Retailers vs Distributors

Since the introduction of Full Retail Contestability here in Victoria there exists a two tiered system for the supply and sale payment for electricity.

The supply side is handled primarily by the 5 Distribution Businesses. They are PowerCor, Citipower, Jemena, United Energy and SP Ausnet each with their own geographical area of responsibility.

The sale and payment of electricity can be handled by any of the approximately 19 Energy Retailers.

How do I tell the difference?

Distributors

• Own and operate the distribution networks - "poles and wires"

• Carry out physical work at the site - e.g. metering and servicing

• Connect customer to supply on behalf of the retailer

• Have set geographic boundaries

• Have no contract with the consumer

Retailers

• Arrange connection of electricity

• Have a contract with the consumer - sell and bill electricity

• Are not confined to geographic areas - operate cross all distribution areas

• It is the customer or customer's agent who has the choice of retailer

Who do I contact for what?

Contact Distributor for:

• Supply availability and negotiation, points of supply, provision of substations etc

• Connection standards advice

• Load increases

• Supply and/or metering faults

Alterations and additions not involving metering or tariff changes - within CitiPower and PowerCor distribution areas only* see New Connections and Truck Appointment Requests

Contact Retailer for:

• Retail tariff enquiries

• Submission of Electrical Work Requests and Certificates of Electrical Safety

• New connections

• Account alterations

• All alterations and additions whether involving metering or tariff changes or not - within AGL, Alinta and SP-Ausnet distribution areas.

Next: New connections and truck appointment requests

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