frequently asked electricity FRC questions

  • What is Full Retail Contestability (FRC)?
    Full Retail Contestability means that all electricity and gas customers are able to choose their retailers in a fully deregulated energy market.

  • What are the dates for electricity full retail contestability?
    The Victorian electricity market became fully contestable in January 2002.

  • Is electricity FRC only within Victoria, or is it Australia-wide?
    Electricity FRC commenced in Victoria and NSW in January 2002, in South Australia on 1 January 2003, and the ACT on 1 July 2003. Retail Contestability for electricity customers in Tasmania commences in July 2006, and will be phased in over a 4-year period, while FRC will be implemented in Queensland from 1 July 2007. FRC is not yet available for Western Australian electricity customers.

  • What is a NMI?
    NMI stands for National Metering Identifier. The Acronym is usually pronounced "Nimmy". Every connection point where energy consumption is measured at the customer level has a unique number - its NMI. The NMI is the site identifier that will be used to transfer customers from retailer to retailer. The NMI for a connection point doesn't change even when you change the meter.

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  • What happens to customers that have not signed a retail contract for the supply of electricity?
    Customers who choose not to enter a contract with a retailer remain on the rates and terms with their existing or host retailer. Other retailers may make market offers to potential new customers through telemarketing, mailout campaigns or doorknocking.

  • If I decide to change my retailer, what else will change?
    If you decide to change your retailer, only the company who manages your bills and provides customer services will change. The poles and wires that provide your premise with electricity will continue to be managed by your distributor.

  • What is NEMMCO? (www.nemmco.com.au)
    The National Electricity Market Management Company Limited (NEMMCO) is the body corporate responsible for the administration and operation of the wholesale national electricity market in accordance with the National Electricity Code. The aim of the National Electricity Market Management Company is to provide an effective infrastructure for the efficient operation of the wholesale national electricity market.

  • What is the AEMC? (www.aemc.gov.au)
    The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) carries out reviews of the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the National Electricity Rules. The AEMC is responsible for:

    • Administration and publishing of the National Electricity Rules;
    • The Rule making process under the new National Electricity Law;
    • Making determinations on proposed Rules;
    • Undertaking reviews on its own initiative or as directed by the MCE; and
    • Providing policy advice to the MCE in relation to the NEM.

    Previously the National Electricity Code Administrator (NECA) was responsible for administration of the National Electricity Code, however the Rules now replace the Code, and the AEMC carries out the Rule making role of NECA.

  • What is the AER? (www.aer.gov.au)
    The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) performs economic regulation of the wholesale electricity market and electricity transmission networks in the National Electricity Market (NEM), and enforcement of the National Electricity Law and National Electricity Rules.

  • What is the Essential Services Commission (ESC)? (www.esc.vic.gov.au)
    The Essential Services Commission (ESC) was established under the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 and commenced operations on 1 January 2002. The ESC subsumed the role of the Office of the Regulator-General, Victoria. The primary objective of the ESC is to protect the long term interests of Victorian consumers with regard to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

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