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, commend the Commission on its work on the second draft determination but express concern that some energy providers are arguing COVID-19 presents a reason to alter or delay this vital demand-side reform. The groups strongly oppose any delay in the implementation of the wholesale demand response mechanism later than 2021 – the intended introduction outlined in the draft determination – on the grounds a delay is not in the in the long term interests of consumers and is against consumer preferences.
