What the distributors do

What's the difference between a distributor and a retailer?

A distributor owns, operates and maintains the system of poles and wires that deliver the electricity to your home. A retailer bills you for the amount of energy you use and offers other products and services such as green energy for you to use.

Can I choose my electricity distributor?

No. It is not possible to choose your distributor. The Government owned distribution businesses, ENERGEX and Ergon Energy, operate large networks in particular geographic regions. Who your distributor is, is determined by where you live. If you live in south-east Queensland, ENERGEX is likely to be your distributor. Similarly, if you live in regional Queensland, Ergon Energy is likely to be your distributor.

What distributors do

ENERGEX and Ergon Energy are responsible for maintaining the quality and reliability of our electricity supply. Both ENERGEX and Ergon Energy have invested, and continue to invest, significant funds in network infrastructure and maintenance, including construction, fault repair and upgrading of poles, wires, transformers, substations and cables.

The distributors are also responsible for trimming trees, meter reading, the safety of their networks, dealing with emergencies such as lines down, and restoring power after outages.

Electricity supply issues

Please contact your distributor - either ENERGEX or Ergon Energy, depending on where you live - if you have questions about any of the following:

Your lights keep dimming or flickering
Frequent power interruptions
Tree trimming
Guaranteed service level rebates if your power goes out
Relocation of electricity lines running through your property
Relocation of a power pole obstructing your driveway
Insurance claims for damages

Power outages

ENERGEX (in south-east Queensland) and Ergon Energy (in the rest of the state) remain responsible for running the state's electricity network under Government ownership.

If you live in ENERGEX's(new window) network area:

For any loss of supply call 13 62 62
For electricity emergencies call 13 19 62

If you live in Ergon Energy's(new window) network area:

For any loss of supply call 13 22 96
For electricity emergencies call 13 16 70

My electricity has been disconnected – who do I call?

You should contact your electricity retailer if your electricity has been disconnected.