Energy and Water

Resources for Sector

This is a one-stop shop of downloadable resources from across our Energy and Water section for use in Queensland by community services sector workers and household consumers. Bookmark this page as we will be updating on a regular basis!

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

Concealed water leaks

Information about hidden water leaks

Getting a better electricity deal

Compare offers and find the electricity plan fits your budget

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

Electricity information for on-supply customers

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

Energy saving tips

Save costs by using less electricity with these easy hints

Electricity information for tenants

Some tips and information about your rights as a tenant

Social media tiles

Share these with your followers.

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.

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 Public Works.

You may also wish to consider embedding this course in staff induction processes at your organisation.

Videos for clients

These quick instructional videos can assist you to explain aspects of the Queensland energy and water markets to your clients.

Electricity bills: Calling your retailer

Can't pay your electricity or gas bill?

Water bills: Advice for Landlords and Tenancy Managers

Water bills: Advice for Tenants

Concealed leaks: What should I do?

Concealed leaks: How to check if you have one

Energy webinars

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

Recent cases in energy disconnection and hardship: Understanding customers’ rights

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. This session examines three significant recent cases of retailers being found to have breached customer obligations.

Understanding and accessing Queensland energy concessions, rebates and grants

This webinar is essential knowledge for those who support people with their energy bills and financial wellbeing. During this session, experts examine Queensland’s energy concessions, rebates and debt reduction grants, how to access them, and renter eligibility for these supports.

New energy supports for your clients: $1.5 million for vulnerable energy customers

A number of Energy Charter signatories have just committed more than $1.5 million new funding over the next 12 months to deliver and augment a range of programs across Australia, including with community organisations, to step up support for customers in vulnerable circumstances. In this session, learn about the additional supports available for Queenslanders and how you can access them.

Water webinars

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

Water charges: Rights, roles and responsibilities for tenants

In some instances, landlords can charge tenants for water use. If not managed correctly, this process can lead to bill shock, debt and tenancy disputes. If you work with tenants who pay their landlord for water costs, QCOSS, Tenants Queensland (TQ) and QShelter unpacked some of the complexities around water billing in this session.

Water charges: Rights, roles and responsibilities for landlords

This webinar is essential knowledge for those who support people with their energy bills and financial wellbeing. QCOSS, Tenants Queensland (TQ) and QShelter lead this session which gives landlords and community housing providers clarity around their rights and obligations when it comes to water charges.

Fair Access to Water

In Queensland, a right to water is not enshrined in the Human Rights Act 2019, there are different providers with inconsistent practices and the end user is often excluded from accessing potential hardship provisions. In this webinar, recorded on 16 August 2022, QCOSS and Tenants Queensland explore these issues and how to best support tenants’ access to the essential service of water.

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Related Updates

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Energy and water literacy resources for industry
Expressions of interest: Urban Utilities Customer and Community Reference Group