The South Australian government is under increasing scrutiny for promoting an Origin Energy electricity offer to pensioners before the March state election. The offer, which promised a "20 per cent guaranteed discount off Origin's standard electricity usage and supply charges," was detailed in a letter sent to about 200,000 concession holders.

Pensioner Pauline Fowles, who received the letter, said she switched from her long-term provider AGL to Origin Energy in hopes of saving money. "I'm always on the lookout to save a bit of money if I can, so I thought, I'll look into it," she said. However, she later received a new pricing structure from Origin showing a 53-cent increase in the daily supply charge. Ms Fowles expressed concern, stating, "I thought that's not fair because people who are struggling and don't keep themselves warm to save a few cents a day cannot escape the 50 cents or more surcharge on a daily rate."

SA Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn criticized the government for encouraging pensioners to choose a specific provider, warning that consumers might end up paying more by following the government's advice. "It's one thing to encourage consumers to shop around, but in this instance you've got the government who is encouraging a certain provider only to find out that they're actually going to be slugged … by taking the government's advice," she said.

Origin Energy representative Mr Maher clarified that the offer provides a 20 per cent discount compared to Origin's normal contracts but advised consumers to consider other cheaper options if available.

About 83,000 pensioners are currently on the scheme, which was established in 2017.

Sources