AGL is one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, operating across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA. Your AGL rates depend on your state, your distributor zone, and the type of tariff you are on. In 2026, typical residential usage rates range from 26 to 45 c/kWh, depending on your location, with daily supply charges ranging from around $0.90 to $1.30. The AER’s final Default Market Offer for 2026-27 confirmed price drops across most regions from 1 July 2026, so it is worth comparing plans before your next bill lands. If you are moving house and need power sorted fast, an AGL Same-Day Connection can get you set up within hours in most areas.
What Are AGL’s Current Rates By State?
The AGL unit price you pay depends on where you live. Each state has different distribution networks, and each network has its own set of regulated charges that flow through to your bill. Here is a general snapshot of typical AGL residential electricity rates in 2026:
| State | Typical usage rate (c/kWh) | Daily supply charge |
| NSW | 30-38c | $1.00-$1.20 |
| VIC | 26-34c | $0.90-$1.10 |
| QLD | 28-36c | $1.00-$1.25 |
| SA | 35-45c | $1.10-$1.30 |
Rates vary depending on your postcode, meter type, and tariff structure. Always check the Basic Plan Information Document (BPID) for any plan before signing up.
Victoria tends to have the lowest rates due to strong retail competition and the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) framework. South Australia sits at the top, driven by higher wholesale and network costs.
How Your AGL Bill Is Actually Calculated
Every AGL electricity bill has two core components:
- Usage charge (c/kWh). This is what you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity you consume. If you use 15 kWh in a day at 32 c/kWh, that is $4.80 in usage charges for that day.
- Daily supply charge. A fixed fee for staying connected to the grid. You pay this every day, even when you use no electricity.
Here is a simple example. An average household using 15 kWh per day at 32 c/kWh with a $1.10 daily supply charge would pay roughly:
- Usage: 15 kWh x 30 days x $0.32 = $144
- Supply: 30 days x $1.10 = $33
- Total monthly cost: approximately $177
Your actual AGL power price on a bill may also include controlled load charges (for off-peak hot water), solar feed-in credits, and any applicable discounts or sign-up credits.
What Is Changing From 1 July 2026?
The AER’s final DMO determination for 2026-27 confirmed electricity price reductions across most regulated regions from 1 July 2026. Here is what was announced:
- NSW: residential standing offer prices decrease by 2.7% to 8.2%, saving roughly $64 to $226 per year, depending on your distribution zone.
- South East QLD: residential prices decrease by approximately 7.2%, a reduction of about $216 per year.
- SA: residential prices increased slightly by 1.4%, the only region to see a rise.
These changes apply to standing offer customers. If you are on a market offer, your rates may not change automatically. AGL is updating its standing offer prices from 1 July 2026, and solar feed-in tariffs for standing offer customers will decrease to 0 c/kWh on the same date. If you want to Connect Electricity Today with a competitive plan, check how your current deal stacks up against new offers through Connect With Us.
Single Rate vs Time-of-Use: Which Tariff Saves You More?
AGL offers two main tariff structures for residential customers:
Single rate (flat rate)
You pay the same usage rate per kWh regardless of when you use electricity. Simple and predictable. Good for households that cannot easily shift their usage patterns.
Time-of-use (TOU)
You pay different rates depending on the time of day. Peak periods (typically late afternoon and evening) cost the most. Off-peak periods (overnight and sometimes midday) cost the least. The AER’s 2026-27 determination also introduced a new Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) available from 1 July 2026 in NSW, SA, and South East QLD. This opt-in plan gives households up to 24 kWh of free electricity use per day during a three-hour afternoon window when solar generation is at its peak. All retailers with at least 1,000 customers are required to offer a default SSO alongside their flat and TOU standing offers. If you have a smart meter and can run heavy appliances during the middle of the day, a TOU or SSO plan could significantly reduce your AGL rates compared to a flat rate.
AGL’s Current Plans Worth Looking At
AGL offers several residential market offers across its serviced states. The Smart Saver plan is one of the more popular options, currently sitting at 16% below the Reference Price on the Ausgrid network in Sydney. It includes a $200 credit for customers who switch to AGL and stay for 90 days, a 4 c/kWh solar feed-in tariff, and 4 cents off per litre on BP fuel through the AGL app. AGL also serves small business customers across all its states. If you run commercial premises and want to compare business electricity providers, AGL’s business plans are worth checking against those of smaller retailers. The AER’s final DMO for 2026-27 confirmed small business price drops of 6.8% to 20.9%, depending on the region, so new competitive offers are expected in the coming months.
Practical Ways to Reduce Your AGL Bill
Regardless of which plan you are on, a few changes can make a noticeable difference:
- Review your plan annually: If your benefit period has expired, you may have been rolled onto a more expensive standing offer without realising it. AGL is required to notify you every 100 days if a better plan is available.
- Shift heavy appliances to off-peak or solar hours: Running your dishwasher, washing machine, or hot water system during the middle of the day (if on TOU) can reduce your per-kWh cost.
- Check for government rebates: Many households are eligible for state rebates that get applied directly to your AGL bill. Check through Service NSW, Services Australia, or your state’s energy concessions page.
- Compare before your contract renews: A quick comparison through Connect With Us on 1300 412 421 takes a few minutes. Their consultants compare AGL against other retailers and find the most competitive plan for your postcode.
If you are moving house, an AGL same-day connection is available in most areas if you call before the cut-off time. This is useful if you have left things to the last minute and need power immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are AGL electricity prices going up or down in 2026?
Prices are set to fall in most states from 1 July 2026. The AER’s final determination confirmed residential reductions of 2.7% to 8.2% in NSW and 7.2% in South East QLD. The new AGL power price structure will be reflected in updated standing offers. South Australia is the exception, with a small 1.4% increase for residential customers.
Q: How do I check my current AGL unit price?
Look at your latest AGL bill. Your usage rate (c/kWh) and daily supply charge are listed in the charges breakdown section. Compare your current AGL unit price against what is available on Connect With Us to see if a cheaper option exists.
Q: Is AGL cheaper than other retailers?
It depends on your postcode and usage. AGL is rarely the absolute cheapest, but plans like the Smart Saver include sign-up credits and fuel discounts that add value. Compare business electricity providers and residential offers side by side to see where AGL sits for your area.
Q: Can I get a same-day electricity connection with AGL?
Yes. An AGL same-day connection is available for most existing properties with a meter already installed. Call AGL directly or arrange it through Connect With Us if you want to compare plans at the same time.
Q: Should I switch away from AGL?
Not necessarily. But if you have not compared plans in over 12 months, it is worth checking. Smaller retailers often undercut the big three on base rates. You can connect electricity today through Connect With Us to see how AGL compares against other options for your postcode.
