Consumers are telling us affordability is their number one priority. Affordable gas will promote the continued utilisation of the network and fair returns for gas network businesses.

Affordability is a priority for households and small businesses and is Energy Consumers Australia’s focus in applying the long-term interests of consumers test when reviewing revenue proposals. JGN’s estimate is that this proposal will result in bill savings of 11 per cent  (or approximately $150) for the average residential customer over the period of the access arrangement. When combined with a ‘hand-back’ of over-recovered revenue during the current period (2015-2020), this will increase to 18 per cent, or $244. This is welcome relief for consumers at a time when they are facing significant affordability challenges. In this context, there is alignment on key elements of the proposal. We do however, seek further assurance about elements of the proposal which we outline in this submission.

The full submission can be read here and additional work conducted by TRAC Partners can be viewed in Attachment A.

The presentation slides delivered by Shelley Ashe at the AER Public Forum on 7 August can also be viewed here.