Dux Hot Water Australian solar powerhouse with Origin Energy

Australian energy retailer, Origin Energy, and the largest locally owned water heater producer Dux Hot Water, have partnered together to create an Australian solar powerhouse.

Servicing more than 3 million customers across Australia and the Pacific, Origin Energy is a retail market leader for the installation of grid-connected solar electricity systems and is Australia's number one green energy provider. The company has struck a deal with Dux Hot Water for it to be the exclusive supplier of heat pumps and solar water heaters, which are sold though Origin's website and its solar specialist telesales centre.

The announcement follows an extensive review process which included Origin's solar hot water installation partner, FieldForce, the largest environmental service provider in Australia. The agreement will see Dux Hot Water roll out its award-winning solar and heat pump water heaters to Origin Energy customers Australia-wide from May 2009.

Peter Crowley, Managing Director of GWA International Ltd - Australia's largest supplier of fixtures and fittings and which owns Dux, commented on the agreement. He said, "This partnership has come at a really exciting time for both businesses. Dux Hot Water is an Australian owned water heater manufacturer and has developed Australia's most highly awarded range of environmental water heaters that attract the highest government rebates.

"Origin Energy is a very well run business and a major Australian retailer of solar electricity systems. This combination will provide a true blue and compelling Australian solar hot water supply and install offer for homeowners.

"Coupled with the new benefits in the Federal Government stimulus package for environmental water heaters, Dux will now be in a position to work with Origin Energy and Fieldforce to provide a simple, fast and affordable option for customers to go solar. We look forward to integrating our Dux brand into Origin Energy's great reputation to benefit Australians" added Mr Crowley.

Origin Energy is a top 20 Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed energy company and is focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing.

Mr Dominic Drenen of Origin's Emerging Customer Solutions Business Division said, "Identifying the right solar hot water products is fundamental to meeting our customers' needs. This included reviewing all the features and benefits of solar hot water products across all states and customer types. The locally manufactured Dux product range was clearly the best in terms of quality, and efficiency. Origin and Dux will make it more affordable than ever to go solar with an interest free pay by installment plan and combined with the current government rebates, will help homeowners take up solar."

"We are all about delivering high quality products to our customers and we will integrate the strength of Dux and combine our synergies of being Australian-owned companies and brands. Dux's strong brand and reputation for solar hot water products and service quality means we can now roll out our Dux offerings through our website and dedicated solar specialist telesales centre.

Dux Hot Water operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Moss Vale, in NSW's Southern Highlands. Dux employs over 250 people and also has a National Service Network, which comprises over 400 service agents nationally. It is the largest non-government employer in the region.