Origin Energy
Origin Energy is the largest energy provider in Australia. Find out more about Origin and how their energy prices compare to others here through Savvy’s energy review.
Fact checked
Origin Energy is Australia’s largest energy producer and integrated distributor and retailer. It was formed in 2000 as a result of a spin-off from Boral and a subsequent merger with SAGASCO, the South Australian Gas Company.
In March 2023, Origin Energy accepted a rumoured $18 billion takeover offer from Brookfield Asset Management and MidOcean, in payment for its integrated gas and energy market business. The proposed sale and division of Origin Energy between these two entities is now subject to a decision from the ACCC as to whether the sale will be allowed to proceed.
Origin Energy operates some of Australia’s largest coal-fired and natural gas-fired power stations. However, it has pledged to have net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and is currently embarking on an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Disclaimer: Please note that Savvy does not represent Origin Energy for their retail energy products. All listed information is correct as of August 2023 but subject to change.
Which states or territories does Origin Energy operate in?
Currently, Origin Energy offers electricity plans in:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- ACT
- WA (gas only)
What is the size of Origin Energy in comparison to other energy retailers?
According to the Australian Energy Regulator’s latest report (Q2 2022/2023), Origin Energy now has over 1.8 million retail electricity customers, and 600,600 gas customers, making them the largest retail energy company in Australia. They hold 26.9% of electricity retail market share, and 26.3% of gas market share.
Pros and cons of using Origin Energy as your energy provider
- Wide variety of different energy plans to choose from
- Option to earn Everyday Rewards points with some plans
- Well-designed phone app for keeping track of your energy bills
- Monthly billing option standard, bill smoothing available
- No exit fees charged
- Up to $150 credit offered on new electricity sign-ups
- Several bundling plans available for gas and electricity
- Bundling also available for energy and internet plans
- May not offer the cheapest energy plans
- Low feed-in tariffs on solar plans
- Credit card fees applied for credit card payments
- Very poor environmental record
- Australia’s 4th biggest climate polluter
- Operates Australia’s largest ‘dirty’ coal-burning power station
- Plans to expand gas fracking in the NT
How is Origin Energy rated as a green energy provider?
According to Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide, Origin Energy has a score of 1.6/10, ranking them No.29 out of 32 energy retailers.*
Their scores for specific criteria are:
- Providing clean, renewable energy: 0%
- Ending coal use by 2030: 0%
- Halting fossil fuel expansion: 0%
- Support for new renewable energy 80%
- Pollution & environmental harm: 0%
- Transparency in marketing: 80%
*Information from Greenpeace’s Green Electricity Guide is current as of August 2023, but subject to change.
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Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.
