Choosing a great energy plan can be confusing. Energy usage and supply charges, discounts, benefit periods, rates and tariffs... Where do you start!?

The difference between energy plans
Customers often ask their energy retailer – wouldn’t I just choose the plan with the highest discount? Well, you could! But not all plans are suited to all customers.

Here are 4 things to consider when comparing energy plans:
- How and when do you like to pay your energy bill?
- Do you want a discount on both usage and supply?
- Who is your distributor, and what are their rates?
- Plan benefits periods, exit fees and lock-in contracts

How and when do you like to pay your bills?
When comparing plans, check out the billing options. Some plans require direct debit (at Origin, we send you a bill 2 weeks prior to your account being processed). Other plans have pay on time discounts or guaranteed discounts (even if you miss your bill due date). If you like to set and forget or are time poor, plans with direct debit may be right for you. Or if you like to actively manage your household bills each month, then you may want to choose a plan that lets you pay in your own time.

Do you want a discount on usage and supply?
Electricity bills consist of both usage and supply charges. Many plans have a discount on usage only. However if you’re a low usage customer (eg: live in an apartment, have a holiday house, or you’re hardly ever home) – then a plan that has a discount on both usage and supply would definitely be worth considering.

Who is your distributor, and what are their rates?
Electricity and natural gas rates are based on where you live and who your distributor is. Your distributor will be listed on your bill (no matter who your current energy retailer may be. Or you can use our quick and easy distributor lookup tool here. Once you know who your distributor is, you can download an Energy Price Fact Sheet that will let you know your rates, tariffs, peak and off-peak times.

Energy plan benefits periods, exit fees and lock-in contracts
When you sign up or renew with Origin, you’ll be signing up to a ‘plan’. This plan may include a benefit period such as a discount. (Benefit periods are typically 12 months.) You also need to check if you’re locked into a contract or potentially subject to exit fees. The great news is, residential customers with Origin enjoy no lock-in contracts or exit fees. Plus, we let customers know when their benefit period is going to expire so that they can renew and keep enjoying good, affordable energy.

You may also be interested in the following:
Energy efficiency tips
Savings calculator