Publications
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NSW Energy Savings Scheme Draft Statutory Review Report
PIAC responded to the NSW Energy Savings Scheme – Draft Statutory Review Report. The Review considers whether the Energy Saving Scheme (the Scheme) is meeting its objectives, whether the objectives remain valid and whether the broad scheme design remains appropriate. PIAC found the objectives largely remained valid and that, although the Scheme mostly met its…
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Distribution Reliability Standard issues paper
PIAC responded to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority’s (IPART) distribution reliability standard issues paper. The issues paper seeks feedback to inform IPART’s recommended reliability standards for the NSW electricity distributors. We highlight consumers’ preferences should inform network planning and investment decisions as they have long-lasting impacts on consumer bills. We respond to consultation questions…
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Draft report on estimating equity beta for the WACC
PIAC lodged a submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on its consultation on how it should estimate equity beta for the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). The determination of WACC has a significant impact on the prices for essential water services and the long-term financial incentives regulated businesses face. This highlights…
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Second wholesale demand response draft determination
PIAC and 15 other community and consumer groups and businesses jointly responded to the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (the Commission) consultation on the second wholesale demand response draft determination. The groups, including the Australian Council of Social Services, the Australia Institute, Energy Users Australia Association, Major Energy Users, Enel X and Consumer Action Law Centre,…
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Submission re Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Complaint Handling) Bill 2020
PIAC’s submission to the parliamentary inquiry reviewing Mark Latham MLC’s Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Complaint Handling) Bill 2020 recommends that this legislation be rejected. This is because the amendments proposed by the Bill would operate to prevent legitimate complaints of discrimination from being considered by Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW) and/or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This…
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Review of Hunter Water prices from July 2020
PIAC responded to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) draft report on the review of prices for Hunter Water Corporation (Hunter Water) from July 2020. We support the move away from fixed prices to pricing based on household water usage however, we consider more comprehensive pricing reform is needed. We recommend abandoning flat tariffs…
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NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry
PIAC made a submission to the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry into the causes of, preparation for and response to the 2019-20 bushfires. In its submission, PIAC urges the NSW Government to regard climate change mitigation policies as a high priority in addressing the future risk of catastrophic bushfires and recommends that mitigation strategies be designed…
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Draft guidelines for Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct
PIAC responded to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (the Commission) consultation on Draft Guidelines on Part XICA – Prohibited Conduct in the energy market. PIAC supports the intent of the Guidelines to prohibit certain uncompetitive conduct in the energy market, but are concerned they do not go far enough in preventing unfair and uncompetitive…
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Default Market Offer COVID-19 impact on 2020-21 determination
PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) request for input into the implication of COVID-19 on the Default Market Offer (DMO) determination for 2020-21. We highlight the COVID-19 crisis will impact retailers’ operating costs in a number of ways, likely resulting in a net reduction. A drop in energy consumption across the NEM will…