Energy in Northern Territory
Energy in the Northern Territory
The other states, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, are areas where the energy market is still regulated by the government and you don’t have a choice (or less of one) in your energy provider.
Despite full retail competition being introduced into the Northern Territory in 2010, there are very few providers in the region for a number of reasons.
Unlike the NEM, the wholesale energy market within NT is ambiguous in terms of pricing, meaning providers are less willing to enter the territory.
However, it’s still important to know about the state of the energy market in the Northern Territory, as the government is trying to further increase competition within the market and allow more providers to begin retailing in the region.
Energy Providers in NT
There are three energy providers in the region, retailing electricity to residents there. Those living in the remote regions cannot switch energy providers, while those living in urban areas only have the choice between two.
- Jacana Energy: Government-owned and the largest provider in the territory
- Power and Water: Electricity distributor for all of the Northern Territory and electricity retailer for remote and rural communities
- Rimfire Energy: The newest provider and the only non-government provider
Energy Distributors in NT
There is one electricity distributor and one gas distributor for the Northern Territory. Power and Water distributes electricity to the entire region while retailing to remote communities, while natural gas is distributed by Australian Gas Networks.
Issues with Energy Suppliers:All states within Australia have an energy ombudsman whose role is to mediate and assist customers in dispute resolutions with their suppliers free of charge. Keep in mind, assistance does not extend to LPG gas, instead support for LPG gas comes through many state level government agencies.
Energy Rebates and Concessions in NT
The Northern Territory offers two schemes for its residents, both of which include energy concessions.
These two schemes are:
- the NT Concession Scheme
- the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme.
Below they are covered in greater detail.
NT Concession Scheme
The NT Concession Scheme is a means-tested scheme designed to help assist with the cost of living for residents of the Northern Territory. In order to be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Northern Territory and have one of the following:
Centrelink account: Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Career Payment, Parenting Payment (single), or
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card: Repatriation Health Card TPI/War/Widower (Gold Card), Repatriation Pharmaceuticals Benefits Card (Orange Card), Pensioner Card (Blue Card), Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
The NT Concessions Scheme helps residents pay for utilities and the cost of living which includes electricity bills. In order to be eligible for electricity rebates & concessions in the Northern Territory, you must be the primary account holder for your energy retailer.
NT Seniors Recognition Scheme
The NT Seniors Recognition Scheme is a Centrelink payment open to all Australian residents 65 years or older, who live in the Northern Territory at least 183 days out of the year.
If you qualify you can receive up to $500 per year, to assist with not only the cost of living but travel and accommodation expenses as well. While this was first issued as travel vouchers, it has now been replaced by a prepaid card that can be used for travel and airfare, accommodation, fuel distribution (service stations), and water and electricity.
If you were previously issued travel vouchers and would like to exchange them for a prepaid card, you can call 1800 777 704. However, previously issued travel vouchers are still valid and able to be used under the existing terms and conditions.
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Energy Concession Northern Territory
Qualifying applicants of either the NT Concessions Scheme or the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme can be eligible for the energy concessions available. These concessions are available to all types of electricity generation, including:
- Jacana Energy and Power and Water customers
- Prepaid electricity meters
- Solar Electricity
- Caravan Park Residents
- Alternative Energy (off-grid, including diesel fuel, unleaded fuel, LP Gas, Kerosene and Deep Cycle Batteries for solar systems)
Depending on the type of electricity used, applicants could receive either a concession of $1.274 per day and $0.091 per kWh used, or up to $1,200 worth of prepaid electricity meter tokens. Customers who use off-grid electricity can receive $1.275 per day for their concession.
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