Communities with embedded networks in Queensland have two choices when it comes to engaging a utility provider to manage their energy supply. They can either be an “exempt seller” themselves and engage a billing agent to manage the sale of energy and other services, or they can appoint an authorised retailer instead.
Until recently, there weren’t many authorised retailers operating within embedded networks, but that has changed with the announcement of the new regulatory framework set to be implemented over the next few years.
Until the changes come through, communities need to decide whether to go with an authorised retailer, or continue to operate under the traditional billing agent model. Below we set out the primary considerations when making this decision. Basically, it comes down to whether your community wants access to better consumer protections, or caps on energy fees and charges.