Consumer fact sheets

The AER produces a range of energy related consumer publications that you can download, view and print. 

Latest publications

Power to you

This brochure for household energy customers provides useful information to help control your energy service – such as shopping around, understanding rights and using the Energy Made Easy website to compare offers.

AER factsheet - Power to you - Brochure format - updated May 2022 ( PDF 180.51 KB )

AER factsheet - Power to you - print version - updated May 2022 ( PDF 129.17 KB )

Energy and essential medical equipment

This brochure provides information for consumers who rely on medical equipment and may be affected in the event that their power is cut off unexpectedly. The information outlines how a person can be ready and have a plan in place for unexpected power outages.

Energy and essential medical equipment ( PDF 827.08 KB )

Energy and your business

This brochure is for small businesses in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA and Tasmania. It provides information on which businesses are considered 'small customers' under national energy laws, outlines the rights of small energy customers and discusses the benefits of switching.

Energy and your business ( DOCX 130.18 KB | PDF 458.86 KB )

Managing energy services at home

Well informed customers can confidently deal with energy retailers before and after they sign up for a service. This booklet for energy customers and consumer caseworkers provides detailed information on customer rights, hardship and payment difficulties, billing, contracts and marketing.

Managing energy services at home ( DOC 1.02 MB | PDF 1.74 MB )


Fact sheets

Exempt selling - obligations and customer rights

These fact sheets are aimed at exempt sellers and their customers, setting out their rights and obligations. 

AER factsheet - Energy exempt sellers - Your requirements and obligations regarding residential customers ( PDF 96.11 KB )

AER factsheet - Energy exempt sellers - Your requirements and obligations regarding small business customers ( PDF 91.73 KB )

AER factsheet - Buying energy from an exempt seller - Your rights and protections as a residential customer ( PDF 88.14 KB )

AER factsheet - Buying energy from an exempt seller - Your rights and protections as a small business customer ( PDF 82.52 KB )

Smart meters and you

All new and replacement meters will be smart meters. This factsheet explains how you will be affected when a smart meter is installed, your rights and what to do if there is a problem. This factsheet applies to consumers in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, SA and Tasmania.

AER factsheet - Smart meters and you ( PDF 123.03 KB )

Maximising the value of your solar PV system

These factsheets explain how as a residential customer, community group or small business you can maximise the value of your solar PV system.

Australian Capital Territory

AER factsheet - ACT - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 328.39 KB )

New South Wales

AER factsheet - New South Wales - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 395.63 KB )

Northern Territory

AER factsheet - Northern Territory - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 320.29 KB )

Queensland

AER factsheet - Queensland - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 328.62 KB )

South Australia

AER factsheet - South Australia - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 330.45 KB )

Tasmania

AER factsheet - Tasmania - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 319.68 KB )

Victoria

AER factsheet - Victoria - How to get value for your renewable energy and feed-in tariffs explained ( PDF 326.11 KB )

Are you having trouble paying your energy bill?

Energy retailers are required to help customers experiencing payment difficulties or hardship. This factsheet explains your rights when paying your energy bill.

Are you having trouble paying your energy bill? ( PDF 170.68 KB )

What can I do if I have a complaint about my energy?

If you have a problem with your electricity or gas retailer, this factsheet tells you the steps you can take to resolve it.

AER Fact sheet - What can I do if I have a complaint about my energy service? - December 2021 ( PDF 117.98 KB )

Energy efficiency in the home

Using electricity and gas efficiently is not just good for the environment – it can also help you save money. This factsheet provides information on ways you can reduce the amount of energy you use in your home.

Energy efficiency in the home ( PDF 111.08 KB )

Shopping around and changing your electricity or gas offer

Energy retailers compete for your business by offering you different energy contracts with varying prices, discounts and conditions. This factsheet explains how you can shop around to get an energy offer that better suits your needs.

Shopping around and changing your electricity or gas offer ( DOCX 99.45 KB | PDF 147.83 KB )

Energy marketing – what are your rights?

Energy retailers must comply with a number of specific rules when they market their offers to you. This factsheet explains these rules and your rights when you get a marketing call or visit.

Energy marketing - what are your rights ( DOCX 98.41 KB | PDF 175.24 KB )

About energy bills

Energy bills are made up of a range of costs including wholesale and network charges as well as the costs of providing a retail service. It also includes programs to save energy or support the development of renewable energy. This factsheet shows the components of your energy bill and explains some of the reasons for increases in energy prices in Australia.

About energy bills ( DOCX 98.88 KB | PDF 150.83 KB )


Translated information for energy consumers

The AER has developed a suite of translated materials for consumers that speak a language other than English to help them learn more about how to save money on their energy bills and how to get help if they’re having trouble paying their bills or have a problem with their energy company.