Publications

The nature of energy products and services are rapidly changing and expanding with traditional energy regulatory frameworks and consumer protections increasingly insufficient. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is the only platform with the potential scope to cover these new services and improve regulation and protection while further consumer protection reforms are considered.

The Integrated System Plan (ISP) is there to guide an efficient, least cost transition of the National Electricity Market (NEM) power system, while keeping supply reliable. While ISP reform is necessary, we need to focus on changes improve the ISP’s scope to deliver that purpose.

System strength involves a range of factors to keep the energy system stable and capable of consistently delivering energy safely. Maintaining system strength through the transition involves new challenges. But as battery and inverter-based technology improves, there are also opportunities to address system strength more efficiently.

Equitable access to smart metering is a crucial to sharing the benefits of cheaper renewable energy and a more efficient energy system. With the accelerated rollout of smart metering, ensuring all meters are installed and effectively maintained is a basic service expectation that also serves as a foundation of trust in the energy system.

As the transition progresses and technology rapidly changes, the structure and regulation of National Energy Market must adapt. There current market structure leaves consumers exposed to continuing risk of market manipulation and higher than necessary energy costs.

Throughout the energy transition it’s even more important to review and improve systems to ensure they are fit for purpose. This is particularly true for approaches to forecasting and ensuring accuracy.

Transparency is a critical part of effective regulatory oversight. It also helps build and maintain trust in regulation that promotes and protects consumer interests. That’s why we support the AER having robust guidelines for evaluating non-disclosure claims for revenue determinations.

The AER Retail Guidelines set important expectations for retailers and should be improved to focus on consumers getting the services they need, rather than prioritising processes retailers prefer.