AGL·Origin·Red Energy 2025: State-by-State Cheapest Plans Households Should Compare Before January
As January 2025 approaches, many Australian households are preparing for updated electricity bills as major retailers — AGL, Origin Energy and Red Energy — file new pricing structures across multiple states. With cost-of-living pressure still elevated, comparing plans before January may help households avoid unnecessary rate increases or outdated default plans.
While the cheapest plan varies by state, average household usage and discount eligibility, several trends are clear: default plans continue rising in most regions, while market offers remain competitive — especially in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland where retailers actively promote conditional discounts, rate stability or usage-based incentives.
Why 2025 Plans Are Shifting Across States
Electricity retailers adjust their plans each year based on wholesale price movements, network charges, environmental scheme costs and updated Default Market Offer (DMO) or Victorian Default Offer (VDO) benchmarks. In 2025, several states are experiencing moderate upward adjustments, prompting more households to compare market offers across AGL, Origin and Red Energy.
NSW: AGL vs Origin vs Red Energy
New South Wales remains one of the most competitive electricity markets. Retailers typically offer conditional discounts such as on-time payment savings or direct-debit incentives. In 2025, many customers may find meaningful differences between base usage rates and daily supply charges across the three major providers.
- AGL: Often competitive for families with medium-to-high usage, with stable-rate plans offering predictable monthly billing.
- Origin: Strong bundle options for customers considering solar or EV charging plans.
- Red Energy: Frequently positioned with lower daily supply charges, appealing to lower-usage households or apartments.
Typical 2025 example: NSW customers may see $30–$90 annual differences between updated market offers, depending on usage patterns.
Victoria (VIC): Cheapest Plans Vary by Usage Type
Victoria operates on the VDO benchmark, which shifts annually. In 2025, daily supply charges have risen modestly, making low-usage households more sensitive to plan structure.
- AGL: Consistent pricing for households exceeding 14–20 kWh daily.
- Origin: Known for flexible terms and optional add-ons, appealing to renters seeking month-to-month freedom.
- Red Energy: Popular for its Rewards program and straightforward plans without complex discount conditions.
In many postcodes, Red Energy may appear cheapest for low-usage customers, while AGL or Origin could be more competitive for high-usage properties.
Queensland (QLD): Fewer Retailers, Larger Price Gaps
Queensland’s electricity market is less crowded than NSW and VIC, but significant price differences still emerge between providers.
- AGL: Often competitive for Brisbane and coastal cities with reliable rate stability.
- Origin: Frequently offers the lowest variable rate options in several QLD postcodes.
- Red Energy: Selective coverage, but may be cheapest where available.
Example 2025 scenario: A medium-usage household in Brisbane may find $70–$120 annual differences between retailer market plans.
South Australia (SA): High Rates Make Comparisons Crucial
South Australia continues to report some of the nation's highest electricity rates. For this reason, households may benefit significantly from switching to a lower-cost market plan.
- AGL: Maintains strong presence with predictable rate structures.
- Origin: Popular among solar households due to competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Red Energy: Occasionally cheapest for urban SA users, depending on supply charges.
SA’s biggest savings typically come from avoiding older or expired plans that no longer reflect current retailer pricing.
ACT & Tasmania: Limited Competition but Key Differences
These regions have fewer retailers, meaning AGL and Origin dominate. Red Energy does not operate widely in all suburbs.
- ACT: Origin often leads in competitive market-rate offers.
- TAS: Market offers remain limited; comparisons focus mostly on tariff structures rather than retailer choice.
Which Retailer Is “Cheapest” in 2025?
No single retailer is the cheapest across all states. The best plan depends on:
- Your postcode
- Your daily usage
- Whether you prefer low supply charges or low usage rates
- Contract length and discounts
- Solar tariff eligibility
Across multiple regions, Red Energy tends to outperform in low-usage households, while AGL and Origin often lead for families with higher energy requirements.
How Households Can Avoid “January Bill Shock”
- Check your latest notice for updated supply and usage rates.
- Compare at least three market offers in your postcode.
- Avoid staying on older default plans that renew at higher rates.
- Review solar feed-in tariff changes if applicable.
- Ask providers about loyalty adjustments or switch incentives.
With 2025 rate updates taking effect from January, reviewing and resetting your electricity plan now may help reduce avoidable increases — especially for households on aging or expired plans.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not represent financial advice. Electricity pricing may vary by state, postcode, usage and retailer terms. Always confirm the latest details with your provider.
