Having trouble paying your bill
Speak with your electricity retailer immediately if you are having trouble paying your electricity bill.
You are able to receive support if you are experiencing financial difficulty due to hardship or if you are unable to pay your bill.
Don’t miss the payment due date as you may be disconnected.
You can:
- negotiate an agreed payment plan with your electricity retailer
- ask to speak to your electricity retailer’s hardship team
- pay your electricity bills more frequently (i.e. smaller amounts more often)
- check if you are eligible for any energy concessions
- change to different tariffs in your electricity plan
- assess your electricity usage (e.g. use of household appliances).
Watch the what if I can't pay my bill video below.
Electricity bills can come as a shock. Sometimes you don't have the money to pay them.
That's higher than I expected, I don't know how I'm going to pay this by the due date. If you think you can't pay your electricity bill on time, don't ignore the problem, don't miss the due date, don't wait until you're facing disconnection.
Talk to your retailer now. Help is available.
I've just received my electricity bill and it's higher than I thought. I don't have the money to pay by the due date. I can't afford to pay $200 now, can I pay the rest over time? Be honest about how much you can afford to pay.
Don't agree to a payment plan you can't afford.
I can afford to pay $50 a week. Is that okay?
Ask if there is anything you can do to avoid a Big Bill next time. Are there different ways to pay? Can you pay smaller amounts more often? Great, let's set that up. Are there any concessions I may be entitled to? And don't be afraid to ask the question: Can I get a better deal?
Is there any other help available? Someone told me about the hardship team. Thanks very much, I feel so much better knowing this is under control.
If you find yourself in this situation, talk to your retailer.
A fact sheet providing more information is available at the QCOSS website.
Find out more
- Learn more about your electricity consumer rights and complaints.
- Find out about energy concessions.
- Read more about options to assist you in making ends meet on the Queensland Council of Social Service website.
- Locate a financial counsellor near you for financial support and advice.