We make moving into a new property easier by helping you connect electricity and gas, broadband, and more, all in one place. Whether you need a new connection, same day connection, or help with moving utilities, we’ve got you covered.
About Origin Energy
Origin Energy is one of Australia’s Big Three power suppliers. It was founded in 2000 and is a publicly owned company that operates coal, natural gas, solar, and wind power plants, including six natural gas-fired power stations and one baseload station for regular energy supply. It generates over 640 MW of electricity each year – around 13% of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and is the largest owner of carbon-friendly gas-fired power stations, emitting about half the carbon of a coal-fired power station.
It is also one of the country’s biggest energy retailers, selling electric and gas, LPG, and solar to over 4.2 million residential, small business and commercial customers.
Origin’s headquarters are in Sydney and it has operations across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia in the electricity and gas industries. It acquired retail branches of Country Energy and Integral Energy in 2011. Its electricity prices vary by state and plan, featuring fixed-rate options, discounts, carbon-neutral choices, and solar feed-in tariffs.
Notably, Origin is a significant purchaser of utility-scale solar energy. The company is carbon neutral for its products, though its environmental performance ranks modestly.
Pros
- All-in-one mobile app to track energy use, manage bills, and monitor solar feed-in
- Option to bundle internet and energy for up to $35 off each month
- No lock-in contracts or exit fees
- Access to special sign-up credits and rewards for new customers
- Flexible payment options including bill smoothing through EasiPay
- Offers solar feed-in tariffs and supports smart energy programs like Origin Spike
Cons
- Credit card payments attract extra fees
- Monthly billing not available on most plans
- Some plans can cost more once introductory offers end
- Mixed record on renewable energy and sustainability goals
- Complex pricing structure may confuse new customers
What Sets Origin Energy Apart?
Origin Energy is one of the biggest energy providers in Australia. They offer electricity, gas, solar, and broadband under one name. Customers can use the Origin app to see their power use and check their bills. The app sends alerts when a bill is ready or when usage changes. Origin runs a program called Origin Spike that gives rewards for using less power at busy times. There are also bundle options that combine energy and internet for a discount. The Everyday Rewards partnership lets customers earn points while paying their bills.
Who Owns Origin Energy
Origin Energy is owned by a consortium led by Brookfield and EIG Partners. Brookfield is based in Canada, while EIG Partners operates from the United States. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved the takeover in October 2023. The approval included conditions such as independent audits and separate management teams to keep competition fair within the energy market.
Which Regions Does Origin Energy Supply Electricity and Gas Plans to?
You can compare electricity and gas plans from Origin throughout Australia. Their plans are available in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Origin Energy is currently not on the CheapBills panel, enter your postcode below to view plans available with CheapBills in your region.
Is Origin an Environmentally-Friendly Energy Company?
For customers wanting to do their bit to make Australia green, Origin has various environmentally friendly clean energy options. They are committed to reducing the impact that energy production has on the environment.
- Carbon Offsetting – offset your greenhouse emissions with carbon credits.
- GreenPower – select to source between 25% to 100% of electricity from renewables.
- Green Gas – offset natural gas emissions from as little as $1 a week.
Other clean energy initiatives include joining the global EV100 initiative in 2021, which promotes the adoption of electric vehicles for fleet cars around the world. There is also a great range of renewable clean energy plans for solar, solar batteries, Virtual Power Plants, and electric vehicles.
Does Origin Have Good Customer Service?
Origin has customer contact offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide to ensure local expertise for customers. The customer service hotline operates from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. You can also talk to Online energy experts, who are available via chat from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
In addition, Origin has an award-winning app for easier account management where you can self-serve your energy and NBN plan, manage billing and lodge requests.
Origin has crafted its plans to reflect its “customer-first” approach, with a range of simple products available to give you big savings without the confusion.
What Energy Services Does Origin Offer?
Origin Energy offers a wide range of products and services for homes and businesses. Customers can choose from electricity, gas, and LPG, along with internet options that include unlimited NBN and Opticomm broadband plans. Origin also provides business electricity plans, solar solutions, and support for electric vehicles and Virtual Power Plant programs. Many plans include green energy options and flexible or fixed-rate choices. Customers can also bundle energy and internet services for better value and earn special offers through Origin’s partnership with Everyday Rewards.