What happens, step by step
The AER issues a RoLR notice
It happens when a retailer is suspended from the wholesale market, becomes insolvent or loses its authorisation.
You are moved automatically
Customers transfer to the designated retailer for their network, usually a large retailer such as AGL, Origin or EnergyAustralia. You do not need to do anything.
The new retailer contacts you
In the Maximum Energy case, the AER said to expect contact by mail within about five weeks.
You get a final bill from the old retailer
You still owe the old retailer, or its administrator, for power used before the transfer.
Prices, credits and payments
| Your new price | The new retailer's standing offer. If you do nothing, you move onto its standard contract after three months. |
|---|---|
| Direct debit and Centrepay | Check they have stopped with the old retailer, and set them up again with the new one. |
| Credit on your account | Must be refunded, but if the old retailer goes into liquidation you may get some or none of it. |
| Security deposit | Must be refunded, less any unpaid energy. |
| Payment plan | Continues with the old retailer for what you owed at the failure date. |
| Solar feed-in credits | Credits owed before the failure must be paid. The new retailer pays its own feed-in tariff from the transfer. |
| Disputes | Raise them with the old retailer or administrator, then your energy ombudsman. |
Compare straight away
Standing offers are rarely the cheapest option. Compare plans on Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare as soon as you are transferred. See how to compare plans.
Recent retailer failures
| Retailer | Notice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ZEN Energy | July 2026 | Large business customers only |
| Maximum Energy | August 2024 | Customers in SA and Victoria |
| Sanctuary Energy | June 2023 | |
| Mojo Power and QEnergy | June 2023 | |
| Elysian Energy | September 2022 | |
| Social Energy | August 2022 | |
| Mojo Power East | July 2022 | |
| Power Club | July 2022 | |
| Enova Energy | June 2022 | |
| Weston Energy | May 2022 | |
| Pooled Energy | May 2022 |
Eight of the eleven notices were issued in 2022. See electricity retailers for who supplies each state.
Common questions
No. Under the Retailer of Last Resort scheme, the AER transfers you to another retailer and your supply continues without interruption.
The designated retailer of last resort for your network, named in the AER's notice. In recent events these were large retailers such as AGL, Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia.
Possibly. Households and small businesses go onto the new retailer's standing offer, which may cost more than the market plan you had. Ask the new retailer for a market offer, or compare and switch.
The failed retailer must apply it to your final bill and refund the rest, but if it goes into liquidation you may get some or none of the money back.
No. You can switch to any retailer at any time, and the transfer happens in the usual time.
Call the new retailer urgently, even if your old retailer knew. You will need medical confirmation so they can register you and tell your network.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.