Origin Energy Review 2026
Origin is Australia's second largest energy retailer. About 4 million customers. They own a chunk of Australia's power generation too, including the Eraring coal plant in NSW. That means their pricing moves with wholesale markets more than smaller retailers who just buy and resell.
Rates from ~27c/kWh usage, ~105c/day supply (NSW). Everyday Rewards points on every bill. Last updated June 2026.
The Short Version
Origin's headline rates look slightly better than AGL's. The everyday Rewards points are a genuine bonus if you already shop at Woolworths. Their solar feed-in tariff is lower than AGL's (12c vs 15c) but their usage rates are competitive. Origin is the best of the big three for non-solar households. Their app is fine, their call centre is fine. Nothing amazing. Nothing terrible. For most people without solar, Origin is the default pick among big retailers.
What I Like
- Everyday Rewards points on energy bills (unique among big 3)
- Competitive usage rates, usually a fraction below AGL
- No lock-in contracts on most plans
- Predictable billing with monthly e-statements
What Could Be Better
- Solar FIT at 12c is underwhelming compared to AGL's 15c
- Still owns coal generation (Eraring) if you care about that
- Discount structure is confusing; multiple tiers
- Gas bundled discounts push you toward dual-fuel (not always cheaper)
Origin vs Competitors: VIC Rates
| Plan | Usage c/kWh | Supply c/day | Solar FIT c/kWh | Est. Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Go Variable | 26.5 | 102.0 | 12 | $1,420 |
| AGL Value Saver | 27.0 | 105.5 | 15 | $1,450 |
| EnergyAustralia Flexi | 27.2 | 108.0 | 10 | $1,490 |
Citipower network, single rate, 4,800 kWh/year. June 2026.
Who Should Get Origin
Without solar panels, Origin's lower usage rate beats AGL on the bottom line. The Everyday Rewards points are a bonus.
You earn points on your energy bill. If you already rack up Rewards points on groceries, this compounds nicely.
AGL's 15c beats Origin's 12c. If you export a lot, that 3c difference adds up.
My Take
Origin is the safe bet. Nothing flashy. Nothing broken. The Everyday Rewards tie-in is clever because it turns a boring utility bill into something that feels slightly less like burning money. If I did not have solar panels, I would probably be with Origin. Since I do have panels, AGL edges them out on FIT. But honestly, the difference is often less than $50/year. Pick whichever app you like more.