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.
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AEMC review: stronger action needed by energy retailers and regulators to ensure that the market is working for consumers
Following the release of the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) 2018 Retail Energy Competition Review, PIAC’s Energy and Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has called for stronger action by energy retailers and regulators to ensure that the market is working for consumers. ‘We welcome the Commission’s report and note the finding that the deregulation of…
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Bill shock as gas companies overcharge by nearly $800
‘Households are being warned to check if their gas bills contain wildly inaccurate “estimated” meter readings, after a Sydney woman was repeatedly sent erroneous bills, with the latest more than 20 times her actual usage.’
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Electricity price win for Victorian consumers
Victorian households have avoided further increases to their electricity bills following decisions by the Australian Competition Tribunal released this week. The Tribunal rejected arguments by the five Victorian Distribution Networks that they should be allowed to recover an extra $345 million from Victorian consumers. The decisions are the last in a series of cases heard…
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National Energy Guarantee an opportunity for sensible discussion on reliability vs cost
Following the announcement of the Turnbull Government’s National Energy Guarantee, PIAC’s Energy and Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has called for the interests of people, not coal, to be kept at the centre of the debate on energy reliability and emissions. ‘We welcome the government’s commitment to a long-term plan to maintain energy reliability and…
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Battery warranties leave consumers in the dark: Report
New research released today has revealed that a majority of residential battery storage systems commonly sold in Australia have warranties that breach Australian Consumer law and some could be inappropriate in the hot Australian climate. Ensuring Consumer Protections for Purchasers of Residential Battery Storage Systems, by Dr Penelope Crossley of the University of Sydney, was…
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Electricity bill relief package welcome news for households doing it tough
PIAC’s Energy + Water Consumers Advocacy Program (EWCAP) has welcomed the NSW electricity bill relief package, announced yesterday. EWCAP Team Leader, Craig Memery said that the full package, which includes a combination of rebates and discounts for low-income households and small businesses, makes good sense. ‘Electricity bills have more than doubled over the past decade,…
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Speech to ACCC electricity supply & prices inquiry public forum
Jonathon Hunyor, CEO, Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Sydney, 14 August 2017. Thank you to the ACCC for the invitation to speak this evening. We are grateful for the opportunity and commend the inclusive and rigorous approach that the Commission has taken to this important review. PIAC’s Energy and Water Consumer Advocacy Program is the voice…
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Australia’s natural gas price remains high as it becomes biggest LNG exporter
Australia is on track to become one of the world’s biggest exporters of liquid natural gas – thanks to an increase in production and an abundance of the natural resource. But that huge focus on the global market has come at a cost to Australia’s domestic consumers – who pay some of the highest prices…
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Power prices: Australia has a gold-plated electricity grid that consumers can’t afford
The Australian energy system stands as a monument to vested interests. Key points: The majority of a grid owners’ income is guaranteed by the regulators’ valuation of the network The Australian network is valued at $US75b, compared to the entire US network valued at $US100b When the grids’ earnings fall, prices can go up to…
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Electricity reform welcome: consumers need to retain a strong voice in electricity price-setting
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) has welcomed the Australian Government’s proposed reforms to reduce electricity bills, and emphasised the importance of consumers retaining a seat at the table in electricity network price determinations. ‘For too long Network businesses have undermined the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) regulatory process through the limited merits review system. PIAC…