Energy & Water Ombudsman SA - EWOSA

12/10/2026

Last year, we helped thousands of South Australians with their energy and water issues.

Our 2025–26 Annual Report highlights the concerns consumers brought to us, from growing financial pressures to the challenges of navigating a changing energy sector.

In 2025-26:
⚠️ Cases involving consumers who had been disconnected or were at risk of disconnection increased by 60%
☎️ Customer service cases increased by 46%, reaching their highest level in more than a decade.
🔋 Out-of-jurisdiction enquiries increased by 40% this year, while battery-related enquiries increased sevenfold.

Read our full 2025-2026 Annual Report:

Our 2025-26 Annual Report provides a snapshot of the issues we’ve seen affecting South Australian energy and water consumers over the past year.

25/09/2026

Thanks for having us, Whyalla!

We enjoyed meeting people at Bring Your Bills Day this week and helping them understand their electricity, gas and water bills. If something on a bill doesn’t seem right, it can help to talk it through with someone independent.

Thank you to Centacare Catholic Country SA, South Australian Financial Counsellors Association, Whyalla City Council, and Human Services SA for bringing the event together.

And thank you to everyone who came along and had a chat with us. If you couldn’t make it but would like independent help with an energy or water issue, contact EWOSA at 1800 665 565 or visit www.ewosa.com.au.

31/08/2026

We're always grateful to hear feedback like this.

EWOSA is here to help South Australians understand their options, navigate complaints, and work towards resolving electricity and water issues with confidence.

Need support? Visit ewosa.com.au or call 1800 665 565.

25/08/2026

We get this question all the time.

The short answer? It depends.

❌ EWOSA generally can't help with issues relating to the purchase, installation or performance of solar panels and home batteries. This includes complaints about installers or retailers, concerns about workmanship, or questions about licensing and accreditation. In these cases, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) may be able to help.

✅ We may be able to help if your issue relates to your electricity retailer or distributor, including:
⚡ Your electricity bill, including how solar credits have been calculated
⚡ Delays or disputes relating to a meter upgrade or meter reconfiguration for solar
⚡ Customer service issues, including how your retailer has handled your enquiries or complaints
⚡Technical issues, but only if the unit was supplied and installed by one of our member companies

If you're not sure whether your issue falls within EWOSA's jurisdiction, get in touch with us on 1800 665 565 and we'll point you in the right direction.

20/08/2026

Market offer? Standing offer? Conditional discounts? Exit fees?

Energy contracts can be confusing, but understanding the basics can help you choose a plan that suits your household and know your rights if something changes.

Our new fact sheet explains:
⚡ the difference between market and standard retail plans
⚡ what to check before signing up
⚡ your rights around price changes, switching and fees

Get it here 👉 https://sbrew.link/rXFrXgQq

10/08/2026

Heard about the new Solar Sharer Offer?

You may have received information from your electricity retailer, or seen it mentioned in the news.

The Solar Sharer Offer is a regulated, opt-in standing offer for households with a smart meter. In South Australia, it includes three hours of free electricity from 12 pm to 3 pm each day.

Before you opt in, ask yourself:
☀️ Do I have a smart meter? You need one for the SSO or any time‑of‑use tariff.
☀️ Can I move regular electricity use into the 12 pm–3 pm window, such as washing, dishwashing or heating/cooling?
☀️ Have I checked the other charges on the plan, including supply charges and rates outside the free period?
☀️ Do I have a controlled load, such as separately metered electric hot water? This is billed under its own tariff and is not covered by the free hours.

The offer may suit households that can shift a meaningful amount of energy use into the middle of the day. It may not be the best option for everyone.

Before making a decision, compare the offer against your current plan using your usual energy use, and speak with your retailer about eligibility, metering and charges.

Read more 👉 https://sbrew.link/2wpQ3JPE

04/08/2026

Getting help with electricity and water issues should be free, easy and accessible, no matter what language you speak.

Our Complaints Process brochure is available in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Khmer, Persian and Vietnamese.

If you work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, you can order free EWOSA brochures to help explain who we are, how we can help, and what to expect from our complaint process.

Visit ewosa.com.au/publications/order-outreach-materials to order your free brochures today.

17/07/2026

Energy can be confusing. Tariffs, concessions, rebates, plans... sometimes it feels like you need a translator just to understand your power bill.

Good news: the team at energy.gov.au has translated their energy information into more than 40 languages, making it easier for more Australians to find help with reducing energy bills and accessing support when they need it.

So whether you're helping your parents, your neighbours, or your Bosnian grandma, these resources are worth a look.

06/07/2026

This week, we celebrate 🖤❤️💛 and recognise the enduring strength, achievements and rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year's theme, , marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week and honours generations of First Nations communities who have shared their cultures, stories and knowledge.

At EWOSA, our office is based on Kaurna land, and we join communities across Australia in celebrating First Nations cultures and contributions.

30/06/2026

Received a price change notice from your energy retailer?

Before you file it away, check these 3 things:
⚡Your new usage rates and daily supply charge
⚡ Any changes to your peak, off-peak, or solar sponge times (if you're on a time-of-use plan)
⚡Whether any discounts, credits or special offers are changing

Even small changes can add up over a year. Taking a few minutes to review your notice could help you decide whether it's time to compare plans and make sure you're still getting value.

Need help making sense of your energy contracts? Check out our new fact sheet here 👉 https://sbrew.link/KarTHDDD