Origin completes energy acquisition

It’s work as usual for Essential Energy workers Robert Graham, left, and Warwick McPherson, joined by community relations adviser Michelle Walker, regional general manager Richard Wake and area manager Rob Orchard.

JERAD WILLIAMS

YESTERDAY the “poles and wires” side of the Country Energy business officially commenced operations under the new name of Essential Energy.

Part of the NSW Government’s energy reform process, the name change came about after Country Energy’s retail business was transferred to privately-owned power giant Origin Energy.

Country Energy’s network operations will continue under state ownership under the new name of Essential Energy.

Regional general manager Far North Coast Richard Wake said it was “business as usual” yesterday.

“It’s just a name change.

"You won’t be seeing any changes to your next bill,” he said.

However Mr Wake could not ensure billing under Origin Energy would not change down the track.

No Northern Rivers jobs were lost in the retail privatisation.

As part of the change all Country Energy employees will become Essential Energy employees.

Country Energy offices, customer service centres and field service centres will also continue as part of Essential Energy.

The government reforms set out to encourage private investment into the NSW electricity sector in order to reduce the need for future public sector investment in retail.

“There will be improved efficiencies to the retail side of the business and the re-branding will be implemented as cost-effectively as possible,” Mr Wake said.

According to Mr Wake, the name change reinforced the essential service the energy company provides.

“We’re still available to maintain the network 24 hours, seven days a week,” he said.

Origin Energy Limited has also acquired the retail side of the Integral Energy from the State Government, making Origin Australia the largest energy retailer with 4.6 million customer accounts.

Mr Wake also stated there would be no changes to the $6 billion network upgrades scheduled for completion in 2013.

The most important thing for Northern Rivers customers, Mr Wake said, was the new general inquiries contact number: 132 391.

Names of power

The electricity provider formerly known as:

1920s: Northern Rivers County Council

1980s: Northern Rivers Electricity

1990s: NorthPower

2001: Country Energy

2011: Essential Energy