Publications

  • Consumer Data Right – Energy Rules Framework

    PIAC responded to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) consultation paper on the Consumer Data Right (CDR) rules framework for energy. We support introducing the CDR to the energy sector on the basis it can improve access to useful data for participating consumers and their agents. We highlight the CDR in the energy sector…

  • AEMO new engagement model

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) consultation on a proposed new model for engaging with stakeholders. We highlight forums and other engagement activities are most beneficial when they allow two-way discussion between AEMO and stakeholders, and provide an opportunity to raise issues and give feedback effectively. We provide objectives AEMO’s engage should…

  • System services rule changes consultation paper 

    PIAC lodged a submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on the system services rule changes consultation paper. In the coming decade, there will be more variable generation and high price events will be harder to predict on the basis of high demand and low generation alone as diurnal and seasonal factors influence the…

  • AEMO regulatory roadmap

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) consultation on its proposed regulatory implementation roadmap for 2020 onwards. We raised concern some energy businesses were using COVID-19 as a reason to unnecessarily defer reforms that would bring consumer benefit. We strongly oppose any delay in the implementation of reforms that are for consumer benefit.…

  • New AEMO interim authorisation

    PIAC responded to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (the Commission) new interim authorisation granted to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and others on 24 July 2020. We support the intent of the proposed authorisation to allow AEMO and participating parties to engage in certain conduct intended to ensure the ongoing safety, security and…

  • Energy network debt data draft working paper

    PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) draft working paper on energy network debt. PIAC supports the AER placing greater reliance on the Energy Infrastructure Credit Spread Index (EICSI). In particular, we support the proposal to use the EICSI in the direct calculation of the regulated return on debt. PIAC considers the potential implementation…

  • Project EnergyConnect stakeholder update

    PIAC responded to ElectraNet’s update regarding Project EnergyConnect. We consider the overall benefits of the project might be lower than originally estimated. In making its RIT-T determination in January 2020, the AER questioned several assumptions made by ElectraNet and found “the net benefits in the central scenario may be significantly lower (about $269 million rather…

  • Statement re Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places

    PIAC previously made a submission into the lower house inquiry into the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, and on Friday the 7th of August we were invited to attend the public hearing to speak to our submission. Consumer advocate and StreetCare member Rebecca Warfield attended the hearing on behalf of the StreetCare group,…

  • Federal Financial Relations Review – Electric Vehicles

    PIAC responded to the Federal Financial Relations Review Panel’s draft report, specifically the its recommendations for Electric Vehicles (EV). PIAC does not support the draft report’s recommendation to introduce a new tax specifically for EVs using a distance-based charge. The recommendation is based primarily on the concern EV owners do not pay fuel excise. This…

  • Intervention mechanisms rule changes

    PIAC responded to two draft rules concerning changes to intervention mechanisms (ERC0289) and removal of intervention hierarchy (ERC0291). We highlight any compensation process should be transparent, consistent, reduce unnecessary costs to consumers, allocate risks to those best placed to manage them, recover costs from those who benefit, and not discourage the provision of necessary market…

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