Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Origin Energy Review: A Quick Recap
Service Areas: VIC, NSW, QLD and SA
Average Annual Electricity Cost: $$2,213 (All States Average;12% higher than the best provider – one of the more expensive providers)
Average Annual Gas Cost: $$2,340 (32% higher than the best provider – one of the most expensive providers)
Customer Satisfaction: 4.0/5 based on recent verified customer feedback and reviews
A Fair Deal for Customers?
Origin Energy is the biggest of Australia’s energy providers. However, it has come under scrutiny for its pricing practices and substantial profits. Recent analysis reveals concerning figures: the company generates an average profit of $728 per household customer annually, raising questions about fair pricing in the energy market.
Our Review reveals that Origin’s Energy rates often exceed those of smaller, well performing competitors. They may be big, but their rates certainly aren’t beautiful. It’s a sad fact: If you are with Origin Energy, chances are that you are paying way too much.
How we reviewed the Origin Energy Plan
In each State, average usage was sourced from the Government website for a 3-person household in different towns across the States.
We compared the Origin cheapest deal with the best price available. This shows how much you could save by switching from Origin. In nearly all cases, customers with the best plan can save at least $200 on each of electricity and gas, and in many cases savings of more than $700 are available to customers who switch to the best provider.
Origin Gas and Electricity Prices vs Best Price
When reviewing Origin Energy electricity and gas prices across different household types and states, we found consistent opportunities for savings. Check out your potential savings by checking your region below.
Savings by State (cheapest price comparison)
Origin Energy Electricity and Gas Prices in Victoria
Origin customers in 5 towns in Victoria could save $113/year more on their electricity and $713/year on gas by instead choosing the cheapest provider. Overall savings average $826. Nowhere was the Origin Energy offer the cheapest.
Origin – VIC – Elec and Gas
-
Citipower – Camberwell
-
Powercor – Bendigo
-
Jemena – Heidelberg
-
Ausnet – Traralgon
-
United Energy – Moorabbin
-
VIC – Gas
| Usage | Origin | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.246 | 0.2318 |
| Daily charge | 1.117 | 1.0010 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,577 | $1,467 |
| Overpayment | $110 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2708 | 0.2576 |
| Daily charge | 1.2316 | 1.1220 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,736 | $1,634 |
| Overpayment | $103 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2675 | 0.2453 |
| Daily charge | 1.1070 | 1.0670 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,675 | $1,555 |
| Overpayment | $120 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.313 | 0.2972 |
| Peak2 | 0.313 | 0.2972 |
| Daily charge | 1.2730 | 1.1330 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,952 | $1,826 |
| Overpayment | $126 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Cheapest plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.2596 | 0.2453 |
| Daily charge | 1.048 | 0.9460 |
| Yearly Cost | $1,616 | $1,511 |
| Overpayment | $105 | – |
| Town Name | Origin Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camberwell | $2,741 | $2,113 | $627 |
| Bendigo | $2,766 | $1,978 | $788 |
| Heidelberg | $2,891 | $2,129 | $762 |
| Traralgon | $2,891 | $2,129 | $762 |
| Moorabbin | $2,741 | $2,113 | $627 |
Review of Origin Energy Electricity and Gas Rates NSW
Our average customer in NSW is overpaying by $255/yr for electricity on Origin Energy Plan. Those with gas are overpaying by $550/yr on average. We couldn’t find a case where the Origin Energy Plan is the cheapest.
Origin – NSW – Elec and Gas
-
Ausgrid – Mosman
-
Endeavour Energy – Mount Druitt
-
Essential Energy – Smithtown
-
NSW – Gas
| Usage | Origin | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3401 | 0.2882 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.3278 |
| Daily charge | 0.8872 | 1.1110 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,186 | $1,983 |
| OverPayment | $202 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3588 | 0.2872 |
| Peak 2 | N/A | 0.3322 |
| Daily charge | 0.8627 | 1.1990 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,279 | $2,010 |
| OverPayment | $269 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3882 | 0.3311 |
| Peak 2 | N/A | 0.3542 |
| Daily charge | 1.7157 | 1.7710 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,752 | $2,459 |
| OverPayment | $292 | – |
| Town Name | Origin Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton South | $2,674 | $2,123 | $550 |
Review of Origin Electricity and Gas Rates Queensland
Our average Origin Energy customer in Southern QLD is overpaying by $241-332/year for their electricity. For those with gas the overpayment is $118/yr. We couldn’t find a case where the Origin Energy Plan is the cheapest.
