Which of these two is cheaper depends almost entirely on your postcode. EnergyAustralia wins in some states, Origin in others, and in a couple they are close enough that the perks decide it.
The Price Puzzle: It Is All About Location
For Electricity:
- New South Wales (NSW): EnergyAustralia is generally more competitive.
- South Australia (SA) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Origin tends to price better.
- Victoria (VIC) and Queensland (QLD): Close enough that other factors should decide.
For Gas:
- Victoria (VIC): EnergyAustralia usually more competitive.
- New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Origin usually better.
- South Australia (SA): Comparable.
These are trends, not guarantees. Your usage volume, tariff type and available discounts all move the answer, so get a quote against your own address and consumption before treating any of it as settled.
Retailers also price differently within a state depending on the distribution network. Two households in the same city on different networks can get different offers from the same retailer, which is why postcode-level comparison beats any general recommendation including this one.
Beyond the Bill: Bundles, Rewards and Perks
EnergyAustralia's Bundling Advantage:
EnergyAustralia has pushed hard into bundling, particularly energy with internet. Monthly discounts on NBN plans, sometimes bundled streaming subscriptions, and Australian-based customer support.
The bundle only saves money if you actually wanted that internet plan. Price it standalone first, then price the bundle, and see whether the discount exceeds what you would have paid a cheaper internet provider. Frequently it does not, because the bundled plan starts from a higher base.
Origin Energy's Reward Programs:
- Origin Spike Program: With a smart meter, Spike pays you credits for cutting consumption during peak demand events. Genuinely useful if your household can shift load on short notice, worth nothing if you cannot.
- EG Fuel Discounts: Up to 12 cents per litre on eligible purchases at Woolworths and associated EG fuel stations. On a 60-litre tank filled weekly that is roughly $370 a year, which is more than most electricity plan differences. Only if you already shop and fuel there, though.
Geographical Nuances: Where You Can Switch
Not everyone gets a choice:
- Western Australia (WA): Most residents cannot choose their electricity retailer. Gas options exist.
- Tasmania (TAS): Limited electricity options, some choice on gas.
- Northern Territory (NT): A differently structured market to the eastern states.
- South Australia (SA): Full choice on both electricity and gas, and switching is straightforward.
Everywhere else on the east coast, switching is competitive and easy.
Making Your Decision: Practical Steps
- Review Your Current Bills: A full year of usage, so summer and winter are both in the figure.
- Use Comparison Tools: Energy Made Easy is the government service and takes no commission. Commercial comparison sites do.
- Consider Your Lifestyle: Can you actually shift load for Spike? Do you buy fuel at Woolworths? Do you want the internet bundle regardless?
- Look Beyond the Discount: Find out what the rate becomes when the introductory period ends. That is the rate you will pay for most of the contract.
- Green Credentials: Both offer GreenPower. Check the accredited percentage rather than the marketing.
There is no winner here in general, only a winner for your postcode and your usage. Run your own numbers through Energy Made Easy, compare total annual cost, then let the perks break a tie rather than make the decision.