PIAC responded to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) consultation on Reducing Customers’ Switching Times Draft Determination.
We broadly supports AEMO’s proposed procedure changes and considers they will contribute to better consumer outcomes by reducing switching times for customers wishing to change electricity retailers.
We support the proposed changes to allow for transfers within the cooling-off period, but consider AEMO should monitor the administrative impact of the procedures to learn of any unintended outcomes that may erode the consumer benefit.
We support the proposal to extend the timeframe for retrospective transfers to 3 months.
We are concerned with the deferred implementation from May to December 2020 as we are not convinced the potential costs to retailers are significant enough to withhold benefits of faster switching.
