Thousands of Origin customers are about to get money back – here's how to tell if you're one of them.
Thousands of Origin Energy customers are about to get money back after the ACCC dug into misleading electricity plan claims.
The regulator took issue with Origin Energy’s Ongoing Saver residential electricity plan. Its terms and customer bills suggested charges would stay below the retailer’s Basic plan for the plan’s lifetime, but some households ended up paying more than they would have on Basic.
Origin Energy
- Refund total: more than $270,000
- Customers affected: more than 4,500
- Average payment: about $60 per customer
- Plan involved: Ongoing Saver residential electricity plan
- What’s changing: Origin will discontinue the Ongoing Saver plan
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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Origin hasn’t admitted breaching the Australian Consumer Law, but has agreed to put things right. It’ll reach out to affected customers to sort a credit or a refund: current account holders can choose which they’d prefer, while people who’ve since switched away will be contacted about a refund. Beyond the payouts, the retailer says it’ll drop plan names that imply savings or value unless those savings are actually built in, and it’s retiring Ongoing Saver for good.
The case grew out of a wider push. It formed part of the ACCC’s response to a designated complaint lodged by consumer group CHOICE, which raised concerns about energy retailers overstating savings or value on certain plans. With Origin’s remediation and compliance steps now locked in, the regulator has closed the matter without further enforcement action. Origin remains one of the country’s biggest retailers, with around 4.8 million electricity, gas, LPG and internet accounts nationally.
The ACCC has also flagged that scammers may latch onto the news, so it’s worth remembering that legitimate Origin contact won’t ask for card or banking details. If something feels off, reach the company on a number you’ve sourced independently. The regulator is nudging every household to check they’re on the best available deal: Victorians can compare rates at compare.energy.vic.gov.au, and retailers must flag a better offer every 100 days – or every four months in Victoria – on your bill. It’s worth checking energy.gov.au/rebates for any concessions you’re entitled to as well.
For more information, head here.
