The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has initiated the Retailer of Last Resort process that will allow for the transfer of customers from electricity retailers QEnergy Limited and Mojo Power Pty Ltd to ensure the continued supply of essential energy services to these customers.
The AER applied the market safeguard after both companies were subject to wind-up orders made in the Supreme Court of Queensland on 15 June 2023.
QEnergy and Mojo Power’s retailer authorisations to trade will be halted at 00:00 hours Australian Eastern Standard Time, 17 June 2023 (i.e., midnight Friday), impacting around 12,000 customers collectively each across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Customers are not required to take any immediate action.
Under the Retailer of Last Resort process, customers will be transferred to retailers such as Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, who will contact them directly to explain the new arrangements.
Customers are under no obligation to remain with their new retailer once they are transferred.
Our frequently asked questions fact sheet explains more about the Retailer of Last Resort scheme for affected customers. A special hotline has also been set up on 02 6243 3065.
Help for consumers to minimise energy bills is also available.
Background
The AER is responsible for overseeing the national Retailer of Last Resort scheme. There is a retailer of last resort scheme in Victoria, but it is not administered by the AER. This is the responsibility of the Essential Services Commission (ESC). If you are a customer in Victoria, you may wish to read further information on the ESC website if you are a QEnergy customer in Victoria.
The Retailer of Last Resort scheme is designed to ensure that in the event of retailer failure, arrangements are in place to ensure that customers continue to receive electricity and/or gas supply.
If an energy retailer fails, the AER has the power to transfer customers to a new retailer.