‘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 advocate Choice as “sneaky late payment penalties”.

Share this article

Wins

Solicitor Advocate Jeremy Rea won the award for outstanding service as a criminal defence lawyer.
The energy market rule-maker will examine how to fairly share gas distribution network 'stranding' costs, following proposals by the JEC and Energy Consumers Australia.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has recommended police only conduct bail compliance checks with a court order.