Country Energy
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy retail |
| Founded | July 1, 2001 |
| Fate | Retail operations and brand sold to Origin Energy in 2010; electricity distribution rebranded as Essential Energy in 2011 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory |
| Products | Electricity and natural gas retail services |
Number of employees | 4000 (2008) |
| Parent | Origin Energy |
| Website | www |
Country Energy, a subsidiary of Origin Energy specializing in energy retail, provides electricity and natural gas services to customers throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. Founded in 2001, it operated as a state-owned enterprise under the Government of New South Wales until 28 February 2011.
In 2008, Country Energy recorded revenues of A$2.3 billion, held assets valued at A$4.6 billion, and reported equity amounting to A$0.9 billion. The workforce numbered around 4,000 employees dedicated to serving the electricity and natural gas retail sectors within its coverage areas.
History
Country Energy was established on 1 July 2001 through the consolidation of three government-owned rural energy retailers in New South Wales: Great Southern Energy, Advance Energy, and Northpower. Beyond its role in electricity retailing, the company managed Australia's largest electricity distribution network by geographic area, spanning 95% of New South Wales along with sections of Queensland and Victoria. Additionally, it played a key role in developing Directlink, a high voltage direct current transmission system connecting the electrical grids of New South Wales and Queensland.
In October 2010, the company divested its natural gas infrastructure to Envestra Limited for A$108.6 million; this transaction included 65 kilometers of transmission pipelines and 1,160 kilometers of distribution pipelines.
On 15 December 2010, the New South Wales Treasurer announced the sale of Country Energy’s retail operations and brand to Origin Energy for A$3.25 billion. Subsequently, on 1 March 2011, the electricity distribution segment was separated and rebranded as Essential Energy.
Operations
Serving approximately 870,000 customers, Country Energy generates annual revenues of A$2.3 billion. It delivers both natural gas and electricity to retail consumers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. The company maintains two customer service centers located in Port Macquarie and Leeton, New South Wales.