Information for regional Queensland residents

I live in regional Queensland. How will it affect me?

South-east Queensland is the largest, most commercially-attractive market for electricity and gas. Anyone living outside this region might not receive new retail offers in the short-term. As energy companies become established in the Queensland market, this may change, and you may be offered a package of products and services from a retailer in the future.

From 1 July 2007, if you're an electricity customer in regional Queensland and do not receive an offer from a new retailer, Ergon Energy will continue to be your electricity retailer. There will be no disruption to your electricity supply and most importantly, you will continue to receive the Government-subsidised regulated electricity price to make sure you continue to get an affordable and reliable electricity supply.

I live near south-east Queensland

If you live in the region just outside the south-east corner, that is, north of Gympie or west of Toowoomba, you might not get a competitive retail offer in the short term.

Energy retailers - not the Government - will decide which areas they will target. If you don't get a competitive retail offer, the good news is you don't have to change anything. You'll stay with your current retailer who will supply your electricity at the Government-set regulated price - easy!

Who is my electricity retailer?

Ergon Energy is the electricity retailer and distributor for regional Queenslanders.

What price will I be on?

The Queensland Government continues to subsidise the electricity price so you have an affordable electricity supply. Ergon Energy will remain your electricity retailer and will supply your electricty at the Government-set price. You don't need to do or change anything - easy.

Will these changes affect the quality and reliability of my power supply?

No. The quality and reliability of your electricity supply will continue, no matter who you buy your electricity from. The Queensland Government will continue to own Ergon Energy, whose poles and wires deliver the electricity to your home or business.

Who do I call if there are power outages or problems with my electricity supply?

Ergon Energy remains responsible for running the electricity network in regional Queensland.

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

What happens if I move to another electricity retailer?

If you live in regional Queensland and you accept an offer from another retailer, you cannot return to Ergon Energy as a retail customer at that property. This is because the other retailer has found you to be a commercially attractive customer. Ergon Energy is unable to compete against other retailers because it is Government-owned and subsidised.

Even if your property is sold, any new or future resident at that address cannot return to Ergon Energy as their retailer. If you are buying a property, you may wish to check who is currently supplying electricity to the property.

In any case, your interests as a small customer are still protected. You can still ask your retailer to sell you electricity at the Government-set price under a standard retail contract.

What if you live at a rental property?

Most competition is expected to occur in the south-east of the state. So if you live outside the south-east corner, even if you live in a big regional city, you are unlikely to get a retail offer in the short term.

If you do get a retail offer, and you currently receive an electricity bill for your rental property, then you can choose another electricity retailer.

No matter what, your interests, and those of any future tenant at the property, are protected. You, or a future tenant, can always ask your retailer to sell you electricity at the Government-set price under a standard contract.

I share a rental household, can I choose my retailer?

Most competition is expected to occur in the south-east of the State. So if you live outside the south-east corner, even if you live in a big regional city, you are unlikely to get a retail offer in the short term. If the electricity or gas account is in your name, and you get an offer from a retailer, you can choose the retailer for your household. It's a good idea to consult with your flatmates or housemates about whether to choose a new retailer or stay with your existing retailer.

I pay my energy costs as part of my rent

Most competition is expected to occur in the south-east of the State. So if you live outside the south-east corner, even if you live in a big regional city, you are unlikely to get a retail offer in the short term. If you live in a caravan park, unit or hostel, where the cost of the electricity or gas you use is included in your rent, your landlord has the sole connection and you are not able to choose a new retailer.

If you live in a region where choice is available, the body corporate, building manager or caravan park manager will choose the electricity or gas retailer on your behalf.

I have an unmetered electricity supply

Competition does not apply to you. All unmetered supplies will be provided under the standard retail contract at the Government-set price.

I'm a builder, how will things change for me?

From July 1, all builders' temporary supplies (BTS), in both overhead and underground supply areas, will have to be metered. Requests for BTS can be made via distributors or any electricity retailer.

I live in Roma or Dalby

Roma and Dalby Town Councils have their own gas networks, which supply customers in their areas. Competition does not apply to gas customers on these networks.