Equity

I pay a fair share of the energy transition

Explore Equity:

Objectives

Many of us, particularly people on low incomes and renters, face barriers to getting off gas. We’re concerned that as the energy transition escalates and more people exit the gas network, the cost of its upkeep will be split between fewer and fewer customers – meaning spiralling costs for those of us who can least afford to pay them. All Australian governments must work together on a national plan for gas to mitigate these risks. 
 

Hundreds of billions of dollars are now being invested in new energy infrastructure, including new solar and wind farms, transmission, and energy storage systems. While much of this is necessary, no one in the sector should be allowed to forget that we consumers will ultimately pay for it through bills and taxes. Affordability is consumers’ number one priority for the energy transition and we need effectively designed and operated energy markets to ensure that we get a least-cost, efficiently built and operated energy system.

We know it’s going to cost a lot, but what exactly is the ‘bill split’ for the energy transition? Right now, it often feels like consumers are picking up the tab for the whole table. We have a right to know that all parties are paying their fair share. While we appreciate there are commercial sensitivities involved in large infrastructure projects, we want to see transparent reporting of how and when the costs are flowing to consumers.

In the past, energy flowed one-way: from large generators to networks, and then into our homes and businesses. Today, many of us provide energy back to the network. In future, we’re hopeful we’ll see a multi-directional energy ecosystem, where we don’t just share our resources with ‘the system’ but provide excess solar or battery capacity to our neighbours – or they to us. Governments need to trial new regulatory and business models to demonstrate that community-based systems aren’t only feasible and desirable but lead to net savings for everyone.

Equity illustration
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Showing 1 - 9 of 46 results
Photo of two people in blue work shirts. One is touching a screen and looking at the other, who is facing away from the camera, as if they are in conversation.
Submission
28 April 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism Review
Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) welcomes the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)'s Review into the Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism (WDRM), and generally supports the continuation of the Mechanism, given its potential to reduce electricity prices for all consumers.
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Submission
11 April 2025
2 min read
Joint submission to the Essential Services Commission on the Victorian Default Offer Review 2025-26 Draft Decision
Read our joint submission with other consumer advocates on the Victorian Default Offer Review 2025-26 Draft Decision.
Close-up photo of a pink piggy bank slightly out of frame, against a bright blue background
Submission
04 April 2025
2 min read
Submission to NSW DCCEEW on the Energy Savings Scheme Rule and Regulation Change 2025
The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) plays a key role in reducing energy consumption, cutting emissions, and lowering bills. As the NSW Government seeks to align the ESS Rule and Regulation with the Energy Security Safeguard, it is essential that these updates provide clear and equitable benefits for all consumers.
Photo of a girl with her hands on a kitchen counter, looking at a steel saucepan on an induction cooktop that is about eye height
News
19 March 2025
3 min read
How to responsibly wind down the gas network?
The transition to all-electric homes and businesses needs to be delivered in a way that benefits all consumers, without unfairly penalising people who face greater barriers to electrification.
Close-up photo of a gas valve painted yellow
News
17 March 2025
3 min read
Proposed gas rule changes will ensure better consumer energy transition
Media release: We've submitted four crucial amendments to the National Gas Rules, to ensure millions of Australians facing barriers to electrification, or exiting the gas network, will not be unfairly or financially punished.
Couple standing in front of home with solar panels
04 March 2025
Consumer Energy Report Card
Access data and insights from the Consumer Energy Report card, our comprehensive research and analysis project, which reveals the attitudes and behaviours of thousands of Australian households and small businesses.
Photo of a colourful apartment building with lots of windows.
Submission
27 February 2025
2 min read
Submission to Victorian Department of Transport and Planning on Building Electrification – Regulatory Impact Statement
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning's Building Electrification – Regulatory Impact Statement is an important step in ensuring all Victorians have access to clean, affordable and reliable energy in a future energy system.
Close-up photo of gas cooktop alight
Submission
14 February 2025
2 min read
Submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER)'s Draft Decision on Jemena Gas Networks (NSW) access arrangement 2025 to 2030
We're pleased the AER hasn't accepted Jemena's proposed capex. Jemena must begin planning for a network in decline. However, significant consumer risks remain.
Aerial photo of lots of houses with grey rooftops
Submission
14 February 2025
2 min read
Submission to the National Electricity Market (NEM) Review Initial Consultation
The National Electricity Market (NEM) Review should seek to ensure that demand-side measures have sufficient support to unlock their full potential, both for consumer benefit and to provide firmed, renewable generation and storage capacity in the NEM.
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