Origin bets on gas and batteries to keep the lights on

Big batteries will start earning their keep in the 2026 financial year, Origin says. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Origin Energy is betting on big batteries and gas to keep the lights on as Australia's last coal-fired power stations are retired.

While commercial and industrial customers were going electric, the electricity and gas giant said on Thursday demand growth from the widespread electrification of homes was not expected to kick in until 2030 to 2040.