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Energy pricing explained
Energy pricing can be complex. We explain how energy pricing works to help you make the right choice for your business.
Business billing and payments
Tailor your billing and payments to meet your business needs.
How to understand your business electricity and gas needs
Small business electricity use can vary depending on factors such as your industry, operating hours, equipment and the size of your premises. On average, small businesses in Australia use between 35 to 100 kWh per day.
A general guide to business electricity use
Small offices or shopfronts with basic lighting, computers, and air conditioning might use around 20-40 kWh daily, while a cafe, restaurant or retail store with refrigeration, cooking equipment, or extended trading hours could use 60-100+ kWh per day.
Factors that affect electricity usage:
your business type and industry,
the size of your premises,
your trading hours and days of operation,
the age and efficiency of your equipment,
heating and cooling needs, and
whether you have refrigeration or manufacturing equipment.
How to understand your actual usage
The best way to understand your business electricity consumption is to check a recent bill or contact us. We can help you find a plan that matches your needs and identify potential savings.
Small business gas use varies widely depending on what you use it for, your business type, and how often you operate. On average, small businesses in Australia that use natural gas consume on average around 275 MJ per day, though this can be significantly higher for hospitality or manufacturing businesses.
A general guide to business gas usage
A small cafe or restaurant with gas cooking equipment might use 50-150 MJ daily, while a business with gas heating during winter months could see usage spike to 200+ MJ per day. Retail shops or offices with minimal gas (like hot water only) might use as little as 20-40 MJ daily.
Factors that affect business gas usage:
what you use gas for (cooking, heating, hot water, or manufacturing),
your business type and industry,
the size of your premises,
seasonal variations (winter heating vs summer cooling),
your operating hours, and
the efficiency of your gas appliances.
How to understand your actual usage
Check your recent gas bills to understand your consumption, or contact us. We can help you find the right plan and explore ways to manage costs.
At AGL, we classify your business based on:
annual energy consumption
meter type (whether your distribution network considers your business to be on a small or large site), and
number of business sites you operate.
Your business classification affects the energy plans and rates your business is eligible for.
Small to medium businesses
Your business is considered small to medium if you have a business meter, fewer than 10 sites, and spend less than:
$30,000 per year (GST inclusive) on electricity (100MWh usage), or
$25,000 per year (GST inclusive) on gas (1TJ usage).
View our Business energy plans
Large and enterprise business
Your business is classified as large if it has more than 10 sites or uses more than the minimum usage threshold in each state.
Multisite business
Your business is considered Multisite if you have 10 or more small to medium business sites.
Large Market business
Your business is a Large Market business if it uses more than the minimum usage threshold of electricity or gas per year.
Minimum usage by state:
NSW - 100 MWh electricity or 1TJ gas per year
QLD - 100 MWh electricity or 1TJ gas per year
SA - 160 MWh electricity or 1TJ gas per year
VIC - 100 MWh electricity or 5TJ gas per year
Learn more about our large business energy supply
Not sure which category you fall into?
Check your recent energy bills, or contact us. We’ll help you understand which category applies to you and find the right energy plan for your business needs.
