Origin Energy is an integrated power company that works in gas exploration, production, generation and retail. Origin provides electricity, natural gas, LPG and solar power to customers all over Australia.
Origin offers households a variety of plans for different needs, so you can conveniently check how Origin Energy compares with other retailers. It's important to understand the features of each plan and to estimate what your energy bill is likely to be, to see how Origin stacks up against its competitors. If you become an Origin Energy customer, you can still check in every few months to make sure you’ve got the best price for your circumstances.
Origin Energy Plans
Origin Go
With Origin Go, your energy rates will not change for 12 months. You also receive Everyday Reward points for every dollar you spend on energy, which can be used for groceries.
As an Everyday Rewards member, one of the benefits is that you don’t need to pay anything extra to transfer 25 per cent of your electricity consumption to what’s called GreenPower. Essentially, Origin will add an equivalent amount of renewable energy to the grid. Origin Energy gas customers can get 100 per cent Green Gas at no extra cost. The emissions created by your natural gas usage get a 100 per cent offset through Climate Active, an Australian government carbon-neutral certification program.
The daily supply and usage charges depend on where your home is located. You can enter your postcode and a few details to see the Origin Energy rates applicable to your home, the discount offered and an estimate of your annual electricity or gas expenses. This plan includes the most substantial discount of all Origin Energy offers.
The Origin Go plan also includes an electricity credit of $50. Just remember if you sign up for Origin Go, you need to renew after 12 months.
Origin Go Variable
This is another 12-month plan, but with variable rates.
The discount offered on the Origin Go Variable plan is lower than that included in the Origin Go plan, so your annual estimate for electricity and gas costs may be higher. The benefits of Everyday Rewards and electricity credit are not offered with this plan.
Origin Basic
With this no-frills plan, you pay rates equal to the reference price; that is, the benchmark set by the government. There are no additional discounts with Origin Basic. You don't need to renew this plan every year and the rates you’re charged may change if the reference price changes.
Origin Home Support
This plan includes a 12-month membership to the Allianz Emergency Home Assistance (EHA Program). You can reach out to Allianz Global Assistance 24/7 if you face an event requiring urgent home assistance. These could include being locked out of your home, a damaged roof, a blocked toilet, a burst tap, problems with your heating, cooling or power supply, a broken door or window.
If you select a 12-month plan, your energy supply will not be disrupted at the end of that period. Origin Energy will contact you and tell you your options for renewal.
What is the Origin Energy feed-in tariff?
If you have solar panels in your home and are an Origin Energy customer, any solar power you don't consume is fed back into the electricity grid. Origin pays you a feed-in tariff for this solar power. The feed-in tariff differs from state to state, and the amount you can earn back also depends on your plan.
Origin Energy pays you the highest feed-in tariff if you have purchased a new solar system from it. The next level of feed-in tariff is for those customers who have an existing solar system and are exporting a higher amount of power into the grid. The lowest level of feed-in tariff is for those exporting a small amount of solar power.
Switching to Origin Energy
If you are currently a customer of another energy provider and want to switch to Origin Energy, the process is simple. You can choose and purchase an Origin Energy plan online. If you continue to live at your present address and make this switch, you don’t need to do anything else. Origin Energy will contact your current supplier and inform them. You will receive a final bill from your old energy provider, but your energy supply will not be disrupted.
If you are moving house, Origin Energy will switch power on one day after you book your move. Book before 1 pm and your power will be connected in 1 business day. Origin also gives you an assurance that, in case of any delay, you can claim up to $400 per day in credit until they give you a connection. You will need to contact your old energy provider so they can disconnect your previous house and send you a final bill. You will receive status updates about the move via SMS and email.
You can set up a convenient way to pay your Origin Energy account, including direct debit or BPAY. In the Origin app, you can set up a direct debit from your bank account so that you don't need to worry about missing the due date of your bills. Origin also allows you to pay online without signing in, so you can take care of bills while you are on the move. Origin accepts payments through BPAY and Centrepay. You can also mail a cheque or pay your bill in person at any post office.
Centralised Origin Energy electricity for buildings
The apartment block you live in may have centralised electricity provided by Origin Energy. This means that the owners or managers have purchased electricity in bulk and are providing it to you at a discounted rate. Your apartment will have its own electricity meter, so you will only be charged for the amount you use.
Centralised electricity contracts are ongoing and do not need to be renewed every year. If you are moving into an apartment building with centralised Origin Energy electricity, you need to open an account with Origin. If you have queries about centralised electricity, you can contact the specialised team on the Origin Energy phone number 1800 684 993.
How to cancel an Origin Energy account
If you are an Origin Energy customer and find another supplier with a better offer for you, you can cancel your Origin contract. Tell your new energy retailer that you would like to enter into a contract with them. Usually, they will inform Origin and transfer your account. You don’t need to worry about the Origin Energy exit fee as their residential plans don’t have any lock-in period, and you will not be charged when you cancel.