Energy
Media and commentary related to our work to protect consumer rights and ensure everyone in our community can access the affordable, efficient and clean energy they need.
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2SER: Turning down the gas
The Australian Government has committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 and we need to make big cuts by 2030. It’s clear that in order to achieve this, we have to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels This means doing something about the gas used in homes. The Victorian Government recently banned…
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“We can electrify the smart way, or the slow and expensive way”
…To electrify the smart way Australia needs an electrification plan, argues Craig Memery, Senior energy advisor for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. “We need a plan, we need a strategy, we need a common goal held by governments, by industry, by consumers, by the market institution and others that says this is where we want…
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2SER: Greenwashing in Energy
Consumer protection body the ACCC has released a report comparing the green claims of nearly 250 businesses across sectors including cars, food and cosmetics. 57 per cent of 247 businesses were identified in the ACCC report were identified as making concerning claims. Energy providers were among the worst offenders, with 16 of 25 businesses identified as making…
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Consumer groups welcome Knock to Stay Connected customer code for energy companies
Consumer groups and the financial counselling sector have welcomed the launch of a new customer code for the energy sector. The Knock to Stay Connected customer code requires network companies to visit people at risk of disconnection and encourages them to outline the support and referral services available if the customer is having payment difficulties,…
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‘The only avenue left’: Buy now, pay later used for food, bills
High-income earners who juggle school fees and mortgage repayments are among the growing number of people who rely on buy now, pay later credit to pay for essential bills, including food and energy. Research from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre found almost half (47 per cent) of more than 1000 Australian consumers used a credit…
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PIAC joins call to retrofit low-income housing to reduce energy bills
More than 90 Community and business organisations including ACOSS, GetUp, the Energy Efficiency Council, the Climate Council and PIAC have come together calling for an ambitious energy performance retrofit package for low-income housing in the budget. The groups have signed an open letter to Assistant Climate and Energy Minister Jenny McAllister, who is driving the…
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Government dragging its feet regulating Buy Now Pay Later sector, causing more grief for the vulnerable
Only a few years ago, Buy Now Pay Later was hailed as the ultimate in consumer credit innovation. The current reality is massive losses for the providers while cost-of-living pressures escalate and the most vulnerable consumers suffer most. Welfare groups are demanding regulation, David Gilchrist reports. … Public Interest Advocacy Centre’s Senior Policy Officer, Thea…
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‘Very legal loopholes’: Consumer groups seek tighter buy now, pay later curbs
Consumer groups warn buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers will continue to exploit loopholes unless the federal government imposes stricter regulations to nip the next wave of credit products in the bud. As a cost of living crisis continues to bite, consumer groups say BNPL providers – like ASX-listed Zip and US-owned Afterpay – should…
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Albanese plan has ‘dealt a blow’ to east coast gas supply
A federal government plan to lower energy bills by capping the price of gas and coal has been attacked as a heavy-handed and “radical” move that puts at risk more investment beyond Senex Energy’s decision to pause its $1 billion expansion plan in Queensland. The comments come the day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined…
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Consumers stuck with Snowy 2’s ballooning grid costs despite NSW energy deal
The Federal Government has announced a deal with the NSW Government to finance expansion of the NSW energy grid. The Commonwealth will invest $4.7 billion to add to the state’s existing $3.1 billion commitment to support implementation of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The federal funds will help finance infrastructure connecting New South Wales’ Renewable…