Every customer in an embedded network community has the right to purchase electricity from an authorised retailer. The AER Factsheet - Making Offers to Embedded Network Customers provides an overview of the process and role of retailers in helping embedded network customers 'go on-market'.
You can find out more about tenants who buy energy from a building owner or landlord and compare offers at energymadeeasy.com.au.
If you decide to select a new retailer, call them to explain that you are currently living in an embedded network community so that they can provide you with a suitable offer. Please see the Australian Energy Regulator Factsheet - How to access retailers for your energy needs if you live in an embedded network.
If you do wish to change your electricity retailer, your appointed Embedded Network Manager (Altogether Solutions) will be able to guide you through the process and provide you with a meter number for the purpose of seeking quotes. They are contactable at 1300 803 803.
We are always happy to review retail electricity rates in comparison with comparable offers from other retailers. If you have an alternate offer and would like us to review your rate, please provide us with a copy of the offer by sending it via email to Altogether.
When speaking to an alternate retailer about getting a quote, you will need to make the following considerations:
- Advise them you are within an embedded network.
- As you are within an embedded network, ask the retailer to unbundle their offer and provide an ‘energy only’ offer. If you decide to take an alternate retail offer, Altogether will continue to bill for the network distribution component, network charges will be charged at the shadow price (in line with the network exemption rules) so you may receive two electricity bills.
- Changing to an alternate retailer may come with some changes to your service. A new retailer may choose to replace the Altogether meter with their own.
- Be aware that some retailers may charge a new connection or similar fee for this service so you need to ask what this cost is and if it is applicable.
- Swapping over the meter may require a brief off-supply period. We suggest getting clear information around the details of any off-supply period from the alternate retailer.
Once you accept an offer from a retailer, they will request a transfer of your meter via the Embedded Network Manager appointed for your community. Once the transfer occurs you will receive:
- a bill from your new electricity retailer for your electricity usage; and
- a bill from the network owner (the body corporate) for your network supply charges.
Until the transfer process to your retailer of choice is complete, you will continue to receive electricity bills from Altogether.