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Red Energy vs Origin

Red Energy may not be as large as Origin Energy, but which comes out ahead?

Cost comparison: Red Energy vs Origin Compare rates
What plans are available from Red Energy and Origin in each state? See plans per state

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.

Get a price estimate for Red Energy or Origin

1 - 2 of 2
Name Product AUFEG-PRO Electricity availability Gas availability Apply
Origin Basic
Origin Basic
NSW,VIC,QLD,SA,ACT
NSW,VIC,QLD,SA,ACT,WA
No exit fees or lock-in contracts on most of their market offerings.
Red Energy Living Energy Saver
Red Energy Living Energy Saver
NSW,VIC,QLD,SA,ACT
NSW,VIC,QLD,SA,ACT
Earn Qantas rewards points every time you pay your bill.
loading

Red Energy vs Origin: How do they compare?

Here's how the two providers compared to each other at the time of writing:

Red EnergyOrigin
incentives
Incentives
Qantas points, Red Energy RewardsOnline sign-up discount on some plans
greenpower options
GreenPower options
YesYes
Customer service
Customer service rating
4 stars4 stars
price
Price
Red Energy is cheaper in 0 out of 4 states that we reviewedOrigin is cheaper in 4 out of 4 states that we reviewed
Notes
Notes
No benefit period on discounts/ongoing discountsDiscounts may expire after 12 months on cheapest plans

Last checked March 2021

Cost comparison: Red Energy vs Origin

The tables below show the cheapest plans for each provider in each state. We don't include plans that have special eligibility requirements.

1 - 10 of 12
Name Plan features Reference price Typical annual cost
Red Energy - Living Energy Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552163MRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,440/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Red EV Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552839MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffSmart meter requiredFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,440/year
View details
Red Energy - Qantas Red Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552315MRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,440/year
View details
Red Energy - Red BCNA Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552754MRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,440/year
View details
Red Energy - Red Taronga Flex
Basic Plan Information | (RED552813MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,440/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI542325MRE11@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
17% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,510/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Solar Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI727592MRE4@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
15% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,540/year
View details
Origin Energy - Everyday Rewards Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI665082MRE7@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
13% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,580/year
View details
Red Energy - Red Solar Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED207668MRE13@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
1% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,800/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Standing Offer
Basic Plan Information | (RED21270SRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
1% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,800/year
View details
loading
Showing 10 of 12 results
The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the Ausgrid network who consumes 3,900kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Plan features Reference price Typical annual cost
Red Energy - Qantas Red Saver
Energy Fact Sheet | (RED549683MR@VEC)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
14% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,250/year
View details
Red Energy - Red EV Saver
Energy Fact Sheet | (RED545888MR@VEC)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
14% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,250/year
View details
Red Energy - Living Energy Saver
Energy Fact Sheet | (RED545841MR@VEC)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
14% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,250/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Red BCNA Saver
Energy Fact Sheet | (RED545890MR@VEC)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
14% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,250/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Variable
Energy Fact Sheet | (OR2580481MR@VEC)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
11% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,290/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Solar Variable
(OR2580581MR@VEC)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
9% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,320/year
View details
Origin Energy - Everyday Rewards Variable
Energy Fact Sheet | (OR2580489MR@VEC)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
8% less than
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,340/year
View details
Origin Energy - Basic
Energy Fact Sheet | (OR2560112MR@VEC)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as the
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,460/year
View details
Origin Energy - Solar Boost
Energy Fact Sheet | (OR2560163MR@VEC)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as the
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,460/year
View details
Red Energy - Victorian Default Offer
Energy Fact Sheet | (RED559818SR@VEC)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as the
Victorian Default Offer
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,460/year
View details
loading
Showing 10 of 10 results
The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the Citipower network who consumes 4000kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.
1 - 10 of 12
Name Plan features Reference price Typical annual cost
Red Energy - Qantas Red Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552334MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
13% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,790/year
View details
Red Energy - Living Energy Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552216MRE9@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
13% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,790/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Red EV Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552850MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffSmart meter requiredFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,950/year
View details
Red Energy - Qantas Red Solar Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED689582MRE6@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,950/year
View details
Red Energy - Living Energy Solar Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED636161MRE8@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,950/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Red BCNA Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552711MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,950/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI542320MRE9@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
4% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,970/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Solar Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI727574MRE3@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
2% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,010/year
View details
Origin Energy - Everyday Rewards Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI665043MRE5@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as
the reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,050/year
View details
Origin Energy - Basic
Basic Plan Information | (ORI429214MRE9@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
1% more
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,070/year
View details
loading
Showing 10 of 12 results
The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the Energex network who consumes 4,600kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Plan features Reference price Typical annual cost
Origin Energy - Go Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI542359MRE10@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
9% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,010/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Solar Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI727579MRE3@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
7% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,060/year
View details
Origin Energy - Everyday Rewards Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI665067MRE7@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,100/year
View details
Red Energy - Qantas Red Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552326MRE13@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,110/year
View details
Red Energy - Red EV Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552852MRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffSmart meter requiredFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,110/year
View details
Red Energy - Red BCNA Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552771MRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,110/year
View details
Red Energy - Living Energy Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552198MRE10@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
5% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,110/year
View details
Red Energy - Standing Offer
Basic Plan Information | (RED21278SRE12@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
3% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,160/year
View details
Origin Energy - Basic
Basic Plan Information | (ORI429197MRE12@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
1% more
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,230/year
View details
Origin Energy - Solar Boost
Basic Plan Information | (ORI539807MRE12@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
1% more
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,230/year
View details
loading
Showing 10 of 10 results
The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the SA Power Network who consumes 4,000kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.
1 - 10 of 10
Name Plan features Reference price Typical annual cost
Origin Energy - Go Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI542088MRE11@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
24% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,850/year
View details
Origin Energy - Go Solar Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI727594MRE5@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
22% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,900/year
View details
Origin Energy - Everyday Rewards Variable
Basic Plan Information | (ORI539722MRE14@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
20% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$1,950/year
View details
Red Energy - Living Energy Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552185MRE7@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
18% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,000/year
Go to siteView details
Red Energy - Red BCNA Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552780MRE8@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
18% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,000/year
View details
Red Energy - Qantas Red Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552322MRE8@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
18% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,000/year
View details
Red Energy - Red EV Saver
Basic Plan Information | (RED552843MRE8@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffSmart meter requiredFeed in tariff available
Reference price
18% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,000/year
View details
Red Energy - Standing Offer
Basic Plan Information | (RED21224SRE11@EME)
Red Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
3% less
than reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,370/year
View details
Origin Energy - Basic
Basic Plan Information | (ORI429022MRE10@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as
the reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,440/year
View details
Origin Energy - Solar Boost
Basic Plan Information | (ORI539811MRE11@EME)
Origin Energy logo
Single rate tariffFeed in tariff available
Reference price
Same as
the reference price
Estimated cost/year (typical usage)
$2,440/year
View details
loading
Showing 10 of 10 results
The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the Evoenergy network who consumes 6,500kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.
David Megginson's headshot

