Energy Action Group

Full Retail Competition in Electricity

Questions you need to ask retailers when either you ring them about their offers or if they contact you.

Remember to read the contract before agreeing to anything. Also check out the “buyer beware” and other sections of this website.

Telephone numbers of retailers to ring to hear offers

TXU 133466

Citipower 131260

AGL 131245

Origin 132114

Pulse 133000

There are also new retailers – we will post names and telephone numbers as we can.

Compare offers to the “deemed” and “standing offers” of your incumbent retailer (follow links on previous page)

What questions should you ask?

Amount much is the per kilowatt hour charge?

Is there more than one charge depending on how much I have use? (is a flat rate or is it a “block” tariff?)?

What is the standing charge per quarter?

Does the retailer reserve the right to vary prices, and if so for what reasons?

Is this excluding/including GST?

Will I be paying per quarter?

Is there a minimal consumption level?

Are there different charges for summer or other periods?

What is the length of the contract?

Does the retailer reserve the right to terminate the contract at any time?

Is there a penalty if I want to get out of the contract early?

Does this tariff have a name?

Is there a discount if I pay by direct debit?

Are there any late fees (eg. Telstra charges $5.00 for late payment).

Will I still have the consumption graph printed on my bill?

Will all the charges appear broken down into their various components?

Before you ring add up your last 4 bills (quarterly accounts) for an annual consumption figure.