We support the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)'s draft determination and more preferred rule change for improving consumer confidence in retail energy plans. We find that it will make positive contributions to all energy consumers on retail plans.
The draft determination would provide a suite of new protections, specifically by:
- Limiting the price to the standing offer price if a consumer’s benefits change or expire
- Banning disconnection for consumers on deemed retail arrangements who are paying their bill
- Removing unreasonably high penalties for not paying bills on time
- Restricting price rises to no more than once every twelve months
- Restricting fees and charges for consumers experience vulnerability
- Requiring retailers to provide at least one free payment method
These consumer protections are much needed and commonsense; it is in consumers' best interests to apply them as quickly as possible.
Page last updated:
19 May 2025
