Resources

Energy and water

Affordable access to safe, secure and reliable energy and water is fundamental for households to maintain an adequate standard of living.

In Queensland, prices and consumer protections vary significantly between regions. Therefore, households have different rights and protections in relation to energy and water services depending on where they live, who their provider is, and whether they own or rent their home.

In this section, you will find information to assist you with supporting your clients to navigate the energy and water markets in Queensland.

Energy fact sheets

QCOSS has developed these fact sheets to answer common energy and water concerns. These resources can be accessed online or printed for external use.

Can't pay an energy bill?

8 tips for getting on top of your bills

Getting a better electricity deal

Compare offers and find the electricity plan fits your budget

Electricity information for on-supply customers

On-supply arrangements are common in parks, boarding, and other living arrangements

Electricity information for tenants

Some tips and information about your rights as a tenant

Energy saving tips

Save costs by using less electricity with these easy hints

Energy in-depth

Here is some useful information to explain consumer rights and help you assist your clients who may be struggling with electricity or gas bills:

Need help reading an electricity bill?

Can't pay an electricity or gas bill?

Reducing your energy costs

Comparing energy offers

Making a complaint

Free online training course

Understanding energy in Queensland

As you may already know from working with your clients, the energy market itself can create or exacerbate vulnerabilities and hardship. Bills can be difficult to understand, and the factors contributing to the cost of electricity can be wide-ranging.

This free course on our Community Door eTraining platform examines the energy market in Queensland, looking at the supply chain, consumer rights and responsibilities, understanding usage, reading bills, and concessions and hardship provisions. It was developed by QCOSS, with the support of the Queensland Government Department of Energy and Climate.

Water fact sheets

QCOSS has developed these fact sheets to answer common energy and water concerns. These resources can be accessed online or printed for external use.

Concealed water leaks

Information about hidden water leaks

Water information for tenants

Some tips and information about your rights as a tenant

Can't pay a water bill

8 tips for getting on top of your bills

Water in-depth

Water costs and consumer protections vary significantly across Queensland. Here are some quick links to useful information:

Water prices and charges

How to read a water bill

Can't pay a water bill

Concessions and rebates

What to do if you've received a high water bill

Tenants rights as a water user

Poster

Identifying concealed leaks

This printable resource can be printed and displayed in your centre or service. It gives a simple overview of concealed leaks, how to check for one, reading your meter, and what to do if you identify a concealed leak.

Download the poster

Webinars

These informative on-demand sessions are free and available to view now.

Energy

By understanding consumer protections in the context of real cases, you can improve your ability to support people with their bills and to confidently speak with energy retailers on behalf of your clients.

Access our energy webinars

Water

Are you a property manager, landlord, or tenant and unsure about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to water charges in Queensland? Do you need help accessing hardship measures?