1st Energy vs Origin Energy
Compare 1st Energy and Origin rates side by side. See rates, solar feed-in tariffs, pros and cons, and find out which retailer offers the better deal for Australian households.
1st Energy is cheaper in all 4 states where both sell electricity (NSW, VIC, QLD and SA). Biggest gap: SA, $330/yr.
1st Energy's cheapest plan we track in NSW works out to $1,515/yr at benchmark usage. Your price depends on your address.
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Note: 1st Energy is not currently available through our comparison tool.
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Rates comparison
NSW
Cheapest plan in Ausgrid.
| Metric | 1st Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Usage rate (cheapest plan) | 26.4c/kWh ✓ | 29.82c/kWh |
| Daily supply charge | $1.33/day ✓ | $1.50/day |
| Est. annual cost | $1,515 ✓ | $1,709 |
| Plan | 1st Opal - Single Rate | Origin Go Variable Ongoing |
VIC
Cheapest plan in CitiPower.
| Metric | 1st Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Usage rate (cheapest plan) | 19.69c/kWh ✓ | 24.15c/kWh |
| Daily supply charge | $0.92/day ✓ | $1.13/day |
| Est. annual cost | $1,123 ✓ | $1,377 |
| Plan | 1st Emerald, Residential - Anytime | Origin Affinity Variable - Cheap Bills - Oct'26 (Single Rate with Dedicated Circuit) |
QLD
Cheapest plan in Energex.
| Metric | 1st Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Usage rate (cheapest plan) | 22.33c/kWh ✓ | 26.85c/kWh |
| Daily supply charge | $1.54/day ✓ | $1.84/day |
| Est. annual cost | $1,588 ✓ | $1,908 |
| Plan | 1st Emerald - Single Rate | Origin Go Variable Ongoing |
SA
Cheapest plan in SA Power Networks.
| Metric | 1st Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Usage rate (cheapest plan) | 33.88c/kWh ✓ | 39.82c/kWh |
| Daily supply charge | $1.46/day ✓ | $1.71/day |
| Est. annual cost | $1,887 ✓ | $2,217 |
| Plan | 1st Emerald - Single Rate | Origin Go Variable Ongoing |
| Other | 1st Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Solar feed-in tariff | Varies by state and planConfirm with retailer | Varies by state and planConfirm with retailer |
✓ = lower figure in our live pricing data, not a recommendation. Figures reflect each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan at the regulator's benchmark usage, from Consumer Data Right plan data. Actual rates vary by state and plan.
Rates last updated: 10 October 2026. Solar feed-in tariff rates change regularly. Always confirm directly with your retailer.
Solar feed-in tariff note: FiT rates vary by state, distributor zone, and plan. Victoria deregulated its minimum FiT from 1 July 2025. Rates are now set by retailers and can be as low as 0c/kWh. NSW and SA have no regulated minimum. Always confirm the current FiT rate directly with your retailer before switching. Learn more about solar feed-in tariffs →
This analysis is based on EnergyPlans Australia's 2026 energy pricing data across multiple providers and states.
See how 1st Energy and Origin stack up against every other retailer in your postcode.
Compare plans1st Energy
1st Energy is an Australian electricity retailer offering residential market plans across the National Electricity Market, with a particularly established presence in Tasmania alongside the mainland states. Energy Locals Retail is transitioning to the 1st Energy brand from 12 September 2026.
1st EnergyOrigin Energy
Origin Energy is one of Australia's largest integrated energy companies, serving over 4 million customer accounts. Origin supplies electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses, and is a major investor in renewable energy projects across Australia.
Origin EnergySummary
1st Energy is cheaper in all 4 states where both sell electricity (NSW, VIC, QLD and SA). Biggest gap: SA, $330/yr.
Each figure is that retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan in the state, from Consumer Data Right plan data, costed at the regulator's benchmark usage. The same figure is on the cheapest-electricity page for that state.
Both have an active plan in: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA
1st Energy: pros & cons
Origin Energy: pros & cons
Frequently asked questions
Is 1st Energy cheaper than Origin Energy?
1st Energy is cheaper in all 4 states where both sell electricity (NSW, VIC, QLD and SA). Biggest gap: SA, $330/yr. The best plan for your home still depends on your usage and postcode.
Which provider offers a better solar feed-in tariff: 1st Energy or Origin?
Solar feed-in tariffs from both 1st Energy and Origin Energy vary by state, distributor zone, and plan, and they change regularly. Victoria deregulated its minimum feed-in tariff from 1 July 2025, so rates there can be as low as 0c/kWh, and NSW and SA have no regulated minimum. Always confirm the current feed-in tariff directly with the retailer before switching.
Are both 1st Energy and Origin available in my state?
Both 1st Energy and Origin Energy have an active single-rate market plan in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA. A retailer with no active plan in a state is left off that state's comparison.
Which is better overall: 1st Energy or Origin Energy?
1st Energy is cheaper in all 4 states where both sell electricity (NSW, VIC, QLD and SA). Biggest gap: SA, $330/yr. The best plan for you depends on your usage and postcode.
How do I switch from 1st Energy to Origin (or vice versa)?
Switching electricity retailers in Australia is straightforward. You can switch online, by phone, or through a comparison service. The process typically takes 2–5 business days and you will not experience any interruption to your electricity supply. Check for any exit fees on your current plan before switching.
More comparisons
Compare Australian energy plans at EnergyPlans
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See how 1st Energy and Origin stack up against every other retailer in your postcode.
Compare plansHow we calculate these estimates
Figures are each retailer's cheapest qualifying single-rate market plan from Consumer Data Right plan data, costed at the AER/ESC benchmark usage for the zone and compared against the reference price. Actual plan rates vary by postcode.
Estimated costs can vary by usage, tariff type, retailer, distributor, and address. Both supply charges (the daily fixed cost of being connected) and usage rates (c/kWh) affect your total bill. Solar feed-in tariffs vary by retailer and plan. Always review plan details, fees, and conditions before switching.
Data sources
- Consumer Data Right plan data
- AER Default Market Offer (DMO) reference price
- ESC Victorian Default Offer (VDO) reference price
These are indicative estimates only. Your actual bill depends on your specific plan, usage patterns, and applicable discounts. Read our full methodology.
Methodology last reviewed: June 2026.
How we make money
EnergyPlans.com.au may receive a commission if you switch through our comparison partner. This does not change the price you pay, but it may influence which plans are available through our service. We do not compare every plan in the market.
Our editorial content, methodology, and benchmark data are independent of any commercial relationship. Always review plan details, including any fees or conditions, before switching. How we make money.
Data shown for 1st Energy vs Origin Energy.