Choosing a contract
Shopping around
Each energy retailer operating in New South Wales offers
contracts with different prices (tariffs), fees, payment
options, and other services.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) suggests that you
take your time and gather as much information as you can
on the range of different contracts on offer. A number of
different companies offer electricity and gas contracts,
and some suppliers offer both.
Please see our electricity and
gas supplier pages for the contact
details of all the energy suppliers offering contracts to
households and small businesses in NSW. You can ask these
companies to send you a contract offer without any obligation
on your part.
What to look out for
Once you receive your contract, read it carefully and compare
it to the information from other suppliers. If in doubt
about anything on the contract - ask the company, or get
independent advice.
To make an informed decision, you should consider:
- how long the contract lasts
- if there are any termination fees for ending the contract
early
- whether you will be charged a termination fee if you
move
- what the tariffs are and if they can increase
- details of late payment fees or other charges
- how often you receive a bill and the options for paying
it
- if there any charges for paying a certain way
- whether you will have to pay a security deposit
- if you can use green energy
- if you can still use your off-peak hot water
Before you sign
Energy contracts are legally enforceable; make sure you
understand the terms and conditions. If you don't understand
something, ask your energy supplier or get independent advice
on what it means.
If someone offers you something verbally, make sure the
offer is written into the contract.
Always keep a copy of the contract you have signed. You
may receive a lot of paperwork with the contract. You should
keep it all in a safe place.
Important tips
All contracts have a 10 day cooling off period, which means
if you change your mind you can cancel the contract within
10 days and not have to pay any cancellation fees. Most
contracts can only be cancelled in writing.
If you currently receive a life support rebate or a pensioner
rebate on your electricity account, you should make sure
that your new retailer has these details.
Your contract will usually start after your next meter read.
You should receive a final bill from your old retailer and
a welcome letter from your new retailer to let you know your
new contract has begun.
