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The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) share price is facing downward pressure today, as investors respond to recent company announcements. The shares of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX:XJO) energy provider, which closed at AU$10.49 on Friday, are currently trading at AU$10.35 during lunchtime, reflecting a 1.33% decrease. For broader context, the ASX 200 itself is also struggling today, down 1.46% at the same time.
AGL Share Price Slides Amid Tech Costs
The decline in AGL’s share price comes after the company reported entering into an agreement with Kaluza, a UK-based technology platform that digitizes and simplifies energy billing. Kaluza currently services over six million metres at OVO Energy, the UK. This agreement is a key part of AGL's ongoing Retail Transformation Program.
AGL anticipates significant cost reductions through this partnership, highlighting that the platform will also enable faster product innovation to facilitate the energy transition. Over the next three years, AGL will transfer its four million consumer electricity and gas customer services onto the Kaluza platform.
The Retail Transformation Program aims to reduce operating costs and capital expenditure. AGL expects net benefits to begin in FY 2028, with pre-tax cash savings projected at approximately AU$70 million to AU$90 million annually from FY 2029. However, the AGL share price might be under pressure due to management’s estimate of AU$300 million in costs over four years (starting in FY 2024) to cover the residential and small business customer solution component of the program.
Additionally, AGL would invest around AU$150 million in the form of preference shares in Kaluza to fund the next phase of its growth, resulting in AGL holding a 20% interest directly in Kaluza.
Management's Perspective
Commenting on the agreement, CEO Damien Nicks stated, "This represents a significant milestone in our transformation journey to connect more customers to a sustainable future." He further explained the strategic importance of the partnership with Kaluza:
Kaluza is owned by OVO Energy. In 2021, AGL acquired a majority stake in the Australian business of OVO. Regarding this investment, Nicks added:
"OVO Energy Australia has experienced strong customer growth, with all customers migrated to Kaluza in 2023 while achieving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 40+. As a result of the OVO Energy Australia investment and our proposed 20% equity interest in Kaluza, AGL has strengthened its relationship with the OVO Group, enabling us to accelerate our strategic ambition to support customers as they decarbonize and electrify."
Despite today’s dip, the AGL share price has increased by around 7% so far in 2024.
