Watts News: May 2025

New power option for regional Queensland   

This month we announced the expansion of our retail electricity offering for residential and small business customers across seven regional Queensland areas within the Ergon network – giving people more choice in places that previously had just one electricity retailer.

Our service area will cover much of the network’s eastern region – including Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Mackay, Bundaberg and Maryborough. It builds on our strong Queensland presence, which already includes 690,000 electricity customer accounts and 175,000 natural gas customer accounts in the south-east, plus LPG and internet services across the state and part of our customer support team based in Brisbane.  

Origin General Manager of Consumer and Property – Retail, Duncan Permezel , said, “We’re excited to be extending our electricity offering into parts of regional Queensland and providing consumers in these areas with a choice of retailer – which for many has not been an option for a long period of time.”   

For any residents and small business customers interested in learning more, you can do so here.

Origin welcomes the world’s top startups and energy players as Free Electrons lands in Sydney

Now in its ninth year, the Free Electrons Program brings startups and energy companies together to share ideas, test new tech, and turn bold ideas into real-world energy solutions that help drive the transition to cleaner energy. 

As a founding partner, we recently hosted this year’s Bootcamp event in Sydney – welcoming 30 startups and seven energy companies from around the world. Over four full-on days, we ran workshops, pitches, and one-on-one sessions to spark conversations that could lead to new pilots and partnerships. 

Origin Senior Manager, Innovation and Portfolio Delivery, Amy Van Beek said, “Hosting the Bootcamp in Sydney gave us a chance to showcase local energy innovation, while giving startups real insight into the Australian market, with guest presenters from organisations like Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) .   

“Meeting face-to-face with startups gives our Origin teams a chance to connect directly, share knowledge, and spark new ideas. It also means we get to know the people behind the technology – which is essential when you're thinking about long-term partnerships and potential.”

For more information about Free Electrons click here.

PropTrack Origin Report reveals Aussies want energy-efficient homes, but face barriers

In partnership with REA Group , we launched the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report this month, offering new insights into what drives (and deters) Australians from improving energy efficiency at home. Drawing on feedback from over 4,500 realestate.com.au survey respondents and nearly 1,500 Origin customers, the report captures the perspectives of both renters and homeowners across the country. 

Among the findings, the report revealed that households are willing to spend an average of $7,950 over the next five years to make their homes more energy efficient. However, upfront costs remain a major barrier, with 45 per cent of respondents citing expense as the main reason for delaying or avoiding upgrades, while 40 per cent admitted they don’t know how to improve their home’s energy efficiency.   

Origin Executive General Manager – Retail Jon Briskin said, “The findings in this report show that while many Australians are keen to improve their home’s energy efficiency, they don’t know where to start and are often put off by the upfront cost and lack of clear information and support. 

“We’re focused on making it easy for our customers to access information that can help them reduce their energy use and costs, including personal insights and information on how to electrify their home. 

“This includes the Origin app, our energy rewards program Spike, our So Watt? podcast, as well as Origin Home which guides customers through home energy audits, comparing energy plans, checking for rebates, and exploring bigger investments like rooftop solar or switching to an all-electric home.” 

From prosthetic hands to water filters, Origin marks National Volunteer Week with purpose

In line with National Volunteer Week, more than 400 Origin employees – including CEO Frank Calabria – volunteered across four states, taking time out from their busy schedules to give back. Activities ranged from building water filtration units for refugee camps in Uganda as part of the Water Works Program , to assembling prosthetic hands for people in need through the Helping Hands Program . 

The Week’s 2025 theme, Connecting Communities, was a timely reminder that our impact goes beyond energy. 

Origin Foundation Manager – Volunteering and Matched Giving, Michael Lupi , said, “This year, we combined our focus on STEM education with a celebration of volunteering across Origin, making it easier for more employees to get involved, while recognising those already making a difference. 

“In addition to hands-on volunteering, we introduced short, impactful STEM activities through the Origin Foundation to inspire employees and prepare them to deliver similar sessions in schools. These sessions not only help students build critical skills for the future but also give employees a sense of purpose and confidence. It’s a powerful way to connect communities through education and opportunity.”   

For more information about the work being delivered through our Origin Foundation click here. 

Batteries becoming more affordable thanks to Government's new home battery scheme   

They’re no longer just for tech-savvy early adopters. Home batteries are quickly becoming a practical, accessible option for families and homeowners alike. 

From 1 July 2025, the Federal Government’s new Cheaper Home Batteries Program could help households and small businesses save around 30% off the upfront cost of installing a small-scale battery system – whether it’s paired with new or existing rooftop solar. The discount will be based on the battery’s usable capacity and will gradually reduce through to 2030. 

Since the program announcement in May, Origin and our partner SolarQuotes have seen battery enquiries jump by 300%. By connecting our customers with their trusted network of local installers – offering free, no-obligation quotes for batteries, solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers – we’re helping Aussies take the next step towards cleaner, smarter energy. 

The Government’s $2.3 billion scheme is a big step forward. And we’re here to help you make the most of it. If you’re interested to learn more, click here.  

Supporting customers face-to-face with Bring Your Bill Day events   

The face-to-face conversations we have with customers in their communities provide invaluable insights and feedback. 

Origin regularly takes part in community initiatives like Bring Your Bills Days, giving customers the opportunity to share their stories, discuss energy costs, explore better offers, and access hardship support. In the past 12 months, we’ve participated in 27 of these events – from Salisbury in South Australia, to Logan in Queensland, and, most recently, in May we spoke with people in Ascot Vale in Victoria.  

These events help remove barriers to support and foster meaningful interactions. Active listening is especially important when engaging with vulnerable customers. Recognising that many share emotional hardship stories, our teams approach every conversation with empathy and genuine care. 

For customers needing help to pay their bills, we offer a range of assistance options. Click here to find out more. 

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