full retail contestability
Full Retail Contestability (FRC) means that all electricity customers are able to choose their retailers in a fully deregulated energy market. These changes have been introduced as part of a move to a deregulated energy market to replace existing retail monopolies.
On 13 January 2002, the final stage of electricity full retail contestability was implemented. This means that all Victorian electricity consumers, no matter how big or small, now have a choice of their electricity retailer.
Changing a retailer means you choose who sells you electricity, manages your electricity bills, and provides services to you. Changing retailers does not mean you change distributors. United Energy Distribution, as an electricity distributor, will continue to supply premises with electricity within its defined geographic area and will continue to maintain the poles and wires within its network area.
- For more information about the contestable electricity market and changing retailers, visit the Essential Services Commission website at www.esc.vic.gov.au
- To compare electricity retailers, go to the Energy Comparator on the Essential Services Commission website
Another important body involved in the process is the National Electricity Market Management Company Limited (NEMMCO) who is responsible for the administration and operation of the wholesale national electricity market in accordance with the National Electricity Code. The aim of NEMMCO is to provide an effective infrastructure for the efficient operation of the wholesale national electricity market.
For more information about NEMMCO, visit www.nemmco.com.au
