There are plenty of reasons that you - and every other bill-paying Australian resident - gravitate toward the bigger named companies for services you need. For choosing a broadband provider, for example, people will hear Telstra and Optus first as they are well-known household names. But what about energy companies?
We all pay for gas and electricity to enable us to live and work comfortably. No matter who you choose, you need to find a provider that matches your needs and your budget.
Australia’s biggest energy retailers
In Australia, a robust energy network only works with the collaboration of the following players:
- Generators: These powerhouses are responsible for creating the electricity or gas that fuels our daily lives.
- Distributors: Acting as the delivery system, distributors use complex networks to transport energy to consumers, whether they're big industries or small households.
- Retailers: These are the friendly faces we deal with when paying our energy bills. They purchase energy from generators and offer various plans and prices to suit our needs.
- Multi-role energy suppliers: Companies like Origin Energy and AGL Energy wear multiple hats in the energy world. They not only generate energy but also sell it directly to consumers, making them versatile players in the market. Prioritise it.
Across Australia's energy scene, there are three companies known as the ‘Big Three’:
- Origin Energy
- AGL Energy
- EnergyAustralia
It’s these companies that hold considerable sway across the energy market with the largest market share across most Australian states. According to the Australian Energy Retailer Retail Energy Market Performance Update 2022-2023, this is the list of Australian retailers with the largest market share in residential areas:
| Company | Market Share |
| ActewAGL | 2.6% |
| AGL | 22.3% |
| Alinta Energy | 5.5% |
| Aurora Energy | 3.5% |
| Dodo | 0.9% |
| EnergyAustralia | 14.6% |
| Energy Locals | 0.7% |
| Ergon Energy | 9.5% |
| Origin | 26.3% |
| Powershop | 1.1% |
| Red Energy | 5.7% |
| ENGIE | 2.1% |
Compare our retailers
At Compare Energy, we’re glad to work with retailers that offer a wide range of options for customers looking to manage their energy needs efficiently.
Each retailer brings unique plans and pricing options to the table and there are pros and cons for each of them. Whether you're seeking competitive rates, green energy solutions, or reliable customer service, Compare Energy retailers cater to a variety of preferences.
To find the best fit for your household, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the retailers we currently work with so that you can make the right choice.
AGL
AGL Energy is one of the country's oldest and largest energy providers. With a long history and a commitment to energy innovation, AGL supplies millions of residential and business customers across the nation.
As the second-largest integrated energy company in Australia, AGL has a varied portfolio of energy assets, encompassing coal, gas, and renewable sources. This mix positions AGL as a key player in the energy market, with a significant 22.3% retail market share.
AGL pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Discounts with AGL Rewards | Credit card fees apply |
| Easy to use mobile app | No plans for ACT or TAS, gas only for WA |
| Bundling options for $$$ savings | Not among the cheapest in Australia |
| Live chat support available | Intends to burn coal until 2045 |
| Carbon neutral options | |
| Sign up bonuses available on selected plans | |
| Range of billing options to ensure bill smoothing and monthly billings |
AGL average electricity price by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 133.36 | 79.20 | 109.96 | 108.14 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 32.10 | 32.28 | 46.78 | 32.92 |
AGL average gas price by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | |
| Distributor | Allgas Energy | Jemena Gas | AGN South Australia | Multinet Main 1 |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 155.93 | 58.31 | 100.16 | 100.93 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 4.92 | 3.87 | 5.71 | 92.00 |
Considering AGL for your electricity or gas needs? Contact us at Compare Energy, and our team will assist you in finding the perfect plan and seamlessly connect you to AGL's services.
Dodo
Dodo isn't just about high-speed internet; they've also become a key player in Australia's energy market. Alongside offering NBN plans, phone, mobile, TV, and insurance services, Dodo has expanded to provide electricity and gas plans.
Operating under the name Dodo Power & Gas, M2 Energy Pty Ltd. serves approximately 90,000 customers in Australia. While this might seem modest, it represents a significant portion of the energy market, highlighting Dodo's growing influence.
Dodo's energy offerings are competitively priced and reliable, with numerous opportunities for customers to save on their gas bills. However, Dodo only supplies gas to two states: NSW and VIC.
Dodo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexibility, no lock in contracts | Poor environmental record with no active stance on climate change |
| Bundle discounts available for energy, Internet and phone | No market electricity plans offered in SA |
| No connection or disconnection fees apply for existing customers | Very limited choice of energy plans |
| GreenPower options for environmentally conscious customers | No mobile app for monitoring energy use |
Dodo average electricity price by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 82.66 | 70.07 | 157.69 | 81.10 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 28.22 | 30.09 | 39.02 | 27.93 |
Dodo average gas price by state
| NSW | VIC | |
| Distributor | Jemena Coastal | Envestra |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 90.77 | 97.81 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 6.53 | 5.11 |
EnergyAustralia
EnergyAustralia pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide selection of plans to choose from | Plans above reference price in some states |
| Option to go carbon neutral at no extra cost | Credit card fees apply |
| Up to $150 sign up credit when signing up online | No energy plans for NT or WA |
| User friendly mobile app for easy energy monitoring | Poor environmental record according to Greenpeace |
| Flexible payment options | Australia's second largest climate polluter |
| Live chat support available | Plans to continue coal burning until 2040 |
EnergyAustralia average electricity price by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | ACT | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 115.50 | 97.00 | 104.50 | 108.14 | 101.86 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 33.52 | 37.75 | 47.28 | 31.74 | 31.47 |
Lumo Energy
Lumo Energy is a subsidiary of Snowy Hydro Ltd, a huge player in Australia's renewable energy sector. Focusing on electricity and gas plans in Victoria and South Australia, Lumo offers round-the-clock self-service support for its customers.
