimentary membership to My NRMA. A guaranteed discount is also available on usage and supply charges.
- Simply Smarter: Available in SA, this plan includes free smart meter installation and access to detailed usage monitoring.
Should I sign up to AGL or Simply Energy?
From the findings in our database, it’s fair to say there isn’t much in it between these two providers. Although there weren’t very sizable margins in price between the two providers, remember that AGL customers have access to the retailer’s rewards program that could deliver some cost benefits on other purchases.
That being said, most of Simply Energy’s plans offer incentives that could offer value for customers who are also members of certain motoring clubs. If you are a member of NRMA in NSW, you could be pocketing some notable savings. Again, it’s all about what provides extra value to you personally. You may also want to think about bundling your electricity and natural gas with either retailer, with the exception of Simply Energy in Queensland.
If you’re wanting to expand your options and compare prices from more electricity retailers, don’t forget to use our comparison tool via the link below.
This comparison is based on a very specific household, with usage figures and postcodes detailed above. Any annual cost estimates should be considered indicative only and not an actual quote. Please use our comparison tool for information catered to your location and electricity usage estimates.
Picture credits: brizmaker/Shutterstock.com
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