Red Energy and Origin Energy at a glance
Red Energy is owned by Snowy Hydro, which is owned by the Australian Government. Origin is listed on the ASX. Both sell in NSW, Victoria, south-east Queensland, South Australia and the ACT.
Red publishes a large range, with more than 1,000 residential plans, including many demand tariffs and Solar Sharer plans. Origin publishes even more. Both have a big share of plans limited to particular customers, which we leave out.
Red Energy vs Origin Energy prices in each network
| Network | Red Energy | Origin Energy | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA Power NetworksSA | $2,109 | $2,217 | Red Energy by $108 |
| EnergexQLD | $1,709 | $1,747 | Red Energy by $38 |
| EvoenergyACT | $1,645 | $1,513 | Origin Energy by $132 |
| Essential EnergyNSW | $1,935 | $2,202 | Red Energy by $267 |
| AusgridNSW | $1,616 | $1,739 | Red Energy by $123 |
| Endeavour EnergyNSW | $1,747 | $1,862 | Red Energy by $115 |
| AusNet ServicesVIC | $1,496 | $1,625 | Red Energy by $129 |
| CitiPowerVIC | $1,349 | $1,377 | Red Energy by $28 |
| JemenaVIC | $1,345 | $1,453 | Red Energy by $108 |
| PowercorVIC | $1,393 | $1,518 | Red Energy by $125 |
| United EnergyVIC | $1,324 | $1,422 | Red Energy by $98 |
| Usage a year | Red Energy | Origin Energy | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,500 kWh | $1,294 | $1,344 | $1,400 |
| 4,000 kWh | $1,709 | $1,747 | $1,820 |
| 6,500 kWh | $2,400 | $2,418 | $2,519 |
Plans and features side by side
| Feature | Red Energy | Origin Energy |
|---|---|---|
| States | SA, QLD, ACT, NSW, VIC | VIC, SA, NSW, ACT, QLD |
| Residential plans | 969 | 1755 |
| Time-of-use plans | 707 | 898 |
| Solar Sharer plans | 56 | 17 |
| Fixed-price plans | 0 | 0 |
| Highest flat feed-in tariff | 5c | 12c |
| GreenPower, per kWh | 1.2c | 2.25c |
| Late payment fee | None listed | Up to $15.00 |
Which one should you choose?
On price alone, Red Energy comes out ahead in more of the networks they share. The gap in any one network is what matters for you, and it can change when either retailer updates its plans. If solar exports matter, compare feed-in rates on the specific plans. If you can shift usage to the middle of the day, look at time-of-use and Solar Sharer plans as well as flat rates.
Read our full guides to Red Energy and Origin Energy, or see the cheapest retailers in Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
How these prices were worked out
Every price on this page comes from the plans retailers publish to the AER's Energy Made Easy data under the Consumer Data Right, as at 14 October 2026. We price flat-rate (single rate) plans that any household in the area can sign up for, at 2,500, 4,000, 6,500 kWh a year, including GST, the daily supply charge and guaranteed discounts. Conditional discounts, such as for paying on time, are left out. Plans limited to members, existing customers or homes with particular equipment are excluded. Retailers with wholesale-linked prices are listed separately, not ranked.
Prices change, sometimes weekly. Always confirm the current price on the retailer's plan fact sheet or a government comparison site before you switch. Our switching guide covers the steps.
Common questions
It depends on your network. Comparing their cheapest generally available flat-rate plans at 4,000 kWh a year, Red Energy is cheaper in 10 of the 11 networks they share and Origin Energy in 1, based on Energy Made Easy data as at 14 October 2026.
Across their published plans, Red Energy's highest flat feed-in tariff is 5c and Origin Energy's is 12c. Plans with higher feed-in rates often have higher usage rates, so compare the whole plan.
Yes, indirectly. Red Energy is owned by Snowy Hydro, which is owned by the Australian Government. It operates as a commercial retailer and sets its own prices.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked 14 October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.