PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) guidance for energy distribution businesses looking to design and implement export tariffs. We supported the guidance proposed by the AER and provided some additional recommendations in response to consultation questions.
Given the complexity of the network regulatory process and tariff structures, we recommend including a principle in the guidance that engagement with consumers on export tariffs should be meaningful in that reflects the informed preferences of customers. This means networks should ensure the customers they consult with have sufficient information and resources to make informed contributions and statements of preference.
As part of customer impact analysis for export tariffs, distributors should highlight how different cohorts of customers are impacted. In particular, the impact on customers experiencing vulnerability and those with largely inflexible demand should be made clear. This will support better planning for complementary measures for customers worse off under changes.
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