Energy and water
Media and commentary related to our work to protect and advance consumer protections for essential services, and accelerate a just transition to net zero.
-
AEMC urges change to allow users to sell power back to the grid to guarantee energy demand
‘In a sign of rising pressure on power generation, the Federal Government’s chief energy advisor is urging rule changes to allow large commercial and industrial users to easily reduce their demand in peak periods and sell it back into the grid…’
-
Energy prices: large users could be paid to reduce demand at peak times
‘Large energy users would be paid to reduce their power demand at peak times under a proposed new rule for the sector aimed at boosting competition and reducing wholesale prices…’
-
Demand Response Rule Change: Consumers set to save from energy market shake-up
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, The Australia Institute and Total Environment Centre have today welcomed a draft rule by the Australian Energy Market Commission (the Commission) that will increase competition in the wholesale energy market, lower emissions and prevent blackouts. Wholesale demand response is a system where the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) pays energy…
-
AER decision a missed opportunity to reduce energy bills
PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has said that the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) final determination on Default Market Offer (DMO) prices, issued this week, is a lost opportunity to deliver fairer retail bills for NSW consumers. ‘While we welcome any measures that help to address the unfairly inflated bills that over 400,000…
-
Electricity determination important step to keep energy prices down for NSW
The Australian Energy Regulator’s revenue determination represents a fair outcome for NSW consumers and will help curb rising household energy bills.
-
‘Penalties masquerading as discounts’: Time’s up for energy bill rort
Energy retailers are set to be banned from using controversial billing practices under a crackdown on so-called discounts that consumer rights advocates say are “exploitative”. The federal government this week directed the energy regulator to look into unfair electricity and gas pricing by retailers in the form of ‘pay-on-time discounts’, a practice criticised by consumer…
-
No interest loan plan puts roof-top solar within reach of struggling households
PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumer Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to provide no-interest loans for households to access solar and batteries, announced on Sunday. ‘This program will provide welcome relief for people struggling with the cost of living. Making finance available for up to 300,000 households with income below…
-
Energy users could be paid to reduce use
‘Consumers could be paid for reducing the amount of electricity they use to help the grid during peak demand in an industry change being considered by the market’s rule maker…The rule change was requested by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Total Environment Centre and the Australia Institute…’
-
Struggling families cut off from utilities being pushed further into debt, new report shows
‘Struggling families without electricity are cutting back on groceries, maxing credit cards, delaying medical appointments and even getting loans from pawnbrokers to get reconnected to the grid.’ ‘A new report on electricity, gas and water disconnections has found utility companies who cut off skint households from essential services are pushing these Australians into even further…
-
Report: Utility disconnections hitting struggling families hardest
A new report on electricity, gas and water disconnections has found disconnecting people from utilities because they can’t afford to pay their bills hurts families that are already struggling, worsens the hardship experienced by people who are already living with multiple forms of disadvantage, and is not an effective way of making people pay on…