The new deal will lower prices for households that receive energy concessions. Photo: Renata Hamuda.
The South Australian Government has secured a deal with Origin that could save households up to $653 a year in electricity and gas costs.
The South Australian Concessions Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) reduces costs significantly for eligible energy concession customers by collaborating with an energy retailer to promote the offer to about 200,000 people.
“The increased discounts on offer through the SACEDO scheme will make a tangible difference to the lives of South Australians who are feeling the cost-of-living pinch,” Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said.
“Putting money back into their pockets will enable them to spend their hard-earned cash on other essentials like rent, groceries, cooling and medical expenses.”
Under the new SACEDO agreement, concession customers who sign up with Origin will be able to access the following benefits:
- 15 per cent off Origin’s standard charges for gas and supply usage. An increase from 11 per cent.
- Flexible options for payment.
- No late-payment, paper bill, credit card or exit fees.
- 20 per cent off the Default Market Offer (DMO), Origin’s standard usage and supply charges. An increase from 17 per cent.
The State Government says this package will result in annual savings of $653, up to $460 in electricity for a household using 4000 kWh a year on a peak anytime tariff and $193 for a household using 14,000 MJ a year in the Aust Gas Networks system, compared with the standard gas and electricity rates from Origin.
In addition, eligible LPG users will receive a 40 per cent discount on the local price of a 45 kg cylinder for 12 months from when they accept the offer.
Under the SACEDO scheme, Origin is helping more than 70,000 South Australians to reduce their energy costs. The company has been involved in the program since 2017 and has been reselected through an independently probity-assured tender process.
The new SACEDO offer is in effect and will run until at least 2029. The government does not subsidise the discount or provide financial contributions to energy retailers providing discounts to SACEDO customers.
The offer is open to customers who receive energy concessions from the government via a discount on their power bill. Those already on the SACEDO scheme with Origin will transition to the new system and don’t need to take any action.
“The concessions help reduce my energy bills, so I don’t have to think twice about turning the air conditioner on during the heat,” SACEDO recipient Pauline Clark said.
“I hope more pensioners hear about the support available. It could really make things easier for them, too.”
Those with a concession who are not receiving the offer can visit the Origin Energy website or phone Origin on 1300 791 465 to check whether they are eligible for the scheme. More information can be found here.
