Types of electricity contracts

When entering into a contract with an electrical retailer, the contract can take 2 forms:

• a standard retail contract—where the customer is charged at the price/rate set by
  • the electricity retailer for South East Queensland, with the maximum reference bill, or default market offer, set by the Australian Energy Regulator
  • the Queensland Competition Authority for regional Queensland.
• a market (or negotiated) retail contract—where the customer accepts or negotiates a different price/rate (often including a discount) with the electricity retailer.

Standard retail contracts

Customers on a standard retail contract can switch retailers at any time.

There are no fees for late payment, paper billing or credit card processing, and no fee for terminating the contract (i.e. an exit fee) as a standard retail contract has no expiry date.

Customers on standard retail contracts pay for their electricity supply at the standing offer price set by the electricity retailer.

The maximum amount a retailer can charge a customer on a standard retail contract, also known as the ‘default market offer’, is set by the Australian Energy Regulator each year using a reference bill.

South East Queensland electricity customers

South East Queensland customers on standard retail contracts can search for a better deal using the Energy Made Easy website.

Regional Queensland electricity customers

In regional Queensland, the Queensland Competition Authority sets the prices for standard retail contracts annually (known as 'notified prices').

Ergon Energy Retail can only offer standard retail contracts.

Market retail contracts

Most market retail contracts offered in Queensland are for a set term. If you wish to switch retailers before the expiry date of your current contract, you may have to pay an exit fee. Exit fees in Queensland are capped at $20.

Market retail contracts typically include a condition allowing the retailer to alter (i.e. increase or decrease) its market prices at any time.

If you are unsure, contact your retailer and ask them about the terms and conditions of your contract and the options available.

Ergon Energy Retail cannot offer market contracts. However, regional Queensland customers may be able to obtain competitive market offers from private sector retailers.

Switching contracts

If you are on a standard retail contract and are considering switching to a market retail contract, contact your retailer and ask about its market offers and prices, and the terms and conditions.

You can compare and choose available electricity deals offered by electricity retailers using Energy Made Easy or you can contact your current electricity retailer to ask for a better electricity deal.

If you are in regional Queensland and on a market retail contract, you can ask your retailer to switch you to the retailer’s standard retail contract. You will then be charged the notified prices (just like Ergon Energy Retail customers).

If you're in regional Queensland and currently with another retailer, you have the option to return to Ergon Energy Retail.

Find out more

• Use the Energy Made Easy website to compare offers from electricity retailers.
• Find out about your electricity consumer rights and how to make a complaint.