Large Contestable Business customers

 

Why are electricity prices increasing?  

For Large Contestable Business customers there will be an increase in network charges.

 

Electricity retailers pay for the use of network services to transport electricity to their customers, and pass this cost on to customers as part of their electricity bill. 

 

These network charges, which are set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), will increase On 1 July 2011, in nominal terms by:

 

• 20% for EnergyAustralia and Country Energy, &
• 15% for Integral Energy.

 

The increases in network costs are driven by the major capital investment programs the network businesses are undertaking to:

 

• Cope with growing loads and meet rising peak demand as the state’s population grows and patterns of energy use change
• Replace aging assets
• Meet more rigorous licensing conditions intended to improve network security and reliability.

 

There is a lot of talk about merging the electricity distributors, what does this mean for me? and are the Network increases to cover this?

At this stage it does appear the NSW Government will merge Essential Energy, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy distributors. The NSW Government believe this will produce a more efficient and cost effective Network which will be better for all NSW customers. 

 

Who approved the new prices?

The price adjustment was reviewed by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

(If a customer requires more information in relation to AER’s decision please refer them to www.aer.gov.au)

 

Will my network component of the bill go up again?

Prices are reviewed every 12 months by AER and implemented on 1 July. 

 

When will my bill increase?

These prices take effect from 1 July 2011.

 

What are my options if I want to terminate?

You are unable to terminate your Agreement due to this network price rise.

 

Do I have to do anything if I am on direct debit?

No, your new amount will automatically be debited from your bank account as per your nominated date.

 

Why wasn't I told that my prices weren't fixed?

We take a lot of care to ensure that all important information is available to you at the time you make your decision to enter a Large Negotiated Supply Agreement. The information on rate changes is detailed in your Terms and Conditions under Clause 6.6 of our Agreement.

 

I don’t like these changes to your prices - who can I write to?

If you would like to make a formal complaint, please write to our Customer Care section, detailing what aspects of the changes you are concerned with and we'll respond to you either in writing - or one of our staff will contact you to discuss the matter further. Please address your letter to Customer Care, Integral Energy, PO Box 6366, Blacktown 2148. You can send a fax to Customer Care via 9853 5184 or email: integral@integral.com.au.   

 

What help is available if I am having difficulty in paying my account?

We provide a range of flexible payment options to our customers. You can discuss these options with our Customer Call Centre representatives.

 

I have an Agreement with Integral Energy and my business is in the Ausgrid (previously Energy Australia)/Essential Energy (previously Country Energy) Network.  Why have my prices increased so much compared with last year?

The Regulated Rates in your network area have increased in line with the Determination of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).  We are passing through these cost increases to you under the terms of your contract with us.

We are unable to comment on the reason for the price increases for other network areas, ie, Ausgrid and Essential Energy.  Like Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy submit an application to have their prices approved by AER.

 

What is the Network Access Charge $/day?

This is a flat charge for each day the network is provided during the billing period.

 

What is the Demand Rate $/KVA/month?

This rate is calculated by multiplying the fee rate by the highest KVA demand used by the customer during the month period (Eg. Summer, Winter or other time of year).