Publications
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Submission to the AEMC Review into Consumer Energy Resources Technical Standards Draft Report
PIAC provided a submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)’s Review into Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Technical Standards (the Review) Draft Report (the Draft). The Report sought feedback on the implementation of CER technical standards in the National Electricity Rules. We argued that optimised integration and effective utilisation of CER is an urgent priority…
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Submission to the AER on the Review of the cost benefit analysis and regulatory investment test guidelines
PIAC provided a response to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) on the Review of the cost benefit analysis (CBA) and regulatory investment test (RIT) guidelines. The review is in response to a rule change made by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on Material changes in network infrastructure costs, as well as recommendations made by…
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Submission to Inquiry into the operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) laws
PIAC made a submission to a Senate Committee inquiry into the operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. Responsive and practical FOI laws are critical for our systems of open government and democracy. But Australia’s FOI system is under-resourced and in desperate need of reform. It can take years for government departments to release…
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Submission to Attorney- General’s Department Administrative Review Reform: Issues Paper
PIAC’s submission to the Attorney-General’s Department’s Administrative Review Reform Issues Paper gives our support to the Government’s intention to improve how administrative review is conducted in Australia. Our submission is based on our experience supporting people with disability to appeal National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) decisions at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The process of seeking…
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Submission to AER’s Review of options to address gaps in transmission ring-fencing framework
PIAC provided a response to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) consultation paper on Options to address gaps in transmission ringfencing framework. We support the strengthening of the ringfencing regime, enabling a greater set of services to be provided on a contestable basis. There is substantial revenue available to be returned to consumers by driving down…
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Greenwashing and energy consumers – Submission to the Senate Committee on Environment & Comms
PIAC provided a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications’ Inquiry into Greenwashing. PIAC’s submission focused on greenwashing in the Australian energy industry, highlighting the detrimental impacts on consumers. Examples of greenwashing within the energy industry have included misstating & misleading GHG emissions claims, claims around offsets, vague and confusing descriptors including…
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Submission to AER issues paper on the 2024-29 revenue proposals for NSW DNSPs
PIAC responded to the AER issues papers on the 2024-29 revenue proposals for Ausgrid, Endeavour, and Essential Energy. Networks are expected to ensure their regulatory proposals reflect community preferences and promote the long-term interests of consumers. We commend the NSW network businesses for making meaningful strides in their commitment to consumer engagement and the quality…
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Submission to AEMO Draft 2023 Transmission Expansion Options Report
PIAC provided a response to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) on the Draft 2023 Transmission Expansion Options Report. We call for the Integrated System Plan (ISP) to play a greater role in ‘orchestrating’ the energy transition. This means co-optimising the transformations in the generation, storage, transmission, and consumption of energy. Currently the ISP is…
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Fact sheet: Recent changes to federal discrimination powers and complaint processes
In December 2022, changes were made to how the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) can handle complaints and tackle discrimination, and to how discrimination claims can be run in the federal courts. The changes to the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act) implement recommendations of the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry…
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Submission to NSW Office of Energy & Climate Change South West REZ Access Scheme
PIAC has provided a response to the NSW Government’s South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Access Scheme. REZs are an important tool for coordinating and co-optimising investment in renewable energy generation, storage, and transmission infrastructure. They function by providing increased rights for generators relative to generators across the rest of the energy network. PIAC has…