Who is the cheapest energy supplier in Australia?
Finding the cheapest energy supplier in Australia isn’t straightforward, because prices shift between states, plans, and even depending on how you pay your bill. But when you strip it back, a few names consistently come up in comparison sites and regulator reports: AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, and a handful of smaller retailers like ReAmped Energy, OVO Energy, and GloBird.
For households, smaller challengers often undercut the big three with leaner margins and online-only plans. For businesses, the story’s a bit more nuanced — contract terms, energy usage patterns, and add-ons like solar feed-in tariffs can flip the “cheapest” option on its head.
Who offers the lowest energy rates in 2025?
Recent analysis from comparison services and the Australian Energy Regulator suggests that:
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ReAmped Energy often appears cheapest for households, especially in NSW and Queensland, thanks to aggressive online pricing.
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OVO Energy and GloBird Energy are also strong contenders, offering low daily supply charges and discounts for direct debit or app-based billing.
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AGL, Origin, and EnergyAustralia (the “big three”) may not always be the cheapest, but they hold market share with bundled services, reliability, and rewards programs.
Do cheap plans always mean better value?
Not necessarily. Behavioural science tells us we’re prone to anchoring bias — focusing on the lowest advertised rate while overlooking conditions. Plans with headline-grabbing cheap usage rates can sting you with:
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High daily supply charges
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Penalties for late payment
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Limited customer support options
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No flexibility for moving house or changing usage
This is why regulators push the reference price — a benchmark that helps customers compare plans more easily across retailers.
What about Origin Energy?
Origin sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s rarely the cheapest on headline rates, but it appeals to households and businesses that value stability, flexible plans, and green add-ons. Customers considering it often look at reviews before deciding — and plenty of people have already shared their experiences in this Origin business energy review.
Which supplier should you choose?
Choosing isn’t just about the lowest bill today. It’s about consistency bias — sticking with a provider who aligns with how you pay, your appetite for risk, and your tolerance for bill fluctuations. If you’re running a café in Sydney, predictability might matter more than squeezing out the last $20 a quarter. For a single renter in Brisbane, chasing that $20 saving might be worth it.
FAQ
Is the cheapest supplier the same across all states?
No. Retail competition is strongest in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia, so smaller players can push prices lower. In WA and regional Queensland, government-set tariffs mean fewer choices.
How often should I switch providers?
Experts suggest reviewing plans annually. Retailers change discounts and conditions frequently, and loyalty rarely pays in energy markets.
Are green energy plans more expensive?
Often slightly, but the gap is narrowing. Some smaller suppliers bundle renewable energy at competitive rates to attract eco-conscious customers.
In short: if your only goal is to chase the cheapest bill, look at challengers like ReAmped or OVO. But if stability and extras matter, the big players — Origin included — may offer better value over time. For a deep dive into how Origin stacks up, check this Origin business energy review. And if you want a broader market view, the Australian Energy Regulator has a helpful Energy Made Easy tool where you can compare plans directly.
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