1. Access your Origin Rewards perks online

Our customers get access to a range of great rewards. From discounted movie tickets (including up to 45% off Gold Class and Luxe tickets) as well as discounts from a range of Australia’s favourite retailers – like The Iconic, JB HiFi, Endota and The Good Guys. You can access, and keep up to date with, all your perks via the ‘Rewards’ tab on the Origin app and My Account.  

2. Add your concession card

If you hold an eligible concession card, adding your details is as simple as following the steps below. 

3. Adjust your estimated bill

Estimated bills happen for a range of different reasons. From access issues like locked gates and pets, right through to natural disasters. If you’ve received an estimated read, the good news is you can submit a self-meter read in just a few steps. 

4. Check your energy plan

Want to check which energy plan you’re on? No need to go digging through your post or email inbox, it’s easily accessible via the Origin app and My Account.

5. Move house

Moving house is stressful enough without having to wait on hold to organise your energy connection. Skip the queue and organise your move in minutes online.

6. Pay your energy bill

Need to make a payment? Too easy, simply follow the steps below. 

7. Renew your energy plan

Energy prices change regularly, so getting into the habit of reviewing your plans regularly can help keep your household bills down. We know reviewing your utilities can be time consuming, so we’ve pulled together a handy checklist to help guide you through finding the right plan for you, and you can easily update your plan online. 

8. Submit a meter read to check your costs

Wondering how you’re tracking with your energy usage and costs? Here’s how you can submit a self-meter read and check. 

9. Update your details

Updating your contact details, postal address and email is easy via My Account and the Origin app, just follow our step-by-step instructions below. 

10. Need more support?

Our Help & Support section has hundreds of articles to help answer your energy account and billing questions. We’ve also got loads of great energy-saving tips and tricks on our blog. Still need a helping hand? Send our friendly team an email via hello@origin.com.au.  

The post 10 useful ways to manage your energy account online appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Disclaimer: The content provided is general in nature and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Origin recommends you seek your own independent tax advice prior to lodging your tax return.

What can you claim at tax time?

Energy expenses

Working from home means many of us are using more electricity to run multiple devices. The good news is that you may be able to claim a portion of your energy expenses (both electricity and gas), including heating, cooling and lighting. If you’re an Origin customer, you can download your bills and account statements via My Account or through the Origin app. Our tax time help & support page will show you how.

Phone and internet

You can claim the cost of using your phone and internet while you’re working from home. Simply keep your phone and internet bills, along with a record of your work-related use. If you’re planning to claim using the actual cost method, any internet usage by others in your household must be taken into account when you’re working out your work-related use. The alternative is to claim these expenses under the fixed rate method (more info on this below).

Cleaning costs

If you have a dedicated home office, you may be able to claim cleaning expenses. Remember to keep your receipts handy. 

Stationery and office supplies

Think about all the things you use to get your job done. Eligible items include office furniture such as chairs, desks and lamps, general stationery and office tech —like computers, printers and consumables (e.g. ink and paper). Be sure to have your receipts handy for any purchases you’ve made and a record of your work-related use. An outright deduction can’t be claimed for items of office furniture, computers, and printers unless they cost $300 or less. If they cost more than $300, however, you can claim their decline in value as a deduction. 

Deductions you can’t claim

It’s important to also keep in mind there are some items you can’t claim for. These include:

• Coffee, tea, milk and other general household items, even if your employer may provide these at work.
• Costs that relate to your children’s education, such as equipment you buy – for example, iPads, desks and subscriptions for online learning.
• Items your employer provides – like laptops or mobile phones.
• Expenses where your employer reimburses you for the cost.

How do I calculate my working from home deduction?

There are two ways you can calculate your deduction for additional running expenses – the fixed rate method, or the actual cost method.  

The fixed rate method allows you to claim 67 cents for every hour you work from home and covers your additional running expenses that are often difficult to apportion, including data and internet, mobile and home phone usage, electricity and gas, stationery and computer consumables (e.g. printer ink). You can’t claim these items separately, elsewhere in your return. 

To claim a deduction using the fixed rate method, you’ll need to have records that show: 

• The total number of hours you worked from home between 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024, and 
• The additional running costs you incurred (at least one record of each). 

