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Welcome to the first issue of EOQ Update, the Energy Ombudsman Queensland's (EOQ) newsletter for consumers, community advocates and stakeholders. It aims to provide timely and useful information about our services as well as an update on the EOQ scheme as we evolve over time.
As many of you may be aware, EOQ was established on 1 July 2007, replacing the former Energy Consumer Protection Office (ECPO) as the primary dispute resolution service for Queensland's electricity and reticulated gas consumers. We offer a completely free, fair, and independent service for residential and small business energy consumers who have been unable to resolve a problem with their energy supplier. With offices located in Brisbane, Cairns and Rockhampton, we have the ability to work directly with Queensland energy consumers and suppliers in the efficient and effective resolution of disputes.
The establishment of our office occurred at the same time that full retail competition was introduced in Queensland's energy market. Since then, competition has been quite active, with over 40,000 Queensland householders and small businesses in the south-east taking up the opportunity to sign up with a new energy retailer (or sign a contract for a different deal with their existing retailer).
Although most of the competition has so far occurred in the south-east of the state, I want to emphasise that EOQ provides an extremely valuable service for all Queensland energy consumers, not just those with competition-related complaints. We provide a dispute resolution service for a variety of energy consumer issues throughout the state.
October marks our fourth month of operation and I am very pleased with the running of our scheme so far, in particular the successful outcomes that our hard working investigative staff have achieved for many consumers, as well as the solid working relationships we've established with Queensland's energy suppliers in the resolution of complaints. While I've had to rap some overly enthusiastic marketers over the knuckles for market misconduct, the majority of energy suppliers have been professional, compliant and cooperative.
On a personal level, it is a great honour to be chosen as Queensland's first Energy Ombudsman. I'm excited to be heading up such an important service in Queensland's changing energy landscape. I look forward to the challenges ahead and I want Queensland energy consumers to feel confident knowing that there is help at hand if needed.
I trust you will find the first issue of EOQ Update useful and informative. For those who want to find out more about how our scheme works, I encourage you to search our website. I also invite you to provide any feedback or suggestions to publications@eoq.com.au
Barry Adams
Energy Ombudsman (Queensland)