Lumo operates exclusively in VIC and SA, where its prices remain remarkably competitive, up to 23% lower than the reference price. Customers in South Australia can also enjoy Lumo Rewards, which provide discounts and vouchers from various retailers simply for being a Lumo customer.
Lumo Energy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Refer a friend program: $100 for you and a friend if they sign up | Customers can only add 10% GreenPower to their plan |
| Fixed energy rates for 12 months (VIC customers) | Low solar feed-in tariffs |
| 100% Australian owned | No mobile app to track usage |
| Rewards program for SA customers | Only offers plans to two states |
| Offers variable and fixed rate plans | |
| Certified carbon neutral |
Lumo Energy average electricity prices by state
| SA | VIC | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 99.94 | 85.41 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) |
Lumo Energy average gas prices by state
| SA | VIC | |
| Distributor | AGN Metro | AusGas Networks |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 90.20 | 81.93 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 4.60 | 3.67 |
Origin Energy
Origin Energy offers a range of natural gas and energy solutions tailored to Australians' needs, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging options.
Origin Energy is a main player in the Australian energy market, with more than 4.2 million customers served, offering around six market plans, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customer base.
Origin Energy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Everyday Rewards with select plans | Credit card fees apply |
| Manage your account online with the app | Not available in NT or TAS |
| Up to $20/month discount on your energy bundle | |
| Easipay payment plan | |
| No lock in contracts or exit fees for small businesses |
Origin Energy electricity prices by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | ACT | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 120.60 | 83.13 | 99.94 | 89.23 | 80.28 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 28.85 | 31.93 | 52.49 | 25.37 | 19.88 |
Origin Energy gas prices by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | ACT | |
| Distributor | AllGas Energy | Jemena Gas | Aust Gas Networks | Aust Gas Networks | Evoenergy Gas |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 136.20 | 77.99 | 92.13 | 74.31 | 84.74 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 4.41 | 5.10 | 5.84 | 3.00 | 4.98 |
Red Energy
Renowned for its exceptional customer service and specialised plans for electric vehicle owners, Red Energy stands out in the energy market.
Red Energy works closely with Qantas to offer enticing rewards, too. By signing up for their electricity plans, customers can earn 10,000 Frequent Flyer points, while gas plan sign-ups earn 5,000 points.
Additional points can be earned by consistently paying bills on time, making Red Energy a good choice for those looking to earn rewards while managing their energy needs.
Red Energy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% Australian owned | App doesn't allow plan management |
| Refer a friend program | Doesn't cater to TAS, NT, WA |
| Electric vehicle owners can access free electricity use at the weekends between 12pm - 2pm | No discounts for paying on time |
| Frequent Flyer points with Qantas and Qantas Red Saver plan | Some of the Red Energy tariffs are on the higher side compared to other retailers |
| No lock in contracts | Fixed rates are not available |
| Opt-in for carbon neutral and GreenPower |
Red Energy electricity prices by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | ACT | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 97.29 | 121.00 | 100.95 | 85.80 | 100.10 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 29.09 | 35.15 | 43.97 | 25.71 | 21.17 |
Red Energy gas prices by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | ACT | |
| Distributor | Aust Gas Networks | Jemena Coastal Networks | AGN Metro | Aust Gas Networks | Evoenergy |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 101.20 | 76.99 | 101.20 | 81.93 | 68.20 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 6.71 | 4.16 | 4.61 | 3.67 | 3.50 |
ENGIE
ENGIE offers a range of gas and electricity plans to customers across Australia, with the exception of TAS, NT, and ACT. Certain plans also offer discounts for members of automobile associations, movie enthusiasts, and seniors.
As a part of ENGIE, a global leader in the transition to a zero-carbon economy, ENGIE offers solutions to empower customers to effectively manage their energy consumption.
ENGIE pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Live chat support available | Some gas plans are only available with an electricity plan |
| 100% carbon neutral with no add-ons or extra costs | Overseas call centre |
| Mobile app available for easy plan management | No plans in TAS, ACT or NT |
| No lock in contracts or exit fees | |
| NRMA membership, movie tickets and other rewards available | |
| Customers can choose 100% GreenPower |
ENGIE electricity prices by state
| SEQ | NSW | SA | VIC | |
| Supply charge (c/kWh) | 114.23 | 100.89 | 120.77 | 108.13 |
| Usage charge (c/kWh) | 33.62 | 37.27 | 45.79 | 31.74 |
ENGIE gas prices by state
| NSW | SA | VIC | |
| Distributor | Jemena Gas | Aust Gas Networks | Aust Gas Networks |
| Supply charge (c/MJ) | 61.95 | 68.88 | 88.98 |
| Usage charge (c/MJ) | 6.39 | 8.10 | 4.27 |
Contact Compare Energy
Ready to make the switch to an energy company that meets your needs? Contact our team and we’ll talk you through it.