"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."

David Megginson
Finder crew member

What plans are available from Red Energy and Origin in each state?

Note: Discounts and incentives change often. Be sure to check with the provider before signing up or applying.

New South Wales

Residents of New South Wales have access to the most plans combined between the two retailers.

Red Energy logo
Get variable rate electricity and access to Red Energy Reward discounts on hotels, restaurants and more.
You can earn up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points by purchasing power.
A deal tying in with Taronga Zoo. Get a 1 adult, 2 children membership to Taronga Zoo, plus some associated discounts.
Origin logo
Origin's cheapest fixed rates for a full year, plus flexible payment methods. Everyday Rewards customers get extra points when they sign up, pay their bills, and enjoy 25% GreenPower for free.
Not as big a guaranteed discount as the Max Saver, but you don't have to meet any special conditions.
Provides a smaller discount than the Flexi plan, but is ongoing rather than expiring at the end of a 12-month period.

Victoria

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.

Red Energy logo
Variable rate electricity with access to the Red Energy Rewards program, granting access to over 4,500 discounts.
Get up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points for purchasing electricity.
Origin logo
A good discount on the Victorian Default Offer, with fixed rates for a whole year. If you're also an Everyday Rewards customer, you'll get 25% GreenPower automatically, and earn bonus points when signing up and paying your bill.
Similar to the Max Saver with slightly higher rates but no special requirements.

Queensland

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.

Red Energy logo
Simple variable rate electricity with no contract term. Get a boosted feed-in tariff on your solar for the first 5kWh per day.
Earn up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points when spending money on your power bill.
Origin logo
This plan gives a fixed rate for the plan's first year and flexible payments. Those with an Everyday Rewards account can receive bonus points upon sign up, when they pay bills, and even enjoy 25% GreenPower for free.
Higher variable usage rates than the Max Saver. No special requirements to access the 12-month guaranteed discount.
Smaller discount than either of Origin's other Queensland offerings, but the discount is ongoing and doesn't expire after 12 months.

South Australia

Origin wins out in South Australia, where Red Energy's plans are equivalent to a standing offer.

Red Energy logo
Basic variable rate electricity with no set contract term.
Identical to the Living Energy Saver, but you earn Qantas points for every dollar you spend on your energy bill.
Origin logo
Fixed rates for 12 months on your electricity. Everyday Rewards customer? Tap into 25% GreenPower for free, earn bonus points per dollar spent on your bill, and even bonus points when you sign up.
Removes the extra requirements of the Max Saver, offering standard variable rate electricity with a smaller guaranteed discount.
No expiry period on the guaranteed discount, meaning that you'll get a smaller discount than other plans, but it won't run out after 12 months.

Customer service score: Red Energy vs Origin

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.

Verdict

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.

Compare energy plans


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:

  • Single rate with a controlled load
  • Time of use
  • Time of use with a controlled load

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.

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

How do the big energy brands stack up against each other?

Sam Baran's headshot
Written by

Writer

Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney. See full bio

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