Hon Michelle Lensink MLC

Minister for Human Services

South Australians seeking much-needed energy bill reprieve stand to benefit from a new deal negotiated by the Marshall Liberal Government – and save an average of $384 per year off their bills.

From January 1 2021, SA Concession Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO) customers now get 21 per cent off the electricity reference price, up from 20 per cent previously.

More than 64,000 low-and-fixed income South Australian households are currently accessing the offer – and the Government is urging more than 145,000 households eligible for the offer to consider making the switch.

Taking up the new Origin offer could result in an average saving of $384 per household each year depending on what plan households are currently on.i

An average household’s yearly electricity cost would be approximately $1,448, when using 4,000kWh per year in the SA Power Network with flat tariffs.

In addition to the new SACEDO offer, eligible South Australians are also eligible for the State Government’s annual energy concession of up to $231.41 during 2020-21, meaning total bill savings for households could be up to $615.41.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink urged eligible households to see if they were getting the best energy deal.

“We know that this year has been tough on South Australians, which is why it’s welcome news we can continue to build on electricity savings which are flowing onto our households,” said Minister Lensink.

“In addition to the huge discount on bills, this special offer boasts a range of other benefits, such as no late payment fees, no exit fees, and flexible payment options – small features that make a big difference.

“We know that there are currently more than 64,000 South Australian households who access this offer, but many eligible customers are missing out and we’re really urging all households to look into whether they are eligible and if so, consider whether the offer is right for them.

“There is no doubt this deal is welcome relief to many South Australians as they turn on their air-conditioners this summer.”

Minister Lensink said this boost is the second time in two years that the State Government has negotiated a better deal on power prices.

The SA Concessions Energy Discount Offer was introduced in 2018, with 18 per cent off Origin’s base usage and supply charges.

It was then re-negotiated in April 2019 to 20 per cent.

Origin Executive General Manager of Retail Jon Briskin said Origin is proud to extend its partnership with the South Australian Government for a fourth straight year.

“We’re pleased to increase the support we provide to customers under an improved Energy Concession Discount Offer, which could be an easy way for many South Australians to reduce their energy bills with just one phone call,” he said.

“This concession offer is in addition to the average 5.6 per cent reduction in electricity prices we passed on to our South Australian customers in July last year, equal to a $127 saving on an average annual bill.”ii

Eligibility criteria for the SACEDO 21 per cent discount offer:
• Customers must be receiving the State Government’s energy concession.
• Eligible customers for the SA Energy Concession Discount Offer including those who hold particular concession cards, or receive Centrelink payments such as JobSeeker
Payment, Austudy and ABSTUDY, and the parenting payment.
• New customers should contract Origin Energy on 1300 791 465 to discuss.

In addition to the SACEDO and the State Government’s annual energy concession payment, the Government also offers eligible households the annual Cost of Living Concession to help with expenses like energy, gas, water and medical bills.

For more information, visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions

i Estimated saving based on customer using 4,000 kWh per year in SAPN switching from a standing offer with
another retailer
ii Weighted average movement based on Origin residential customers on all tariffs in SAPN region. Estimated
cost impact based on average annual consumption.