Victorians are lucky to have perhaps the liveliest energy market in Australia, with more than 20 electricity and gas providers operating across the state. This could help explain why a vast majority of customers in Victoria are connected to competitively-priced electricity market offers, as opposed to government-regulated default tariffs.
That being said, about 1.2 million electricity customers in Victoria still rely on the ‘big three’ providers to power their homes and small businesses. While AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia hold a substantial amount of the local electricity and gas markets, their dominance has faded over the past few years thanks to a bunch of smaller providers who are shaking things up.
We’re talking about companies like Momentum Energy, Powershop and Simply Energy (to name just a few) who have proved extremely popular among Melbournians. This guide explores which energy retailers have the largest customer share in Victoria, and highlights information on how customers can find a better deal.
On this page:
- Who are the biggest electricity providers in Victoria?
- How many VIC customers are on market offers?
- Biggest energy providers by market share in VIC
- Compare Electricity Prices in Victoria
- Who are the biggest gas suppliers in Victoria?
- What about small business energy in Victoria?
- What should Victorians look for in an energy plan?
Who are the biggest electricity providers in Victoria?
AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia are the largest electricity companies in Victoria, representing approximately 50 per cent of the residential market. Simply Energy is the next biggest electricity provider (8.65%), followed by Snowy Hydro-owned retailer Red Energy (7.85%).
We list plans from the big three providers below. Be sure to click on the ‘VIC’ tab to see prices available in your state.
AGL
AGL is the biggest electricity provider in Victoria, claiming a little over a fifth of the market, which translates to approximately 590,000 residential customers. It usually has two market offers available to choose from and AGL customers can also cash in on the retailer’s rewards program.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for SE QLD. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 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.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Origin Energy
An energy company boasting more than four million customers across Australia, Origin supplies power to about 17 per cent of Victorian households, which makes it the state’s second largest. There are nearly 450,000 households connected to Origin in Victoria. There are normally four or five plans from Origin to choose from, all of which are tailored to different electricity needs.
Origin Energy Prices NSW
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Origin Energy Prices VIC
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Origin Energy Prices QLD
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for SE QLD. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
Origin Energy Prices SA
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. 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.
EnergyAustralia
EnergyAustralia is the third biggest electricity retailer in Victoria, looking after more than 398,000 residential accounts. Trailing slightly behind Origin, EnergyAustralia generally offers three variable rate plans in Victoria. EnergyAustralia promotes simplicity in its plans, moving away from confusing discounts and the like.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for NSW. These are 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.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for Victoria. These are 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.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for SE QLD. These are 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.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are 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.
How many VIC customers are on market offers?
According to the Essential Services Commission, the majority of Victorians are on market offers. However, about 23,000 residential customers are still on the VDO, which are default plans that are generally less competitive than market offers. Market offers may include pay on time, direct debit or dual fuel discounts, as well as bill credits and various other types of sign-up incentives.
Biggest energy providers by market share in VIC
Below is a list of electricity retailers and their residential market share in Victoria:
- AGL: 22.32%
- Origin: 16.8%
- EnergyAustralia: 14.97%
- Simply Energy: 8.65%
- Red Energy: 7.86%
- Lumo Energy: 5.96%
- Alinta Energy: 4.78%
- Momentum Energy: 3.64%
- Tango Energy: 3.16%
- Powershop: 2.63%
- GloBird Energy: 2%
- Dodo: 1.84%
- Sumo: 1.41%
- Powerdirect: 0.83%
- 1st Energy: 0.6%
- OVO Energy: 0.42%
- ReAmped Energy: 0.42%
- Energy Locals: 0.33%
- Amber Electric: 0.29%
These figures have been sourced from the Essential Services Commission (ESC), Victorian Energy Market Report 2021-22.
Compare Electricity Prices in Victoria
Find out how the big three providers stack up in Victoria. Keep in mind the below prices are based on a set of specific energy usage assumptions. Use our comparison tool for an accurate quote in your area.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
Who are the biggest gas suppliers in Victoria?
The biggest gas suppliers in Victoria are AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin. AGL holds the largest share with 25.51 per cent, EnergyAustralia has 17.35 per cent, and Origin 15.38 per cent. The next largest gas suppliers are Simply Energy (9.53%), Red Energy (7.59%) and Lumo Energy (5.55%).
What about small business energy in Victoria?
Again, it’s the big three providers – AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia – controlling a majority of the Victorian small business market share. AGL has the largest share of the electricity market at 24.33 per cent. Origin holds the biggest share in the natural gas market however, with 43.20 per cent of customers.
What should Victorians look for in an energy plan
It’s safe to say that Victorians know a good deal when they see one, with the majority of households on competitive market offers from energy retailers. For many customers across Victoria, AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia could be a great option for those more comfortable choosing a recognisable name, much like how some people prefer to fly with a particular airline.
However, our Victorian electricity customer satisfaction research over the years shows that the smaller providers tend to have happier customers, including Powershop, Dodo, Momentum Energy and GloBird Energy. But in saying that, not all smaller providers are created equal and you’ll need to choose carefully because a few of them have a bad reputation for service. Long story short? There’s no right or wrong answer.
Although brand recognition makes sense for a lot of customers, it’s best to concentrate on an energy plan’s rates, which will have the biggest impact on power bill costs. Victorians can be comforted by the fact there are more than 25 energy providers to choose from, depending on where you live. So, get comparing and find the best deal for your needs.
Image credits: Javen/Shutterstock.com, Schwabenblitz/Shutterstock.com, Pratchaya Ruenyen/Shutterstock.com
Original Author; Jared Mullane
Share this article