deregulation

• what is FRC?
• what should I look for in an energy offer?
• how can Country Energy help?
• how does deregulation work?
• now that I have the choice, why should I choose Country Energy?
• can I choose my Network provider?
• what do I need to be aware of?
• do I have to change energy retailers?
• what if I have changed my mind?
• will the energy retailer want me to sign a contract?
• what happens if I don't do anything?

what is FRC?

FRC stands for Full Retail Competition, which is another name for deregulation.

Full Retail Competition provides all households, the choice of where they purchase their energy from (the same way you can choose your own telephone company).

what should I look for in an energy offer?

Make sure that you understand the price you are being quoted. Your energy bill is currently a bundled price that includes retail energy, distribution and market participation (government) costs. Energy retailers may quote retail, distribution and market participation costs as one price or separate prices.

You need to be sure you are comparing the same offer. That is, check whether you are comparing energy only or energy as well as market and distribution costs.

• Make sure the estimates on all offers are based on the same consumption or energy use information
• Carefully check for any special conditions imposed by retailers such as terms of payment or discounts, which may affect the overall price
• Ensure that the proposed payment terms meet your requirements
• Examine any additional services that might be on offer or packaged together with your energy quote
• With multi-year contracts, compare escalation (price rise) clauses to see if the price quoted moves above, below or in-line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Take note of the expiry date of any pricing quote that you receive from an energy retailer. Price offers will only be valid for a certain period of time and, if you wish to take up the offer, you must sign the contract prior to the expiry date

how can Country Energy help?

If you have any questions or concerns about deregulation, please call our customer service advisor on 13 23 56, fill in our general enquiry form or drop into one of our many customer service centres across NSW.

how does deregulation work?

Before deregulation you paid Country Energy to perform the following three energy services:

• Transmission of electricity or gas from the point of generation to Country Energy
• Distribution or the delivery of electricity or gas from Country Energy to your home or business
• The retail sale of electricity or gas supply

On 1 January 2002, this third service – the retail sale of your electricity or gas supply, became competitive or deregulated. The transmission and distribution functions (network functions) of electricity and gas will continue to be regulated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). This means that, no matter whom you select as your energy retailer, Country Energy will continue to:

• Provide the transmission and distribution of electricity or gas to your home or business
• Maintain all powerlines and network gas pipes
• Respond to power supply interruptions

now that I have the choice, why should I choose Country Energy?

Choose Country Energy and we will undertake to give you the most competitive energy prices. Depending on your location, we can also supply your home or business with a range of competitive services such as green energy, flexible payment plans and internet services.

Country values are also an inseparable part of the way we do business. By choosing Country Energy, you will have as your energy partner the only energy company capable of offering you a real difference in terms of personal service.

Country Energy is also 100% Australian owned and we support our local communities through sponsorships and regional development programs.

For a competitive energy quote from Country Energy call 1300 363 955 or click here to fill in our online quote form.

can I choose my Network provider?

No. Only the sale and purchase (or retail) of energy is deregulated for customers. The electricity and gas networks (the poles, wires and pipes of the business) remain regulated. No matter who is your energy retailer, you will pay the same network and market participation charges.

what do I need to be aware of?

As a customer, you will face a variety of offers that will differ on price, service and other benefits. Your challenge is to ensure you get the full benefit from energy industry reforms.

Now that you will have the power to choose your retailer, making the best decision for your individual circumstances rests on making an informed decision.

Whatever you do, make sure you speak to Country Energy first. We can help you understand:

• How the market works
• The terms and conditions of each retailer’s offer and contract
• Your own needs and preferences

do I have to change retailers?

No. If you are happy with the price and service that you now receive, then you can simply stay with Country Energy.

You have the following three choices:

• Stay with Country Energy. You will continue to be supplied electricity or gas on standard form contract at government regulated prices, as you currently do.
• Negotiate a new contestable supply contract with Country Energy. This means that you negotiate a new energy supply rate for a specified contract period.
• Negotiate a supply contract with a new retailer of your choice.

what if i have changed my mind?

If you sign a new supply contract, there is a ten day ‘cooling off’ period. This gives you the ability to reverse your decision for any reason, within the ten business day time frame.

You can move back to a standard form contract after the ten business day cooling off period at any time as long as your consumption is below 160MWh for electricity and less than 1 TJ for gas, which the majority of households are.

If you are on a negotiated contract with an energy retailer, there may be an exit or termination clause included. Depending on the clause, you may be required to pay a termination fee and/or give a specified period of notice prior to terminating the contract.

Our advice is to check your contract with any retailer very carefully before you sign and make sure you are happy with any exit or termination clauses.

will the energy retailer want me to sign a contract?

Yes. Retailers will require you to sign a contract stipulating the contract supply price, the contract period, the terms and conditions of the contract, and so on. The rate you receive may vary with the length of the contract.

You must also sign a customer acknowledgment form by law. This ensures that your rights, and the terms and conditions of the contract, are fully explained. This is a requirement of the Energy Industry Marketing Code of Conduct.

what happens if I don't do anything?

It’s your choice — if you do not make a choice to go to another retailer your existing energy retailer will continue supplying energy to you on a standard contract at a regulated price.

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