What to do if your embedded network electricity retailer goes out of business

If your embedded network electricity retailer goes out of business, here are some steps you can take so your electricity supply is not affected.

You can:

• find an alternative retailer to sell electricity to the embedded network
• organise connection to the main electricity network.

Connecting with the main electricity network 

Embedded network owners and customers can consider connecting to the main electricity network.

Embedded network owners (such as owners corporations)

Connecting to the main electricity network may require infrastructure (such as meters or wires) to be upgraded. Connecting to the network means embedded network customers in your building can choose their own electricity retailer.

Customers in embedded networks

If you are an embedded network customer and want to be connected to the main electricity network so you can choose your own retailer, contact:

• the embedded network manager responsible for your site (if applicable)
• your electricity network distributor.

Victorian electricity distributors

Your electricity distributor can provide information about how to connect to the network and the costs involved.

The five electricity network distributors in Victoria are:

• AusNet Services (outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria) 
• CitiPower (metropolitan Melbourne and inner suburbs) 
• Jemena (northern and north-western suburbs) 
• Powercor (western suburbs and western Victoria) 
• United Energy (southern suburbs and Mornington Peninsula).

Visit energy.vic.gov.au to confirm your distribution network.

Finding an alternative embedded network operator

Embedded network owners may be able to arrange for another retailer to sell electricity to customers in their embedded network.

There are several electricity retailers that service embedded networks. Retailers selling within embedded networks generally do not require a licence, but they do need a licence exemption.

Before you choose a new retailer

You have two choices when it comes to selecting a retailer – a licensed retailer or an exempt retailer.

In doing your research, some things you should consider include:

• the retailer’s contract terms and conditions, including the length of the contract, and whether these suit your needs
• the prices, fees and charges payable.

The commission does not endorse any particular retailer as being suitable for your needs.

The licensed retailers below have consented to being contacted about alternative retailer arrangements if your embedded network electricity retailer goes out of business.

Licensed electricity retailers who service embedded networks

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