The Queensland Government has announced plans to legislate to protect electricity customers from early termination fees if they choose to change companies.

 

State Minister for Energy Mark McArdle said the legislation would give Queenslanders greater freedom to shop around for providers. 

 

“Householders should be able to find the best possible deal and this change will ensure they won’t be penalised for exercising their right to shop around,” Mr McArdle said.

 

“Some companies break fee charges of around $70 is enough to put many customers off looking for better deals.”

 

The Electricity Amendment Bill will make changes to the Electricity Act (1994) including prohibiting early termination fees for small and residential customers where they are notified of an increase in charges above the regulated price.

 

In addition to the legislative changes the Queensland Government will be altering subsidy arrangements with respect to the Tariff 11 price freeze to ensure retailers who charge Tariff 11 customers above the notified price do not receive a subsidy from the Government for those customers.