Origin – QLD – Elec and Gas
-
Brisbane – Energex – Single rate
-
Brisbane – Energex – Time Of Use
-
Brisbane – Energex – Single rate + Controlled Load
-
Brisbane – Energex – Time Of Use + Controlled Load
-
QLD – Gas
| Usage | Origin | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3348 | 0.2992 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.3245 |
| Daily Charge | 1.3573 | 1.2210 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,292 | $2,051 |
| OverPayment | $241 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4486 | 0.4235 |
| Off Peak | 0.2723 | 0.2376 |
| Shoulder | 0.3234 | 0.2376 |
| Supply charges | 1.4116 | 1.2650 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,384 | $2,090 |
| OverPayment | $295 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.3348 | 0.2893 |
| Peak2 | N/A | 0.3124 |
| CL | 0.1687 | 0.1815 |
| Supply charges | 1.3573 | 1.2210 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,495 | $2,227 |
| OverPayment | $268 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.4486 | 0.4015 |
| Off Peak | 0.2723 | 0.2343 |
| Shoulder | 0.3234 | 0.2343 |
| CL | 0.1687 | 0.1815 |
| Supply charges | 1.4116 | 1.265 |
| Yearly Cost | $2,637 | $2,305 |
| OverPayment | $332 | – |
| Town Name | Origin Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deagon | $661 | $544 | $118 |
Review of Origin Electricity and Gas Rates in South Australia
In SA, the Origin Energy plan in SA is overpriced by $482/year for gas and $266/year for electricity.
Origin – SA – Elec and Gas
-
Adelaide – Single rate
-
Adelaide – Time of Use
-
SA – Gas
| Usage | Origin | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak1 | 0.4386 | 0.36278 |
| Peak2 | 0.474 | 0.39479 |
| Daily charge | 1.0557 | 0.9710 |
| Yearly cost | $2,984 | $2,462 |
| Overpayment | $523 | – |
| Usage | Origin | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 0.5547 | 0.409728 |
| Off Peak | 0.3277 | 0.235807 |
| Shoulder | 0.2737 | 0.235807 |
| Supply charges | 1.0793 | 1.2057 |
| Yearly cost | $2,419 | $1,977 |
| Overpayment | $442 | – |
| Town Name | Origin Yearly Cost | Best Plan yearly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $1,356 | $1,090 | $266 |
Service Quality: Don’t be Afraid to Look Beyond the Big Names
While established companies like Origin Energy have name recognition and extensive infrastructure, smaller energy providers can offer distinct advantages in customer service:
Personalized Attention
- Smaller providers often have more flexibility to provide individualized customer care
- Less bureaucracy may allow for more direct access to support staff
- Potential for more personalized solutions to customer issues
Customer Service Approach
- Many smaller providers focus heavily on service quality as a key differentiator
- Some may offer multiple contact channels (phone, email, chat) with local support teams
- Customer service representatives often have more authority to make decisions
Customer Feedback and Responsiveness
- Review platforms and consumer feedback can help compare service quality
- Consider checking independent customer review sites and energy comparison websites, but avoid those on the payroll of the energy companies
- Look for consistent patterns in customer experiences rather than isolated reviews
Making the Switch: Easier Than You Think
Switching energy providers is a straightforward process that typically takes about 5 minutes online. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted, and the new provider handles the transition work.
Key Takeaways
Switching is simple and risk-free
Don’t assume big energy companies offer the best rates; they don’t.
Potential annual savings range from $103 to $788 depending on household size, fuel, and State
Smaller providers often provide superior customer service
FAQs for Origin Energy
Origin Energy is a large, publicly listed Australian company trading on the ASX. It is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies, with operations spanning electricity generation, gas production, and energy retailing.
Reference: https://www.originenergy.com.au/about/
Origin has a partnership with Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards program. Customers on an eligible plan can link their Everyday Rewards account to collect points on their energy bills, which can be redeemed for money off their shopping. We evaluate this deal here.
Reference: https://www.originenergy.com.au/everyday-rewards/
Origin offers customers an opt-in ‘Origin Go Zero’ add-on, which makes their energy usage 100% carbon neutral as certified by Climate Active. Customers can also choose to add 25%, 50%, or 100% GreenPower.
Reference: https://www.originenergy.com.au/green-energy/
Yes, the Origin Energy app is a key feature, especially for customers with smart meters. It allows for detailed tracking of electricity usage by the hour, day, or week, and can provide bill estimates.
Origin’s standard variable rate residential plans do not have lock-in contracts or exit fees, providing customers with the flexibility to change their plan or retailer at any time.
Reference: https://www.originenergy.com.au/faq/