If you don’t use the fixed rate method to calculate your working from home expenses, you’ll need to use the actual cost method, and additional records will be required.  

Consult the ATO website

Our tips are not tax advice and are intended to be general in nature. We recommend you keep a record of all your receipts and working hours as evidence, and that you seek expert advice from a registered tax professional before you lodge your return.

For more information on what you can and can’t claim check the ATO website and for businesses check out ATO website for business. 

What are my options when lodging my tax return?

Knowing what you can claim is the first step. Knowing how you can claim is the next big step to tackle. There are a few ways you can lodge your tax return: 

• Lodge directly through the ATO: You can lodge online using the ATO’s free and secure platform myTax. First, you’ll need to create a myGov account and link it to the ATO.  
• Book an appointment with a registered tax agent: If you prefer to do things face-to-face, meet with a registered tax agent who’ll prepare and lodge a tax return on your behalf. 

If you’re planning on engaging a registered tax agent to lodge on your behalf, make you sure you check that they’re registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. 

Talk to the experts

Still not quite sure where to start? That’s okay, you can always talk to the experts and get the help you need to make the process as easy as possible. Speak to the ATO, or your registered tax agent to help get you on your way. 

This article has been created in collaboration with the Australian Taxation Office. For more helpful tax info visit the ATO Community or the ATO website.

The post Tax time made easier with these tips appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Download our app

With the Origin app, you can manage your energy accounts right from the palm of your hand. There are a number of handy features that can help you take control of your energy including:

• Check your account balance 
• View, download and pay your bills 
• View your energy plan and rates  
• Change your energy plan 
• Submit a self-meter read if you’ve received an estimate  
• See exclusive rewards and offers 
• Arrange your move-in or move out

If you have a smart meter, you can also view and track your energy usage*, allowing you to see what you’re using and when. Solar customers can also see how much energy they’ve fed back into the grid, and any credits they’ve earned. And Spike members can check their Watts balance, cash them in for rewards, and see any upcoming SpikeHours or events. 

Download the app today via Google Play or the App Store.

Log in to My Account

If you’d prefer to access your account online, our online portal, My Account, to do all the above as well. 

To set up an account, you’ll just need the email address that’s linked to your account. We’ll send you a code to make sure we have the correct email – then simply choose your password and you’re good to go.  

If you don’t already have access, you can register right here in just a few steps.

Reach out to us directly

Can’t find what you’re looking for in the app or My Account? We’ve got you. Shoot an email to our friendly customer team via hello@originenergy.com.au and we’ll get back to you. Alternatively, you can reach us on 13 24 61 or via our Socials.  

*We’re aware that not all customers are currently able to view their usage information online and apologise for the inconvenience. Our team are working on a fix and we hope to have the service restored as soon as we can.  

The post How to self-serve with Origin appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Change with the seasons

Changing how you use energy during the seasons is an easy way to take control of your usage. In winter, only heating the rooms you’re using can have a big impact. If the family, or your housemates, are spending majority of the day in the living room make sure the heating is off in the other rooms and ensure the doors are shut – this will trap in the heat. When using the heater, the most energy-efficient temperature to set it to is between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Each degree above that uses roughly 10% more energy.

In summer, we know that the fan won’t always cut it and the air conditioner is sometimes a must. To make sure your air conditioner is working efficiently and not using more energy that it needs, it’s a good idea to give the filters a good clean or replace them regularly.

The temp you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference to your bill. Even on those super-hot days, it’s best to set it to 24°C or higher – each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy. And for even bigger savings, only flick it on when it’s over 30°C outside.

Give standby power the flick

Standby power, also known as vampire power, refers to the energy drawn down by an appliance when it’s not in use. An easy way to avoid this energy drainer, which can cost the average Aussie household up to $100 per year, is to flick appliances off at the power point when they’re not in use.

Switch up your usage habits

Sometimes it’s our routines, or the time we do our tasks, that are costing us. With some small switches in thinking we can reduce our usage. Instead of doing half-loads of washing, only wash when you have a full load. And opt for a cold water cycle instead – about 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water.

