A frequent flyer deal between Red Energy and Qantas meant that someone spending $1500 a year on power bills could earn enough points to fly from Sydney to Fiji or New Zealand, the companies said on Tuesday.
Novocastrian Paul Broad, the chief executive of Red Energy’s owner Snowy Hydro, said there was more to the power market than competition on price.
He said Red Energy found it hard to match AGL and other providers with access to coal-fired electricity on price, meaning it used quality of service and other innovations – including the frequent flyer points deal – to build brand loyalty.
Qantas Loyalty chief executive Olivia Wirth said someone spending $1500 a year on energy bills could earn more than 20,000 frequent flyer points. Ms Wirth said the deal gave customers “value” on their power bills.
“Consumers are always looking to get more value from their energy bills so having the opportunity to earn enough points for a reward flight is an exciting proposition for our members,” Ms Wirth said.
Red Energy had been operating since 2004 and Mr Broad said it now had about 1.1 million gas and electricity customers.
On electricity customers, it had about 700,000 nationally, and 30,000 in the Hunter.
It had about 400,000 gas customers, including 10,000 in the Hunter.
Mr Broad said the company was proud to have rugby league idol Danny Buderus as the “face” of its advertising campaigns.
“Danny Buderus is a man of integrity who lives the values we pride our company on,” Mr Broad said.
He said Red Energy also recently signed up Hunter para-triathlete Lauren Parker as another “ambassador”. Hunter won a bronze medal on Saturday at the Commonwealth Games.
Ian Kirkwood
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
