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The Hidden Truth About Origin Energy Plan Marketing
Are you paying too much for your Origin Energy Plan? Origin Energy, the biggest of Australia’s “Big Three” energy providers, has come under scrutiny for its pricing practices and substantial profits. Recent analysis reveals concerning figures: the company generates an average profit of $595.25 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. Despite falling wholesale energy costs, their retailer margins continue to grow – suggesting these savings aren’t reaching customers.
How we reviewed the Origin Energy Plan
In each State we used average usage figures 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 Qrigin. Over States and cases tested, average Origin Energy customers are overpaying by between $363 and $1,166. That’s up to $97 per month!
Origin Energy Plan vs Best Energy Plan
When reviewing Origin Energy prices across different household types and states, we found consistent opportunities for savings. Our Origin Energy bill comparison shows that customers could save hundreds by switching to their real best providers:
Savings by State (cheapest price comparison)
Origin Energy Electricity and Gas Plans in Victoria
Origin customers in 5 towns in Victoria could save $360/year more on their electricity and $653 on gas by instead choosing the cheapest provider. Overall savings average $1,013. Nowhere was the Origin Energy offer the cheapest.
| Savings ($/yr.) | Carlton | Geelong West | Brighton | Cranbourne | Malvern East | Average |
| Electricity | $276 | $333 | $330 | $539 | $321 | $360 |
| Gas | $627 | $517 | $795 | $627 | $698 | $653 |
| Total | $903 | $850 | $1,125 | $1,166 | $1,019 | $1,013 |
Origin Energy plans in NSW
Compared with Cheapest Price customers in NSW would save $501/year by choosing the cheapest provider rather than the Origin Energy Plan. Gas makes up most of the savings at $256/yr, although the savings in electricity are comparable at $245/yr. The Origin Energy Plan is never the cheapest.
| Savings ($/yr.) | Hamilton South | Mount Druitt | Port Macquarie | Average | |
| Electricity | $252 | $288 | $196 | $245 | |
| Gas | $202 | $202 | $363 | $256 | |
| Total | $454 | $590 | $559 | $501 |
Origin Energy plans in Queensland
Compared with Cheapest Price Origin customers in Southern QLD could save $974/year on their electricity by instead choosing the cheapest provider. The Origin Energy Plan was never the cheapest.
| Electricity savings $/yr | Anytime | Time of use | Average |
| Sunshine coast (no controlled load) | $460 | $519 | $490 |
| Ipswich (with controlled load) | $450 | $518 | $484 |
| Average | $910 | $1,037 | $974 |
Origin Energy plans in South Australia
In SA, the Origin Energy plan in SA is overpriced by $110/year for gas and $298/year for electricity.
| Savings ($/yr.) | Anytime | Time of use | Average |
| Electricity | $322 | $273 | $298 |
| Gas | $110 | $110 | $110 |
| Total | $432 | $383 | $408 |
Service Quality: Looking 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 retailers offer the best rates
-Potential annual savings range from $408 to $1,013 depending on household size and State
-Smaller providers often provide superior customer service
