Summary
The difference between being classified a small or a large business relates to annual energy consumption thresholds.
Large businesses that use more energy have the option to tailor their electricity supply agreements (ESAs) with flexible pricing and renewable options. Unlike small businesses, which have standardised offers and additional consumer protections under The National Energy Retail Rules, large businesses receive detailed, unbundled pricing and tailored agreements specific to their needs.
For energy solutions beyond electricity and gas, get in touch with our team and we'll tailor options to suit your business.
More info
Small vs large business contracts
Large-business customers can tailor an electricity supply agreement (ESA) that suits your long-term business priorities. That can include flexible pricing, purchasing, and access to renewable arrangements.
Small-business customers can choose from a range of standardised offers.
Different market requirements apply
There are different market rules and responsibilities, legislation and requirements for large businesses compared to small businesses.
To qualify as a large market customer, businesses must meet the below annual consumption threshold:
VIC: 40MWh per annum
SA: 160MWh per annum
NSW/ACT & QLD: 100MWh per annum
We define a large business as a customer that typically uses around 100 megawatt hours (Mwh) of electricity, or over 1 terajoule (TJ) of natural gas, per annum.
Key differences in contracts
Unbundled versus bundled pricing
Large-business customers get ‘unbundled’ pricing. As a large-business customer, you’ll notice that your energy fees are itemised (or ‘unbundled’) on your bills, allowing you to track each component that makes up your energy supply. Typically, your Origin invoice will detail your energy and network charges and any regulated, environmental and retail service charges that apply.
Small-business customers get ‘bundled’ pricing, which doesn’t give the same detailed breakdown
Standard versus tailored offers
Large-business customers get tailored agreements and because you’re a large-business customer, you have the opportunity to tailor an electricity supply agreement (ESA) that suits your long-term business priorities. That can include flexible pricing, purchasing, and access to renewable arrangements.
Small-business customers can choose from a range of standardised offers
Regulatory provisions
Large-business customer rights are largely set out in their ESA.
Additional regulatory provisions apply to small-business customers.
This classification holds true for electricity and gas only. If you’re reaching out to us for energy solutions products (e.g. solar or batteries) and you're not sure where you sit, email us and we’ll put you in touch with the right team.