Overview
- The ACCC found Origin’s Ongoing Saver plan delivered less savings than its name implied and identified about 4,500 affected customers who were overcharged.
- Origin has apologised, will discontinue the Ongoing Saver product, and does not admit breaching the law while committing to repay roughly $270,000 in total.
- Origin, which announced refunds on Tuesday, is contacting impacted customers to arrange credits or payments that average about $60 per household.
- ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said retailers that claim or suggest savings must ensure those savings are actually delivered and urged consumers to use government comparison sites.
- The probe began after CHOICE complaints and highlights how complex usage and supply charges can hide real costs, increasing pressure on retailers to use clearer plan names and disclosures.