Energy doorknockers may soon be a thing of the past, with several major utilities announcing they will desist from the practice.
Origin Energy Limited (Origin) recently joined AGL and Energy Australia in announcing it will withdraw from the residential door-to-door sales channel by September 30, 2013.
The decision follows a rigorous review of Origin’s customer engagement and sales channels across its key markets.
The timing of the withdrawal reflects the commercial arrangements in place with third-party providers. Origin is working with these parties to organise an orderly withdrawal from each market.
Origin chief executive officer energy markets Frank Calabria said in recent years, Origin had worked to improve customer engagement and has made a considerable investment in new products, billing and customer relationship management systems.
“We know the large majority of customers are now using the internet to engage with energy retailers and Origin continues to invest in digital products and services, with a growing suite of successful innovations now in market,” Mr Calabria said.
“In addition to the successful uptake of our online account management portal nationally, Origin has launched Origin Smart, one of Australia’s first online energy management portals, and introduced the in-home Origin Energy Monitor for customers with activated smart meters. These solutions provide households greater visibility and control of their electricity usage and energy bills.
“Today’s announcement reflects a further evolution in how we engage with our customers and our ongoing commitment to building a better, more direct relationship with them.”
