Origin Energy to refund customers after ACCC investigation

The ACCC announced on 14 July 2026 that Origin Energy Limited will refund more than 270,000 dollars to over 4,500 customers following an ACCC investigation into representations made about its Ongoing Saver residential electricity plan. The investigation arose from a designated complaint made by consumer group CHOICE about energy retailers allegedly misrepresenting savings or value to consumers. The ACCC was concerned that statements in the Ongoing Saver plan's terms and conditions, and on customer bills, represented that charges would be lower than under Origin's Basic plan for the life of the plan, when in fact some customers on the Ongoing Saver plan were charged more than they would have been on the Basic plan.

Origin has not admitted a breach of the Australian Consumer Law, but in response to the ACCC's concerns it has committed to refunding affected customers an average of around 60 dollars each, discontinuing the Ongoing Saver plan, and not using plan names that suggest savings unless those savings are built into the plan. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said electricity retailers that claim or suggest savings for consumers, including through a plan's name, must ensure those savings are actually delivered for the life of the plan, noting that the complexity of energy plans makes it difficult for many consumers to assess potential savings.

As this was an investigation resolved through Origin's voluntary commitments rather than a court proceeding, there has been no judicial finding that Origin breached the Australian Consumer Law. The matter nonetheless signals continuing ACCC and CHOICE scrutiny of savings and loyalty-related claims made by energy retailers and other essential services providers.