Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ERC is pleased to provide answers to the following questions that are frequently asked when discussing the concept of bulk utilities supply with Bodies Corporate:
Q Will the reliability of my utilities supply change as a result of this conversion?
A No. The poles, wires and pipelines supplying your community remain the property of the local utilities network providers and are maintained regularly. If there are any supply interruptions you simply call the same emergency number that you may have used previously for each utility.
Q Do I have to use the Body Corporate as my utilities supplier?
A Yes. The purchase of utilities from the Body Corporate is clearly detailed in the by-laws for your community that formed part of your original purchase or lease agreement.
Q How do I get connected if I am a new unit occupier?
A You simply obtain an application form from your Resident Manager or ERC return it to us by fax or mail so that utilities supply can be maintained . Please note that an application fee may apply.
Q What if my utilities bill looks too high?
A If you have a bill query, we first check the meter reading data against your billing history and then initiate a check read to verify this data. If the bill still looks too high we will recommend an audit of your unit to identify any faulty equipment and/or poor utilities management that may be contributing to the excess utilities usage.
Q What options do I have for paying my utilities bill?
A We are pleased to offer a range of payment options that suit the majority of unit occupiers including Cheque, BPay, credit card etc. If you wish to make special arrangements in the case of extended absences on holidays or business, then we would be pleased to assist with arranging a direct debit facility.
Q What additional charges am I likely to incur?
A A reminder notice fee may be charged for overdue accounts. If you anticipate a problem, please contact us promptly to avoid reminder fees and disconnection as a reconnection fee may be charged after disconnection. A security deposit may also be required.
Q Whom do I contact for assistance with utilities emergencies?
A You can contact the ERC call centre on 5437 8188 between 8:30am to 4:40pm Monday - Friday for assistance.
Q How long must I sign up for?
A If you have a bill query, we first check the meter reading data against your billing history and then initiate a check read to verify this data. If the bill still looks too high we will initiate an audit of your unit to identify any faulty equipment and/or poor energy management that may be contributing to the excess electricity usage.
Q What options do I have for paying my electricity bill?
A You are agreeing to purchase utilities from your Body Corporate. This agreement is ongoing until either, as an owner, you sell your property or as a tenant, you move.
Q Do I/we have to notify our current utilities supplier of disconnection from their service?
A No. ERC will notify your current supplier on your behalf.
Q Who will be sending my bill?
A ERC will send your bill to you on behalf of your Body Corporate.
Q Can I claim an electricity rebate?
A Yes. You are entitled to an Electricity Rebate in Queensland if you hold one of the following current cards:
- PCC (Pensioner Concession Card)
- RHC (Repatriation Health Card)
- SC (Seniors Card Qld Government)
Q How long do I have to pay my bill?
A You will have 14 days from the invoice date to pay your bill.
Q Who owns the utilities reticulation assets such as the building main switchboard and unit meters at the end of the first contract period?
A The Body Corporate retains ownership of the modified switchboard however the unit meters may either be owned by the Body Corporate or the unit meters may remain the property of Energex / Metering Dynamics who will rent the meters to the Body Corporate.
Q Will the reliability of my utilities supply change as a result of this conversion?
A No. The poles, wires and pipelines supplying your community remain the property of the local utilities network providers and are maintained regularly. If there are any supply interruptions you simply call the same emergency number that you may have used previously for each utility.
Q Do I have to use the Body Corporate as my utilities supplier?
A Yes. The purchase of utilities from the Body Corporate is clearly detailed in the by-laws for your community that formed part of your original purchase or lease agreement.
Q How do I get connected if I am a new unit occupier?
A You simply obtain an application form from your Resident Manager or ERC return it to us by fax or mail so that utilities supply can be maintained . Please note that an application fee may apply.
Q What if my utilities bill looks too high?
A If you have a bill query, we first check the meter reading data against your billing history and then initiate a check read to verify this data. If the bill still looks too high we will recommend an audit of your unit to identify any faulty equipment and/or poor utilities management that may be contributing to the excess utilities usage.
Q What options do I have for paying my utilities bill?
A We are pleased to offer a range of payment options that suit the majority of unit occupiers including Cheque, BPay, credit card etc. If you wish to make special arrangements in the case of extended absences on holidays or business, then we would be pleased to assist with arranging a direct debit facility.
Q What additional charges am I likely to incur?
A A reminder notice fee may be charged for overdue accounts. If you anticipate a problem, please contact us promptly to avoid reminder fees and disconnection as a reconnection fee may be charged after disconnection. A security deposit may also be required.
Q Whom do I contact for assistance with utilities emergencies?
A You can contact the ERC call centre on 5437 8188 between 8:30am to 4:40pm Monday - Friday for assistance.
Q How long must I sign up for?
A If you have a bill query, we first check the meter reading data against your billing history and then initiate a check read to verify this data. If the bill still looks too high we will initiate an audit of your unit to identify any faulty equipment and/or poor energy management that may be contributing to the excess electricity usage.
Q What options do I have for paying my electricity bill?
A You are agreeing to purchase utilities from your Body Corporate. This agreement is ongoing until either, as an owner, you sell your property or as a tenant, you move.
Q Do I/we have to notify our current utilities supplier of disconnection from their service?
A No. ERC will notify your current supplier on your behalf.
Q Who will be sending my bill?
A ERC will send your bill to you on behalf of your Body Corporate.
Q Can I claim an electricity rebate?
A Yes. You are entitled to an Electricity Rebate in Queensland if you hold one of the following current cards:
- PCC (Pensioner Concession Card)
- RHC (Repatriation Health Card)
- SC (Seniors Card Qld Government)
Q How long do I have to pay my bill?
A You will have 14 days from the invoice date to pay your bill.
Q Who owns the utilities reticulation assets such as the building main switchboard and unit meters at the end of the first contract period?
A The Body Corporate retains ownership of the modified switchboard however the unit meters may either be owned by the Body Corporate or the unit meters may remain the property of Energex / Metering Dynamics who will rent the meters to the Body Corporate.