Energy Consumers Australia appreciates the opportunity to provide comment on IPART’s Final Report on the future of embedded networks in NSW for the Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water’s consideration.
As noted in our previous submission to the IPART consultation process, we are broadly supportive of the recommendations outlined in the final report. However, this support is directly related to the scope of IPART’s review and the specific recommendations outlined in the final report. It is not an endorsement of the embedded network service model in its entirety.
On the contrary, we hold significant concern around the regulatory disparities, reduced agency and lack of protections that consumers in embedded networks experience. The areas that most concern us include:
- Consumer protections for embedded network customers
- Broader communications and information requirements