Cricket Australia unveils new energy deal with Origin to replace Alinta
Cricket For Climate highlighted pragmatism earlier this month when it announced a partnership with Origin Zero, a subsidiary of Origin, to help create a “connected energy ecosystem” at sports venues in Blacktown, west of Sydney.
CFC and Origin Zero had been in talks for the last 18 months before their partnership was announced. Frank Calabria, Origin’s CEO, has been a vocal advocate of moving to net-zero energy as the best way to reduce electricity bills in the long term.
Test captain Pat Cummins wears the Alinta logo in 2022.Credit: Getty
Two sources familiar with the deal confirmed that although not involved in the negotiations, Cummins was briefed on the partnership and Origin’s views on sustainability. CA’s agreement with Origin is separate from CFC’s work with Origin Zero.
“Through Cricket for Climate, we are working to future-proof local clubs with solar, battery and education solutions,” Cummins said.
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“This partnership between Cricket Australia and Origin, like our recently announced partnership with Blacktown City Council, will help us further this mission by delivering clean energy solutions to community cricket across the country. I’m delighted Origin has chosen to support Australian cricket.”
CA signed an initial four-year deal with Western Australia-based Alinta in 2018; During this period, some other sponsors were hesitant to participate in cricket following the ball-tampering scandal at Newlands.
The deal expired in June 2023 after a one-year extension; Both Alinta and CA stated that the decision was made due to a change in the energy provider’s brand strategy.
Since then, there has been a significant change in CA’s senior management and board. It has a new CEO in Todd Greenberg, a new head of advertising in Ed Sanders, and a new head in former New South Wales Premier Mike Baird.
CA’s commercial stocks also increased in parallel. Westpac has signed up as CA’s banking sponsor, replacing the Commonwealth Bank, while the NRMA recently extended its agreement to include the national women’s team. Qantas, KFC and Woolworths have also extended existing deals.
Speaking about the history of Australia Day last year, Baird told this imprint that CA should avoid imposing its own views on the public about what choices they can make.
“Certainly, I don’t think Cricket Australia should be instructing anyone in the cricket world – volunteers, players, fans – on how they should react or behave on certain social issues,” Baird said.
Frank Calabria, CEO of Origin Energy.Credit: Louise Kennerley
“This is ultimately a matter for each individual. But if we have a history and a connection, we will continue to play a role.”
In October, CA posted a net deficit of $11.3 million after distributions to the states; followed by deficits of $31.9 million in 2023-24, $16.9 million in 2022-23, $5.1 million in 2021-22, $151,000 in 2020-21 and $45 million in 2019-20.
CA last had a net surplus in 2018-19, ending with a loss of $18.1 million after distributing cash to states.
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