Drought Relief from Electricity Charges

Drought Relief from Electricity Charges is available for eligible non-market customers (ie customers not on a retail contract) in accordance with Part 6 of the Schedule of Tariffs (PDF - 471KB).

A customer of Ergon Energy Queensland Pty Ltd seeking relief from electricity charges must contact Ergon Energy.  If you are interested in finding out more about the availability of drought relief contact Ergon Energy on 13 10 46.

Alternative arrangements have been established for non-market customers of retail entities other than Ergon Energy, who are farmers in drought declared areas or have an individual drought declared property under Queensland Government administrative processes. Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria as outlined below can apply directly to the Department of Mines and Energy for reimbursement of the fixed charge component of the electricity account including:

• minimum payments
• service fees
• annual fixed charges
• guarantee agreement shortfall charges

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for reimbursement under the Scheme an applicant must:

1. be a customer of an electricity retail entity other than Ergon Energy Queensland, and on a gazetted electricity tariff under a standard retail contract;
2. be a farmer of a property that has been individually drought declared or is within a drought declared area;
3. have no water to pump; and
4. complete a Drought Relief From Electricity Charges Application Form;

The full terms and conditions of the Scheme are found on the Drought Relief From Electricity Charges Application Form (PDF - 57KB)

Please note: The Scheme will not be available to customers that negotiate market rates with their retailer of choice or customers registered under the National Electricity Rules as a market participant. The Scheme is based on the standard electricity tariffs and the standard customer retail contract.

Reimbursement of Fixed Charge Components of Electricity Charges

An electricity customer, who is a farmer, whose property is individually drought declared or is within a drought declared area and has no water to pump is entitled to the reimbursement of the fixed charge components of their electricity account by the Department. These fixed charge components include:

• minimum payments;
• service fees;
• annual fixed charges; and
• guarantee agreement shortfall charges.

Provided the drought declaration remains operative, the reimbursement applies to all Fixed Charge Components applicable to any account covering the period in which pumping of water ceased until the customer once again has water to pump. If the operative drought declaration is revoked before the customer once again has water to pump, the reimbursement under this Scheme shall remain claimable until water is available or until 12 months after the revocation of the drought declaration, whichever is the earlier.

The Department will reimburse customers for electricity accounts received after 1 July 2007, even if the account relates to a period which commenced prior to 1 July 2007. For example, a quarterly account for the period 1 June 2007 to 31 August 2007.

How do I apply for a reimbursement

Step 1
Complete application form (PDF - 57KB) or contact 07 3224 6110 to have a form sent to you.

Step 2
Send the completed application to:

Drought Relief From Electricity Charges Scheme
Department of Mines and Energy
PO Box 15216
CITY EAST   QLD   4002

Step 3
The Department of Mines and Energy will verify and process the application and reimburse fees via electronic funds transfer (EFT).

EFT is the preferred option of payment, however, a cheque can be provided on request.

Note: Customers need to apply for the relief payment at least once per year.

Customers can apply for reimbursement of the Fixed Charge Components either:

• each time an account is received.  For example, monthly, quarterly or less often; or
• less frequently for more than one bill at a time.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions (PDF - 45KB) apply to the Drought Relief From Electricity Charges and should be read carefully before completing and returning the Application Form.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any enquiries:

email: info@dme.qld.gov.au 
phone: 07 3224 8207

Will the program continue?

The Department reserves the right, at any time, to:

• change any or all of the Terms and Conditions. Any changes will be notified on the Department's website www.dme.qld.gov.au and to recipients of drought relief reimbursements from the Department.
• contact applicants regarding information provided for the purposes of assessing their Application or providing information about any changes to the operation of the Scheme.