The NT Utilities Commission has temporarily suspended Queensland-based QEnergy’s electricity retail license in the Territory under section 36 of the Electricity Reform Act 2000 effective from January 23.

The Commission said the suspension of QEnergy’s license – issued in 2011 – will not be lifted until the electricity provider proves it has no outstanding debts in the Territory; has a wholesale electricity supply deal in place with a certified generator; and has the financial, technical, and human resources to ensure it can meet foreseeable obligations for the sale of electricity in the jurisdiction.

QEnergy was given a license to sell electricity to commercial and industrial customers in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek.

The company currently has operations in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

The commission said that the suspension will not have a direct impact on consumers as the company currently does not serve any customers in the Territory.

“The suspension does mean, however, that there is one less electricity retailer currently able to operate in the Territory meaning potentially less choice for Territory electricity customers and reduced competition,” the commission said.

NT Utilities Commission reported that it has already updated its licence register to reflect QEnergy’s suspension.

The commission is an independent industry regulator, set up to oversee those companies declared to be under-regulated industries.