AGL Energy

AGL Energy Limited supplies energy and other services to residential, small and large businesses and wholesale customers in Australia. It operates through three segments: Customer Markets, Integrated Energy, and Investments. The company engages in generating electricity through coal and gas-fired generation, thermal, hydro, wind, batteries, and solar power plants; gas storage activities; and the retail sale of electricity, gas, broadband/mobile/voice, solar, and energy efficiency products and services. 

It operates an electricity generation portfolio of 10,330 megawatts; the Newcastle gas storage facility in New South Wales; the Silver Springs underground gas storage facility in Queensland; natural gas production assets at Camden in New South Wales; and the North Queensland gas assets. The company serves 4.2 million customer accounts. AGL Energy Limited was founded in 1837 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) is an Australian energy company that has a long history dating back to its formation in Sydney in 1837. Originally, AGL supplied town gas for the first public lighting of a street lamp in Sydney in 1841. Over the years, the company diversified its operations into electricity and expanded to various locations.

In October 2000, AGL formed a joint venture called ActewAGL with Icon Water, a government-owned enterprise of the ACT Government. ActewAGL became Australia's first utility joint venture and provides electricity, natural gas, and telecommunication services to business and residential customers in the Australian Capital Territory and south-east New South Wales. AGL Energy owns 25% of ActewAGL.

AGL made several notable acquisitions and disposals throughout its history. In 2000, the company purchased Dingo Blue, an emerging telecommunications provider, from C&W Optus for $22 million. However, AGL closed down Dingo Blue in 2003. AGL also had New Zealand assets, including a gas distribution system in the Hutt Valley and Porirua area, through its subsidiary Natural Gas Corporation. This network was sold to Vector in 2004 for NZ$814 million. In 2001, AGL acquired Transalta NZ's electricity retail business for NZ$824 million but later sold it at a loss.

In 2006, the Australian Gas Light Company merged with Alinta and restructured to create two new listed companies: Alinta Ltd and AGL Energy Ltd. AGL Energy acquired Loy Yang A Power Station and the Loy Yang coal mine in Victoria in June 2012. Loy Yang A has four generating units with a combined capacity of 2,200 MW. In September 2014, AGL Energy acquired Macquarie Generation from the New South Wales Government for $1.5 billion. Macquarie Generation's assets included the 2,640 MW Bayswater Power Station, the 2,000 MW Liddell Power Station, the 50 MW Hunter Valley Gas Turbines, and the Liddell Solar Thermal Project. Macquarie Generation supplies approximately 12% of the National Electricity Market and 30% of the New South Wales electricity market.

AGL announced in April 2015 and reaffirmed in September 2017 its intention to close the Liddell Power Station in 2022. This closure, along with the closure of other coal-burning power stations in Australia, raised concerns about potential power shortages. In 2018, AGL joined 17 other energy businesses in supporting the launch of the Energy Charter, an initiative aimed at providing customers with more affordable and reliable energy.

In 2019, AGL entered the telecommunications industry with the purchase of Southern Phone, a regional telecommunications company. In June 2021, AGL announced its intention to split into a bulk power generator called Accel Energy and a carbon-neutral energy retailer called AGL Australia. However, in May 2022, the proposed split was abandoned, leading to the resignation of the chairman, two board members, and the CEO. The company cited the unlikelihood of gaining the required 75% shareholder approval for the proposal.

AGL has been a significant contributor to carbon emissions in Australia due to its ownership of coal-burning power stations. In the 2019-20 financial year, AGL ranked first on the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator's list of the ten largest emitters of greenhouse gases. AGL's reported emissions were 42.4 million tonnes, equivalent to the emissions of nine million cars on the road. The company's coal-burning power stations are responsible for eight percent of Australia's total national emissions.

AGL is committed to providing sustainable and reliable energy solutions to power the way Australians live, work, and move. We strive to meet the evolving needs of our customers, create value for our stakeholders, and contribute to the well-being of the communities we serve. Through innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices, we aim to shape a better energy future for Australia and the world.

AGL values partnerships with their customers and communities, working together to shape a better future for all. With a history spanning over 185 years, AGL understands the importance of adapting to the changing world. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to transform how energy is produced, shared, and consumed in Australia.

AGL envisions a future where energy plays a central role in enhancing the quality of life for all Australians. We aspire to be a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions that are accessible, affordable, and reliable. By harnessing the power of technology, partnerships, and forward-thinking strategies, we aim to transform the energy landscape, reduce environmental impact, and create a more resilient and prosperous future for our customers, communities, and the planet.

These statements reflect AGL's commitment to providing energy that improves people's lives, while also recognizing the importance of sustainability, reliability, and collaboration. AGL aims to be at the forefront of driving positive change in the energy sector, embracing innovation and responsible practices to create a better energy future for Australia and beyond.

AGL Energy offers a range of products and services to meet the diverse energy needs of its customers. Here are some of the key offerings provided by AGL:

• Electricity Supply: AGL supplies electricity to residential, small business, and large commercial customers. They offer flexible plans and options to suit different energy requirements, including variable and fixed-rate plans, green energy options, and smart metering solutions.
• Natural Gas Supply: AGL provides natural gas supply to residential, small business, and large commercial customers. They offer competitive pricing, flexible contract terms, and options for bundled gas and electricity services.
• Solar Energy Solutions: AGL offers solar energy solutions to help customers generate their own electricity from renewable sources. This includes the installation and maintenance of solar panels and the integration of solar power into the customer's energy system.
• Battery Storage: AGL provides battery storage solutions to store excess energy generated from solar panels. This allows customers to use stored energy during periods of high demand or when solar generation is low, increasing self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.
• Energy Efficiency and Management: AGL assists customers in optimizing their energy usage through energy efficiency programs and tools. This includes energy audits, advice on energy-saving practices, and the implementation of energy management systems.
• Green Energy Options: AGL offers various green energy options, including GreenPower, which allows customers to support renewable energy generation. They also have partnerships with wind farms and other renewable energy projects to offer customers access to cleaner energy sources.
• Home Services: AGL provides home services such as appliance installation, maintenance, and repairs. This includes services for heating and cooling systems, hot water systems, and electrical appliances.
• Energy Plans and Bundles: AGL offers a variety of energy plans and bundles to cater to different customer needs. These may include combinations of electricity, gas, and other services, providing convenience and potential cost savings.
• Energy Advice and Support: AGL offers energy advice and support to help customers better understand their energy usage, manage their bills, and make informed decisions about their energy consumption.