Information for energy customers
Energy supply - how it works
Electricity generators and gas producers supply wholesale energy to the market. The price for wholesale energy is not regulated and the price can change from time to time.
Energy is delivered to your house or business by energy networks - both transmission networks and distribution networks (the poles and wires or the pipes in your neighbourhood). For each fuel type there is only one network that can supply to your house or business and the prices charged by the networks are the subject of regulation by independent bodies.
Your retailer buys energy and also pays to have it delivered to you. The price you pay to your retailer for electricity and gas includes the costs of wholesale energy and delivery.
In NSW all 'small' (i.e. residential) energy customers can choose to be supplied at a regulated or 'standard' price. Retailers will try to offer a better price than the standard price. No matter which price you choose, however, it can still be affected by changes in prices for wholesale energy or delivery by networks.
Choice of energy retailer
Electricity and gas customers in NSW can choose their supplier. A number of retailers offer a range of different options for supplying electricity and gas to your home or business.
For information on how you can get a better deal from your energy retailer, or shop around with other retailers, go to Choosing a supplier.
Save energy and save money
Energy efficiency is about using energy wisely and avoiding energy waste to achieve greater results for consumers. Energy efficiency saves money, protects the environment, enhances industry productivity and competitiveness, and contributes to energy reliability and security. By becoming more energy efficient we will all - government, industry, business and households - benefit financially, socially and environmentally.
For more information on how you can be more energy efficient go to Saving energy.
Appliance energy efficiency labelling
All domestic refrigerators and freezers, single phase air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes washers and clothes dryers must be labelled according to their energy use efficiency.
A wide-range of products must also meet mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards.
You can search for energy efficient products and compare prices at www.energyrating.gov.au.
Suppliers of products covered by mandatory energy labelling can find contact details for regulators at www.energyrating.gov.au/reg.html#contacts.
Energy Assistance Guide and fact sheets
The Energy Assistance Guide and Fact Sheets comprise a comprehensive guide to make it easier for community sector employees to provide information and assistance to households seeking help managing energy costs and dealing with retailers.
IN THIS SECTION ...
- National Energy Customer Framework
- Customer protection framework
- Choosing a supplier
- Supplier performance
- Rebates
- Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
- Saving energy
- Energy Assistance Guide
- Important information for electricity customers: Sale and transfer of electricity retailers
- Final IPART report into 2011 electricity prices