Contracts

What is a market contract?

A market contract is the document that outlines all the terms and conditions of your relationship with your electricity retailer. This includes things like price, service standards, fees and charges, billing and payment arrangements and penalties for early termination.

The Queensland Government has mandated Minimum Terms and Conditions for market contracts offered by retailers, however the other terms and conditions of contracts may vary and you should consider the particular terms and conditions of any contract offered to you carefully before entering into it.

Your retailer must give you a Customer Charter that clearly outlines these minimum terms and conditions, which include things like billing, connections and disconnections.

What is a Standard Retail Contract?

Customers receiving the government set price will be on a Standard Retail Contract approved by the Government. Customers who do not wish to enter into a market contract with their retailer will automatically be placed on a standard retail contract at the regulated electricity price. All regional customers of Ergon Energy will be on a standard retail contract.

Disclosure statements

A disclosure statement is a written document provided to you by a retailer when you enter a retail contract. It should in plain English and explain key terms in the contract, prices, service levels, bill frequency, duration of the contract, available payment methods, fees and charges and any early termination penalties that may apply. You should read this document carefully before entering into a contract.

How long does a market contract last?

There are no limitations to the duration of a market contract that could be offered to you. The duration of the contract will be covered in the contract's terms and conditions. You should check for any price increases built into the terms and conditions, particularly for contracts that cover several years. Don't forget to compare your retailer's offer with other retail offers.

My market contract ends soon, will I be cut off?

Your retailer should send you a reminder about your contract expiry, and the options you have. In any case, most market contracts are likely to allow for a short-term continuation of your contract after it expires. This gives you some time to put a new contract in place, either with your existing retailer or another retailer - and your electricity will not be interrupted.

At the end of your market contract, your retailer must give you the option of the regulated electricity price if you are a small customer. You have the option either to stay with your current retailer on the regulated price, negotiate another deal with your current retailer, or shop around for a deal with another company.

You should thoroughly research all offers.

What happens if I have a contract with a retailer and I move?

If you end a contract early you may be required to pay a termination fee. You should check the terms and conditions of your contract carefully to see if, and in what circumstances, you may be required to pay such a fee. If you move to a new premises and wish to stay with the same retailer, they might not charge a termination fee. You should ask your retailer about this.