If you’re running a business in Australia and trying to get your electricity bill under control, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is Origin Energy cheaper than AGL? It’s a fair question. These are two of the country’s biggest retailers — and they both promise competitive rates, discounts, and business-friendly plans.
But here’s the thing: asking which provider is cheaper is like asking which car is faster without knowing the road, the conditions, or what you’re hauling. The better question is: Which energy deal is right for your specific business? And that’s where a good energy broker can change everything.
Origin vs AGL: The Big Names in Energy
Origin and AGL are two of Australia’s largest electricity and gas retailers, serving millions of homes and businesses across all states and territories (except NT and WA in some cases).
On paper, their offers look similar:
- Discounted usage rates
- Flexible contract terms
- Optional green energy add-ons
- Bundled electricity and gas plans
They each update their pricing every few months, depending on wholesale market trends, regulator price caps, and internal margins. That means “cheaper” can change depending on:
- Your postcode
- How much energy you use
- When you use it (day vs night)
- Your tariff type (flat rate, time-of-use, demand-based)
Both companies also change their promotional offers frequently — making it hard to get a clear, long-term comparison unless you’re checking constantly.
This is where an energy broker gives you an edge.
How an Energy Broker Finds the Real Savings
A smart energy broker does more than line up prices. They look at your actual energy usage — not estimates, not averages — and match you with a contract that suits how and when you use electricity.
Here’s how they work:
- Usage analysis: They assess your smart meter data or previous bills to understand patterns.
- Retailer comparisons: They get live quotes from multiple providers — not just AGL or Origin — including commercial-only rates not found on public sites.
- Contract decoding: They explain hidden costs like demand charges, exit fees, or daily supply charges that eat into “discounts”.
- Negotiation: For large or multi-site businesses, brokers can negotiate better-than-market rates.
- Ongoing advice: A good broker will flag when your contract is nearing expiry — and when a better deal comes up.
You don’t get that from a retail website. You get it from experience.
To see how different firms stack up, check this deep-dive energy broker comparison.
A Real-World Example: The Price Difference in Context
Let’s say a hair salon in Sydney uses about 12,000 kWh per year. A flat-rate plan from Origin might offer 29.8c/kWh, while AGL offers 28.7c/kWh. AGL looks cheaper.
But wait: Origin’s deal includes a higher solar feed-in rate (if they have panels), lower daily supply charges, and a shorter minimum term.
Now imagine that same salon uses most of its power between 10am and 4pm. A time-of-use plan from a third provider — not Origin or AGL — might offer 21c/kWh during those hours.
That deal saves hundreds annually. But the salon owner wouldn’t have seen it without a broker.
So, Who Is Cheaper — AGL or Origin?
According to Canstar Blue, the difference between AGL and Origin varies across states and is heavily influenced by the specific plan and timing of contract. In some areas, Origin has lower average rates. In others, AGL edges them out. But those averages often don’t reflect what medium-sized or high-usage businesses pay — especially if they’ve been on legacy contracts for years.
The best deal might not be either of them.
That’s why using an energy broker helps cut through the noise.
More Than Just Price: What Else to Compare
While rate per kWh is important, it’s only part of the story. Businesses should also consider:
- Daily supply charge: A low usage rate with a high fixed daily charge can cost more.
- Peak demand charges: Businesses with machinery or HVAC systems that start up in bursts may trigger extra costs.
- Contract flexibility: Can you exit or adjust if your usage changes? What are the fees?
- Billing and support: Is account management easy? Can you access usage reports?
An energy broker weighs these up for you, using your actual data — not marketing materials.
When to Use a Broker
If you’re:
- Running a business that uses more than 10,000 kWh/year
- Managing multiple sites
- On a plan older than 12 months
- Unsure of your tariff type
- Expanding, relocating, or reconfiguring operations
…it’s time to get expert help.
Energy brokers don’t charge upfront — and in most cases, their commission is paid by the retailer you choose. But that doesn’t mean they work for the retailer. The best brokers operate with transparency and offer you a full range of options.
Final Word: Stop Guessing, Start Saving
So, is Origin Energy cheaper than AGL? Maybe. But the better question is: Which contract is right for your business, right now?
Because the cheapest deal isn’t about brand names. It’s about matching the right tariff to your usage, at the right time — and avoiding the traps buried in the fine print.
That’s what a sharp energy broker delivers. Insight. Access. Strategy.
Let them find the deal, so you can focus on running your business.