Considering when you put the washing machine, or the dishwasher on, could also help you save. With our energy-saving rewards program, Spike, you get “Watts” for hitting your energy-saving goals (forecasts) during peak times (SpikeHours). You can then redeem your Watts for PayPal cash and gift cards. So, by delaying turning on your dishwasher by an hour, you could hit your SpikeHour target and be rewarded!

Take advantage of the tools

Take advantage of our Origin app or online portal My Account. These tools can help you remove the guesswork when it comes to tracking your energy usage, comparing our energy plans and staying on top of your bills.

Whether it’s making slight adjustments to your daily routine or downloading apps to help you make that good energy switch, we’ve got you covered.

The post 4 easy ways to help reduce energy usage appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Hackers have different motivations. Depending on the situation, your data may be safe even after it’s been breached.

Common motivations for cyber-attacks

Showcasing their skills

Organisations typically have cyber security measures in place and some hackers may see it as an opportunity to showcase their skillset. Their intent may not be to steal your details but rather to gain notoriety or publicity. In these instances, it’s likely they’d broadcast the attack to either the company itself, the media or online communities. 

Ransom

You guessed it, these attackers are chasing a profit. The hacker generally obtains valuable data that would cause the company harm if made public – holding them to ransom in order to regain it. In these instances, the company is the target as opposed to the personal data. 

On-selling your data

This one is arguably the most harmful, as it can go unnoticed if companies don’t have the right monitoring tools in place to detect a breach. The objective is the data itself, and the attacker will go to great lengths to ensure they’re undetected for as long as possible. The stolen data is then sold to the highest bidder for other criminals or scammers to use. This is what’s believed to be happening with Optus’ data breach right now. 
 
Though hackers may have different motivations it’s important to take precautions to minimise the chance of attacks and breaches. 

Why do they want my data anyway?

We all know that data is valuable, but is it valuable enough to risk criminal charges for? Unfortunately, yes. By knowing just a few details about you, a scammer can steal your identity and do things like:

• Apply for credit cards in your name
• Open bank accounts in your name
• Add their own contact or bank details in your utility accounts and request refunds

Be prepared in case your data is leaked

You can get ahead of the game and set yourself up with extra protection so if you are part of a data breach, you’re less at risk. Here are just a few simple ways to keep yourself safe online: 

Choose strong passwords and get a password manager

Never use the same password on more than one platform. Easier said than done, we know. We’ve all thought about smashing the keyboard in frustration trying to remember which password we used for what. That’s where password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password or LastPass can help. These tools generate and save all your passwords, and all you need to remember is one password to access them. 

Set up 2FA (two-factor authentication)

Two-factor authentication makes you identify yourself in two different ways before you can make any changes to your account. The first step is entering your login and password details and the second step is usually verifying your identity with something in your personal possession, like your phone. The most common example of this is receiving an SMS with a unique pin that you need to enter before gaining full access to an account.

Use credit and identity protection services

Clearscore has a free service that notifies you if your passwords have been found on the dark web. You can also subscribe to services like Equifax, which offers alerts plus some level of insurance against identity theft, or the CreditSavvy app, which helps prevent new credit from being taken out in your name by blocking credit checks. 

Keep an eye on all your accounts

Scammers are getting smarter and smarter and it’s not just banks they’re targeting. Make a habit of regularly reviewing your expenses and checking for any payments you didn’t make. It’s also wise to keep an eye on your utility accounts for any refunds you didn’t request. If you’re an Origin customer, you can do this in the Bills and payments section of My Account. Be sure to contact your provider immediately if you see anything fishy. 

My details were in a breach, what do I do?

These simple steps can help minimise the damage:

Change your password

Change your password immediately on the platform that’s been compromised. Also make sure all your contact details are still correct such as your name, email and your mobile number. Check your contact details before you change the password, as it’s a common tactic for scammers to change your details to their own.

Consider blocking or replacing your bank cards

If you’re concerned that your financial information was involved in a data breach, you can block or replace your debit or credit cards. This can usually be done via your banking app or by contacting your bank. Check for any transactions that you don’t recognise, especially small amounts, and advise your bank immediately should you notice anything suspicious. If you have direct debits set up for your utilities, don’t forget to update your details with your provider. If you’re an Origin customer, you can do this easily in My Account or the app.

