Is EnergyAustralia Cheaper Than Origin? Let’s Break It Down

 

Ask any Aussie who's ever opened their power bill after a scorching summer or icy winter and they'll tell you the same thing: finding a cheaper energy provider can feel like a full-time job. And if you’re comparing the big players—Energy Australia vs Origin—the answer isn’t always black and white. But don’t worry. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

TL;DR: Is Energy Australia cheaper than Origin?

It depends. Energy Australia often has lower base rates in certain areas, while Origin may offer higher solar feed-in tariffs and flexible plan structures. The cheapest provider for you depends on:

• Your location (energy rates vary by postcode)

• Your usage habits (day vs night, solar vs grid)

• Any available discounts or incentives

If you want quick savings without getting tangled in spreadsheets, talking to an experienced energy broker can make the process quicker—and often cheaper.

How do Energy Australia and Origin compare on base rates?

Here’s a simplified example using current Victorian market averages (as of 2025):

Plan Feature	Energy Australia	Origin Energy
Daily Supply Charge	~98c	~102c
Usage Rate (peak)	~31.2c/kWh	~33.1c/kWh
Solar Feed-in Tariff	5–8c/kWh	7–12c/kWh
Plan Types	Fixed / Flexi	Fixed / Variable
Contract Terms	No lock-in	No lock-in

Note: These are indicative figures and vary significantly by location and usage level. Always check the Energy Price Fact Sheet for your exact postcode.

Which provider is better for solar users?

This one’s close—but Origin tends to have the edge for households exporting solar. Their feed-in tariffs can be higher, especially under specific solar bonus plans.

Origin also runs promotions like:

• Bonus credits for solar customers

• Bundled plans for electricity + solar battery management

• Loyalty-based feed-in tariff increases

That said, EnergyAustralia sometimes competes hard in high-solar suburbs with short-term FiT promos. So check the current offers—not just the standard rates.

Anyone who’s had a home battery knows: a few cents difference in FiT can really add up over a year.

Do rates vary based on location?

Absolutely. Energy providers adjust rates by distribution zone—meaning your neighbour across town could be paying less than you on the same plan.

For example:

• In NSW, Origin may offer more competitive off-peak rates

• In South-East QLD, EnergyAustralia might edge ahead on daily supply fees

• In VIC, both providers compete fiercely with switching incentives and discounts

This makes a direct national comparison tricky—your best bet is to compare quotes based on your actual address.

Which is better for small businesses?

Both providers cater to small business, but Origin offers a slightly wider variety of business plans with optional gas-electricity bundles. Their customer portal is also a bit more intuitive for managing multiple premises or meters.

That said, EnergyAustralia often undercuts Origin on base business rates, especially for usage-heavy operations like cafes or clinics.

 Pro tip: Many small businesses use an energy broker to negotiate non-retail contracts for even cheaper rates behind the scenes.

What about contract terms and flexibility?

Both companies now offer:

• No lock-in contracts

• No exit fees

• Monthly billing options

• Online or paperless plans

• Direct debit and BPAY

So flexibility-wise, they’re neck and neck. The real difference lies in sign-up credits, discount windows, and loyalty perks—which change quarterly.

Consistency matters here. Some folks switch plans every 12 months to chase signup bonuses. Others stick with one provider for years, valuing simplicity over savings.

How often do prices change?

Like fuel prices, electricity rates fluctuate based on wholesale market trends. In 2022–23, both Origin and Energy Australia raised rates during the national energy crunch. In 2024–25, rates stabilised slightly—but wholesale volatility remains.

Anecdotally, Origin tends to adjust prices slightly more often, while Energy Australia holds rates longer but swings bigger when they do.

So… which one should you choose?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Choose Energy Australia if:

  • You want consistently low base rates

  • You don’t have solar

  • You value predictable pricing over bonus perks

• Choose Origin if:

  • You have rooftop solar

  • You want a slightly more refined app experience

  • You care about green energy options and carbon offsets

Or skip the whole headache and let an energy broker compare all your options at once—often across 20+ providers, including special commercial rates you won't find on public sites.

 Real Talk from a Small Biz Owner

Running a suburban café in Melbourne’s west, I switched from Origin to Energy Australia two years ago. The base rates were lower and helped shave about $700/year off our energy costs. But when we installed solar panels, Origin’s feed-in plan suddenly looked better. That's when I realised—you shouldn’t just set and forget your provider.

Now, every January, I review our plan—or better yet, let my broker do it. It’s boring stuff, but it’s real savings. And in this economy, you take wins wherever you can.

FAQ

Q: Can I switch between Origin and Energy Australia easily?
Yes. Most residential plans have no exit fees. Switching is simple and usually completed within 2–3 business days if you have a smart meter.

Q: Do both providers offer green energy options?
Yes. Both offer Green Power-certified plans that allow you to offset your usage with renewable energy contributions (for a small fee).

Q: What if I move house?
Both providers offer seamless move-in services. You can take your plan with you or switch to a new one suited to your new address.

Final Thought

Comparing energy giants like Origin and Energy Australia isn’t always about which one is objectively “cheaper”—it’s about which one fits you best. Your lifestyle, your solar setup, your location—all of it matters. Prices shift, plans change, and what’s best today might not be best next quarter.

Rather than flipping a coin or sticking with who you’ve always used, do a quick check. Or, better yet, get an energy broker to dig through the numbers for you. It’s free, it’s quick, and it might just be the smartest five-minute decision you make all month.