Types of contracts
If you change your retailer or accept a different offer from your standard retailer, you will enter a negotiated contract. These contracts vary between retailers, and contain different terms and conditions from Standard Form contracts. You can enter a negotiated contract over the phone, or by completing a form you receive in the mail or from a door-to-door marketer.
If you don't take up an energy offer, your electricity or gas will be supplied by the standard retailer in your area. When you open an account with a standard retailer, you automatically enter into a Standard Form Customer Contract (your signature is not required). Under a standard contract the tariff you are charged and the fees that the retailer can apply to your account are regulated by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Ten day cooling-off period
When you agree to or sign a negotiated contract offer, you have ten days to reconsider your decision (the cooling-off period) and withdraw from the contract without penalty. A marketer must tell you about the ten day cooling-off period. You can advise your retailer about your decision by phone or in writing.
Early termination fees
There may be a fee for terminating your negotiated contract early. The marketer must tell you about this fee and this information must be clearly stated in the contract. Be aware that if you move to a new property it may be regarded as a termination of the contract, even if the same company will be your retailer.
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