NEW competitive electricity pricing arrangements for energy retailers in South East Queensland has everyone on edge as they wonder how to manage the cost and contract changes.

In response to these concerns, COTA Queensland is arranging free, inter-active public sessions on the Gold Coast to help people in that area learn:

• How to better understand their bills.
• Know where to go to compare offers.
• Find out how to compare deals.
• Know where to look for potential savings and how to avoid pitfalls.

"Participants will ultimately be equipped with the knowledge and skills to become active consumers who can shop around for the best electricity deal for them," COTA Queensland spokesperson, Lisa Hodgkinson said.

"They will also receive specifically developed resources to assist them when comparing offers."

Since deregulation in July last year, electricity retailers are now able to set the price that customers pay for their services.

Their offers are published online and on the Australian Energy Regulator's independent price comparator Energy Made Easy website.

Customers can then choose between standard retail contracts and competitive market retail contracts.

"This could bring changes to the way electricity is charged on existing contracts however, this competitive pricing also brings new opportunities to reduce energy bills," Ms Hodgkinson said.

To register to attend one of three, free Gold Coast sessions, use the links below:

• Southport Library 28 March 11-12pm.
• Robina Library 30 March 9:30-10:30am.
• Elanora Library 31 March 9:30-10:30

COTA is inviting groups and organisations based in South East Queensland that want to book an information session, before the end of May, to book through the COTA website, click here.