What to check on your offer

Price

The price of the offer will consist of usage and service or supply charges. Compare these charges with what you’re currently paying. Read more about how to compare electricity prices.

Fees

Find out if there are any other fees, such as account set up fees, and get the answer in writing. The company should be able to give you a list of fees and charges.

Discount

Check whether any offered discount applies to the total bill or only certain charges. Also find out when they’ll apply the discount to your bill and if it lasts for the entire contract.

Payment options

Find out if you can pay your bill using your preferred payment method and if there are any charges for that method. Sometimes companies charge credit card fees or fees for not paying by direct debit.

Billing

Ask how often you’ll get a bill. Some companies send a bill monthly rather than quarterly.

Green energy options

Your contract may cost you more if green energy options are included. If you’re happy to include these, check that they’re accredited under the Greenpower scheme.

Contract expiration

Find out what happens when your contract expires.

Your company should give you notice that your contract is ending so you can decide whether to stay with them or go to another company. If you don’t contact your current company before your contract ends, you will be moved to a standing market offer which may have higher fees.

Early termination fees

You may have to pay a fee if you end your contract early. These are capped at $20 but check what your contract says.

Terms and conditions

If you’re not sure about an offer, ask someone you trust to check it for you. Take your time reading all the conditions before agreeing to anything.

Read more about choosing an electricity contract.

Remember to compare

Just like any other purchase, you should look around for the offer and company that suits your situation and budget. See if one company can beat another company's offer.

Note: You won't be able to change the distributor that owns the network. Therefore, the quality of your supply won't change when you change companies.

The Energy Made Easy website provides information about all authorised electricity and gas providers in Queensland.

This website is an initiative of the Australian Energy Regulator, so it’s completely independent and not funded by energy companies.

Be aware that there are commercial companies that offer switching services who can act as brokers between you and the provider. These agents usually get a commission from the provider.

They may not represent all providers and all the products on offer. So they can’t guarantee you the cheapest or the best product available. Check their terms and conditions before using their service to switch providers.

Switching companies

When you sign up with a new energy company, the transfer won’t happen until after your next scheduled meter read. If the transfer happens before your next scheduled meter read, it may mean your final bill is based on estimated usage. You can ask your new provider to delay the transfer to your next scheduled meter read or for them to conduct a special read before they take over your billing rights.

If there is a delay in the transfer, the company must tell you about the delay and the new expected transfer date.

Once the transfer is complete, you should receive a final bill from your old company.

If you believe your transfer is taking too long, contact your new company and ask why. If they can’t explain the delay or you’re not happy with their response, you can submit a complaint to us about the company.

Cooling-off period

If you sign a new electricity or gas contract, you have 10 business days to change your mind (a cooling-off period). In this 10 day period, you can cancel your new energy contract without paying any costs.

I have an issue with my current company

If you have a complaint with your current provider and can't resolve it with them, EWOQ may be able to help. We offer a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service. Find out more about complaints we can help with.