An Embedded Network is a private distribution Network that also on-sells electricity (retail) to tenants. You can learn more about Embedded Networks HERE.
Embedded networks are regulated under different national and state frameworks. The requirements applying to you depend on:
where your premises are located;
whether electricity is supplied by an authorised or licensed retailer or an exempt seller;
who operates the embedded network;
the type of premises and customer; and
the service being supplied.
Your bill and applicable terms and conditions identify the legal entity responsible for selling your electricity. Active Utilities or Savant Energy may also provide billing, metering, customer service or embedded-network management services on behalf of the site owner or electricity provider.
Retailers and exempt sellers
Electricity within an embedded network may be sold by:
an authorised or licensed retailer, which holds an authorisation or licence to sell electricity; or
an exempt seller, which is permitted to sell electricity without a full retailer authorisation or licence, subject to applicable exemption conditions.
Being supplied by an exempt seller does not mean that you have no consumer protections. Exempt sellers must comply with the conditions applying to their exemption, which may cover matters such as:
billing and payment;
prices and fees;
payment assistance and hardship;
family-violence support;
life-support registration;
disconnection and reconnection;
complaints and dispute resolution; and
information about choosing another retailer.
The precise protections and processes may differ from those applying to a customer supplied directly by an authorised or licensed retailer.
Who regulates embedded networks?
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia
In these jurisdictions, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) regulates authorised energy retailers and exempt sellers under the National Energy Retail Law and associated rules.
The AER also administers network exemptions for many private electricity networks under the National Electricity Law and National Electricity Rules.
Additional state or territory requirements may also apply, including requirements relating to pricing, concessions, safety, tenancy arrangements and dispute resolution.
Learn more from the AER’s information for embedded-network customers.
Victoria
Victoria has its own energy retail framework. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) regulates licensed electricity retailers and administers Victoria’s framework for exempt electricity sellers.
Electricity embedded networks may also require a network exemption administered by the AER under the national electricity framework.
Learn more from the ESC’s information about embedded networks.
Western Australia
Western Australia does not apply the National Energy Retail Law. Electricity selling and network activities are currently regulated through Western Australian legislation, licensing requirements and applicable licence exemptions.
Western Australia is introducing an Alternative Electricity Services framework for embedded or “single property” networks.
Applicable providers are expected to be required to register with the Economic Regulation Authority and comply with the relevant consumer-protection framework from 1 July 2027.
Learn more from Energy Policy WA’s embedded-network information.
The sale and delivery of electricity are different activities
An embedded-network arrangement can involve several parties:
the site owner or owners corporation;
the person legally responsible for selling electricity;
the embedded-network operator;
Active Utilities or Savant Energy as a retailer, seller or service provider;
the retailer supplying electricity at the site’s main connection point; and
the public electricity distributor for the area.
The organisation that sends your bill is not necessarily the owner of the embedded network or the public electricity distributor.
For faults within the embedded network, contact Active Utilities or Savant Energy first on 1300 587 623. We will help identify the party responsible for the affected equipment.
What protections apply to me?
The protections applying to your account will depend on your location and supply arrangement. They may include:
clear bills and information about prices and fees;
access to payment assistance and hardship support;
family-violence protections;
registration and additional protections for life-support equipment;
restrictions on when electricity can be disconnected;
reconnection rights;
access to a complaints process;
access to an energy Ombudsman or another external dispute-resolution body where eligible; and
rights relating to obtaining an offer from another electricity retailer, where applicable.
Other laws may also apply, including the Australian Consumer Law, privacy legislation, tenancy laws and electrical-safety requirements.
Can I choose another retailer?
Depending on your location and the arrangements at your site, you may be able to ask an authorised retailer to supply your electricity.
Not every retailer offers electricity supply within embedded networks, and technical, metering or network arrangements may need to be completed. Changing retailer does not necessarily remove your premises from the embedded network, and separate network or service charges may continue to apply.
See How Do I Change Electricity Companies? for more information.
Questions about your supply arrangement
If you are unsure who supplies your electricity, which regulatory framework applies or what protections are available to you, contact us. We can explain the arrangement recorded for your premises.
Active Utilities
Call: 1300 587 623
Or contact us online: Submit an Active Utilities enquiry
Savant Energy
Call: 1300 117 376
Or contact us online: Submit a Savant Energy enquiry
For information about regulators and independent complaint bodies, see Who Regulates Electricity Providers?
This information is a general guide. The legislation, regulatory instruments and exemption conditions applying to your particular premises and account will prevail if there is any inconsistency.