Get a credit report ban ASAP

A credit report ban is a quick and effective way to help avoid fraudulent credit being taken out in your name. Services such as CreditSavvy allow you to place a ban on your credit report to temporarily freeze your file so credit checks can’t be completed. It’s completely free.  

Replace your driver’s licence

If there’s a danger your driver’s licence number has been leaked, you should consider contacting the licencing authority in your state for a replacement. 

Help is available if your identity is stolen

In the worst-case scenario there are services you can reach out to for help:  

IDcare

IDcare is a national support centre for victims of identity crime. It’s a free service to assist victims with repairing damage to their reputation, credit history and identity information. For more information visit the IDcare website or call 1800 595 160. 

Victims of Commonwealth identity crime

If you have been a victim of identity theft, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Victim’s Certificate. It’s a document that you can present to financial institutions or other organisations to support your claim that your identity has been used fraudulently. 

These are just a few simple ways you can help protect yourself in the event of a data breach. At Origin, we take our responsibility to keep your personal data safe very seriously, and we have a highly experienced team of cyber security experts. We do regular checks of our systems to identify and fix security vulnerabilities, and our Bugcrowd bug bounty program rewards cyber security researchers and white hat hackers for finding and reporting vulnerabilities in our software. 

If you’d like more information on how we hold and use your personal data, visit our Privacy page. 

The post How to keep your data secure appeared first on The Origin Blog.

For the last four years, Sarah’s role has focused on creating Origin’s digital solutions and improving the customer experience through accessibility and personalisation. Sarah has delivered Origin’s mobile app and live chat – tools that make energy easier and help customers take control.

“The world is changing rapidly, and so are our customers’ expectations. They want transparency and control and they want to engage with us anywhere, anytime. From web browsers to apps, smart home devices and voice technology – we’ll be there, where they want us,” says Sarah.

Inviting customers to the new Origin Customer Experience Lab, in our Melbourne office, to talk through products and ideas has helped us discover customer problems and test potential solutions.

Sarah continues, “We absorb customer feedback, data and insights to hone-in on what our customers want and expect. We then research and test new solutions until we land on the best result.

“We believe that energy should be easy, and we’re offering tools and services to do just that through our app and online. It’s about helping our customers to understand their energy use and get on top of their energy management – making a difference to their bills and their impact on our planet. That’s one of the ways we’re getting energy right.”

When it comes to our app, Sarah says, “I’ve been blown away by the response we’ve received. Energy is typically a low engagement category, but we’ve seen our customers using our app twice or more a week on average for everything from paying their bill, monitoring usage, submitting their own meter readings or booking a move.

“This is just the beginning of a smarter, simpler Origin with easier service for our customers. We’ll continue to expand our digital platform, making our online channels the channel-of-choice for customers.”

The post Creating a digital-first customer experience appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Since May we’ve had over 200,000 people use our new iOS app, with a growing number of customers taking control of their Origin account online. With this, we’re now seeing our customers using the app around 2.5 times a week to track their energy usage or manage their account.

Get the app here.

Why download the app?

Our award winning iOS mobile app make it easy for you to:

• Track your energy usage. Break it down with filters like monthly, daily or by billing cycle and more (if you have a smart meter).
• See your past bills and payments.
• Pay your bills with just one tap, or setup direct debit.
• Chat to us directly from the app if you need a helping hand.
• Send us your self meter read (if your meter is eligible – read more).
• Moving house? Now you can book your move in minutes from the app.

Solar customers can even see how much energy they’ve fed back into the grid, and any credits they’ve earned.

More in the works

Our iOS app follows the launch of our first ever Android app, and they now share all of the same great features. We’re excited to see more and more people downloading and using our digital tools, and we’re hard at work on some exciting new features coming up early next year. Keen to take things a little further? Jump into My Account where you can access ‘power features’ like setting alerts for upcoming bills and more.

The post Origin app hits ‘number one in Utilities’ on App Store appeared first on The Origin Blog.