Origin vs Red Energy: Electricity plan comparison

Fact Checked

Origin Energy is Australia’s largest electricity retailer, with more than four million customers nationwide. But is bigger always better? Red Energy is a far smaller retailer, yet has been making waves in recent years across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and now Queensland.

Canstar Blue has reviewed the plans and prices of Origin Energy and Red Energy to see which offers the best deal and cheapest rates where you live. We’ll review each of their plans and provide estimated annual costs for households in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane, who sign up to the cheapest products Origin and Red Energy have on offer.

While the names of these plans are similar throughout Australia, their prices, terms and discounts can vary considerably across networks and states. Be sure to thoroughly read their energy price fact sheets to find the specific details of what’s on offer in your area. You can also see a specific quote for your area by using our energy comparison tool.

Origin vs Red Energy – cheapest deals

Here are the current cheapest published deals on our database for Origin and Red Energy across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, with any conditional discounts factored in.

Which deal is cheapest in NSW: Origin or Red Energy?

On price alone, Red Energy works out cheaper than Origin in NSW. See how Red Energy and Origin compare to other retailers in our NSW electricity price comparison report.

Here are the cheapest published deals for Origin and Red on our database for NSW. This table contains some products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which deal is cheapest in VIC: Origin or Red Energy?

Sometimes it all comes down to the usage and supply charges which make up an energy deal. In this case, we see Red Energy outmatches Origin on price. Find out how Origin and Red Energy compare to other electricity providers in Victoria with our cost comparison report.

Here are the cheapest published deals for Origin and Red on our database for Victoria. This table contains some products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which deal is cheapest in QLD?: Origin or Red Energy?

In South East Queensland, Red Energy is currently cheaper than Origin. Remember to use our cost comparison report for Queensland to find out how these two stack up to several other providers.

Here are the cheapest published deals for Origin and Red on our database for SEQ. This table contains some products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Which deal is cheapest in SA: Origin or Red Energy?

This time we see Origin charging less than Red Energy in SA according to our latest comparison. Compare these two retailers to several others in Adelaide with our latest cost comparison report.

Here are the cheapest published deals for Origin and Red on our database for SA. This table contains some products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

What plans do Origin and Red Energy offer?

Origin Energy has a few offers available to customers across New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland and South Australia – Everyday Rewards Variable, Go Variable, Home Support and Basic. Meanwhile, Red Energy has three main electricity market offers for households: the Living Energy Saver, Qantas Red Saver and the BCNA Saver. Red Energy also has a default offer available.

Origin Energy Plans

• Go Variable: This plan promises lower electricity rates for 12 months. There’s no lock-in contract or exit fees. The Everyday Rewards variant of this plan gives new customers 5,000 Woolworths Everyday Rewards points, with an additional point earned for every dollar paid on bills. Existing customers can score 2,500 rewards points when switching to this offer.
• Home Support: This plan offers the additional value of a 12-month Emergency Home Assistance Program membership provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
• Solar Boost: This plan is for eligible Origin solar customers who are looking for a higher feed-in tariff.
• Go Solar Variable: This plan is eligible for solar customers with a net metered solar system.
• Basic: This is Origin’s bare-bones plan that offers no discounts but aligns with the VDO or reference price in each respective state.

Red Energy Plans

• Living Energy Saver: This is a no term, variable rate contract. Red Energy says its deals have competitive solar rebates and flexible billing options, meaning you can still get your bills by post if you want.
• Qantas Red Saver: This plan has the same rates as Red Energy’s Living Energy Saver. The difference is that customers on the Qantas Red Saver can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points just by signing up and paying their bills on time (two Qantas points per $1). It also has flexible billing, no exit fees and no contract period.
• BCNA Saver: On this plan Red Energy will donate $5 a month to Breast Cancer Network Australia.
• Red Taronga Flex: This is Red Energy’s exclusive offer to NSW residents, which gives customers a 12-month pass to Taronga Zoo for one adult and kids under 16.
• Red Wildlife Saver: Red Energy will contribute $5 to the Taronga Conservation Society each month you remain on this plan.

Should I sign up to Origin or Red Energy?

Origin and Red Energy are both viable retailers with competitive rates and generally reliable service. As for price, in this comparison, we see a clean split between the retailers and their various offerings.

But, while Red will be the cheaper option for some, Origin Energy may be cheaper for others, that’s why it’s important to compare a wide range of plans and consider what might suit your situation best. If you have solar panels, for example, it may be the case that Origin and its Solar Boost deals give you good value. Also, don’t forget about Red Energy’s Qantas Frequent Flyer plans, offering great value for customers who do their fair share of travelling.

Overall there is a lot to consider with Origin and Red Energy. We hope you find this review helpful. Remember, no matter which provider you’re with, it’s always worth looking at the market and seeing if there is a better offer out there for you. If you’ve been with the same provider for more than two years, you are almost certainly paying too much.

This comparison is based on a very specific household, with usage figures and postcodes detailed above. Any annual cost estimates should be considered indicative only and not an actual quote. Please use our comparison tool for information catered to your location and electricity usage estimates. 

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