The true cost of 'complimentary' streaming subscriptions in your energy bill

Electricity is a necessity, but entertainment isn’t. When the cost of living pressure bites, you can do away with streaming subscriptions, but not electricity. However, some energy retailers are bundling free streaming subscriptions to sweeten the deal for new customers. 

If you’re a streaming fanatic, an energy plan with a free subscription is one less monthly payment to worry about. However, will you be left spending more on electricity than you’re actually saving with the free subscription? 

Which energy plans offer streaming subscriptions

Currently, there are only two retailers offering streaming subscriptions: 

• AGL: AGL’s Netflix plan comes bundled with a free Netflix Standard with ads subscription ($120 value per year). This feature will continue if the plan remains available and does not need to be renewed annually. AGL is also currently offering a $200 bill credit for new customers. 
• EnergyAustralia: EnergyAustralia is offering a complimentary 12-month Disney+ standard subscription on the Flexi Plan in NSW ($159 value per year). Keep in mind that this offer will expire on June 9. 

To enjoy undisturbed access to each subscription, you will have to stay on each plan. 

Are energy plans with streaming subscriptions worth it? 

Whether or not these plans are worth it depends on how much money you’re saving with the free subscription. Here’s how much these plans cost versus the cheapest electricity plans on our database (with and without a separate subscription):  

AGL Netflix Plan vs cheapest electricity plan

Source: Canstar database, AGL’s website,  23/03/2026. Postcodes used include: 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000. 

For NSW customers, moving to the cheapest plan in our database and picking up a standard Netflix plan separately is actually $164 cheaper per year based on estimated usage. In VIC, you can save $101 per year, followed by $145 in QLD and $291 in SA. 

EnergyAustralia vs the cheapest electricity plan

Note: The Disney+ Standard offer applies to EnergyAustralia’s Flexi Plan in NSW. 

Source: Canstar database, AGL’s website,  23/03/2026. Postcodes used include: 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000. 

Looking for an energy plan with cheaper rates and a lower annual cost, then pairing it with Disney+, will still save you money over 12 months - although with a $3 price difference, it’s a much narrower gap when compared to AGL. 

The information above shows the importance of weighing your options before making a decision. It’s easy to get lured in by a bonus offer, but it’s important to do the math and see how freebies compare with more competitive rates and paying for the freebie instead. 

If you’re not a fan of bingeing streaming series back-to-back, then a complimentary subscription doesn’t bring much value — you stand to slash hundreds off your electricity bills yearly by simply comparing and switching to the cheapest electricity plan at your address. 

However, the convenience of managing your electricity plans and your monthly entertainment under one roof can be appealing. If you value convenience over cost, then these plans shouldn’t be brushed aside.  

Which streaming subscription is better? 

Netflix and Disney+ have a diverse catalog of TV shows and movies, but they are vastly different. On top of that, both services have their own limits and restrictions. 

Which service is better is a matter of personal preference. You can visit our guide to streaming services to learn more about their pros and cons.