If you’re comparing business energy offers or asking a third party to deal with retailers on your behalf, you’ll almost always be asked to sign a Letter of Authority (LOA).
A Letter of Authority is a signed document that gives an approved representative permission to speak to energy retailers, request data, and manage agreed tasks for your electricity and gas accounts.
This guide explains what an LOA is, what it typically allows, what it should not allow without your explicit approval, and what to check before you sign.
A Letter of Authority (LOA) is written permission for a nominated party to act on your behalf with energy retailers within the limits set out in the document.
Why energy retailers ask for an LOA
Retailers and networks generally won’t discuss account-specific information with anyone who isn’t the account holder or formally authorised. In practice, an LOA helps a consultant or platform:
- Request historical usage and metering data
- Seek pricing or quotes from retailers
- Clarify contract details (end dates, fees, tariff details)
- Coordinate admin changes that you approve (for example, contacts, billing delivery)
This is the “plumbing” that makes a proper tender or comparison possible.
What an LOA can allow Termina to do
What an LOA allows depends on the exact document you sign. Termina’s Australian LOA states that Termina (Amission Renewables Pty Ltd t/a Termina) is authorised to act as an agent and includes requesting quotes, accessing metering data and documents, and it may also include certain account changes and contract administration activities as described in the LOA.
Because LOAs can vary, you should treat the LOA as the source of truth and review the scope carefully before signing.
What an LOA does not mean (common misconceptions)
“Signing an LOA locks me into a contract”
An LOA is usually intended to authorise discussions and data requests so quotes can be obtained. Some providers emphasise that an LOA itself is not a supply contract.
However, LOAs are not all identical. Some LOAs can include authority to proceed with specific actions (including contract-related actions) depending on how they are written. So the safest rule is: do not assume. Check the wording and the permitted actions listed in your LOA. Termina
“ALL LOA’s are the same”
A Letter of Authority gives another party access and control within the scope of the document. Industry guidance warns not to sign an LOA unless you understand exactly what it covers.
When you’ll typically need an LOA
You may be asked for an LOA when you want someone to:
- Run a business energy tender (electricity, gas, or both)
- Compare retailer pricing for multiple sites
- Access interval/metering data to obtain accurate quotes
- Handle retailer queries or contract admin efficiently
What to check before you sign an LOA
Use this checklist to keep the LOA tight and predictable:
- Who is being authorised
Confirm the legal entity name and ABN/ACN are correct. - Exactly what actions are authorised
Look for clear wording on what they can request or change (data access, quotes, billing contacts, contract actions, etc.). Termina - Term and exclusivity
Check the duration, and whether it renews or continues until revoked. Termina’s LOA references a maximumminimum period and/or revocation in writing (as stated in the document). - How to revoke it
Make sure the LOA includes a straightforward revocation method (typically written notice) - Email and billing permissions
If the LOA includes permission to receive billing copies or be set as primary contact, ensure that aligns with your internal finance workflow. - Risk and liability clauses
Read any indemnity or limitation-of-liability section so you understand how errors are handled.
How to protect your business from LOA misuse
- Never sign unsolicited LOAs
- Confirm the sender and company details
- Keep a copy of every signed LOA and the date
- Ask for a plain-English explanation of what it authorises (and what it doesn’t) before signing
