We've put together this guide to help you figure out whether Red Energy or Origin has the better deals. We've examined the four states they both operate in for convenience. Retailers can alter their plans and rates at any moment, so the numbers and plans we've summarised below may change in the future.
Here's how the two providers compared to each other at the time of writing:
| Red Energy | Origin | |
|---|---|---|
 Incentives | Qantas points, Red Energy Rewards | Online sign-up discount on some plans |
 GreenPower options | Yes | Yes |
 Customer service rating | 4 stars | 4 stars |
 Price | Red Energy is cheaper in 0 out of 4 states that we reviewed | Origin is cheaper in 4 out of 4 states that we reviewed |
 Notes | No benefit period on discounts/ongoing discounts | Discounts may expire after 12 months on cheapest plans |
Last checked March 2021
The tables below show the cheapest plans for each provider in each state. We don't include plans that have special eligibility requirements.
"I was with Red Energy for a few years and switched when I found a cheaper deal. Earning Qantas points was great, but rewards points are not worth paying more than you need to. Some of Red Energy plans allow you to earn more points, but they're much more expensive. That's not worth it in my opinion. It's important to treat points as the bonus that they are, while paying the least amount possible for your household bills."
Note: Discounts and incentives change often. Be sure to check with the provider before signing up or applying.
Residents of New South Wales have access to the most plans combined between the two retailers.
Origin's cheapest plan has a few conditions attached to its use in Victoria, while Red Energy gives you access to some rewards for its plans.
The gap between Red Energy and Origin is a little bigger in Queensland than it is in other states, with Origin's best plan giving solid benefits.
Origin wins out in South Australia, where Red Energy's plans are equivalent to a standing offer.
The Finder customer service score is distinct from customer reviews, and is based on a range of accessibility and responsiveness measures. These include when support is available, support and application processes, payment plans and more.
Red Energy and Origin Energy stand on equal footing with both scoring 4 stars out of a possible 5.
When examining incentives for signing up, Red Energy comes out ahead, especially if you value Qantas frequent flyer points. Origin has good incentives for Everyday Rewards customers on the Go plan, but not much beyond that.
You can get GreenPower with either provider. With Red Energy it's 100% or nothing, while Origin has increments of 25%, 50% and 100% for a bit more flexibility.
Origin Energy has a dedicated app for plan management, but Red Energy just has the usual online account management portals.
When it comes to customer service, both Origin Energy and Red Energy outshine most of their competitors, with extensive service available throughout the week.
Origin has cheaper plans with a few more attractive features, but the best plan to go with depends on where you live and the prices you have available to you.
Important notes: The estimated price we show by default is based on a single rate tariff. On your bill this might be known as a "peak tariff", "peak only" or an "anytime tariff". There are other tariff types available to customers and you may need to contact your provider if you are on these tariffs:
The price estimate should not be used as an official quote, but an indication of what your costs may be on the plan. It varies based on whether you provide us with your bill details. You can learn more here.
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