With the introduction of full competition in the energy market on 1 January 2002, householders can choose the company(s) they want to buy their electricity and gas from.
It is the first time residential customers have been able to decide their energy retailer and follows more than six years of reform of the NSW energy market by the State Government.
Until now, householders have had no choice who they buy their electricity from. It has been the same for gas.
How it works
Other companies (including interstate companies you may not be immediately familiar with) are licensed to supply electricity or gas to residential customers in competition with the current small group of energy suppliers.
As a result, you may get offers from other energy suppliers who you may consider are proposing a better deal than your current energy company.
It is possible competitors may offer you a cheaper energy price or extra services which better suit your needs. Indeed, it is likely the one company will offer electricity and gas, as well as other products and services you may be interested in.
Under these changes, you can choose to accept that offer or keep shopping around for a better deal.
But you don't have to change
You do not have to change supplier if you do not want to.
You can stay with your current energy companies, which will continue to supply you with gas or electricity the same as they always have. Nothing need change if you are happy with your current arrangements.
Or you can stay with your current supplier and negotiate on terms, price and service.
Energy reliability stays the same
The companies that own, maintain and operate the poles and wires (in the case of electricity) and pipes (in the case of gas) will stay the same.
While you may choose to buy your energy from a different retailer, your energy will still be delivered to your door in exactly the same way.
This means changing energy retailers will not change the reliability or quality of your electricity or gas supply.
The safety and reliability of delivering energy to your door will continue to be regulated by the NSW Ministry of Energy and Utilities.
Want more information?
A free booklet explaining the choices available to you will be in your letterbox in early 2002. The booklet will contain information you will find useful if you decide to shop around for the best deal on your energy.
You may also call our information line on 1300 136 888.
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