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What is an embedded network?
Some electricity customers are not directly connected to a distributor's network, including:
- Residential park (caravan park) residents
- Individual shops in shopping centres
- Residents in some apartment buildings where electricity is not directly supplied by the local network service provider.
They are supplied with power from a separate network that takes electricity from one of NSW's licensed distribution network service providers, then delivers the electricity to the individual customers. This is called an 'embedded network'.
Can I still choose my electricity retailer?
The general principle behind the introduction of competition is that all customers can choose their energy retail supplier from 1 January, 2002. Businesses, including those in shopping centres, have been able to choose for the past few years.
However, many embedded network customers take supply directly from the embedded network operator. For example, a residential park resident may take supply under the terms and conditions of their residential tenancy agreement with the park owner. In this case, a customer who wants to choose their supplier will have to first negotiate with the embedded network operator.
For an embedded network customer to change supplier from 1 January 2002, they must:
- not be bound by any existing contractual arrangements with the embedded network operator;
- have an offer from another retail supplier; and
- have the correct type of meter (your retail supplier will be able to advise on the best type of meter for your needs).
Even if you change retail supplier, your premises will still be connected to the embedded network.
How do I know what to pay?
If the electricity supply is not separately metered, the embedded network operator cannot make a separate charge for electricity. The cost of supplying electricity is part of the overall cost of providing the facilities and services.
Where electricity is separately metered, a customer can only be charged as much for electricity as the standard retailer would charge if they were their customer.
Where do I take a dispute?
If the electricity supply is separately metered and the customer occupies residential premises (including those in a residential park), they can take a dispute about the supply of electricity to the Residential Tribunal or the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).
Customers whose electricity supply is not separately metered and who do not currently have access to the Residential Tribunal (such as boarding house residents) have access to the Fair Trading Tribunal to resolve disputes over electricity supply.
Can I be disconnected?
Embedded network customers whose contractual arrangements with their supplier form part of a residential tenancy agreement (which includes residential park residents) can only be disconnected by order of the Residential Tribunal.
In other circumstances, embedded network customers may be disconnected if they have breached their contractual arrangements with their supplier.
If an embedded network operator receives notice from their supplier that their supply is to be disconnected, the embedded network operator must immediately give written notice to any residential person with a separate meter who will be affected by the disconnection.
Can I still qualify for concessions?
Like other customers, long term residents of residential parks are entitled to a pensioner rebate and life support rebates provided they are eligible. These rebates are paid to the customer not the residential park operator.
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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