We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)’s Consultation Paper on how the National Energy Retail Rules (NERR) should be changed to better protect customers affected by family violence. This is a critical rule change project, as system gaps and insufficient support can risk the lives and wellbeing of customers affected by family violence.

Red Energy and Lumo Energy submitted a rule change request on this issue, which is partly modelled on the changes in Victoria’s Energy Retail Code. Whilst we commend Red Energy and Lumo Energy’s rule change proposal, our submission outlines how the proposed rules should be strengthened to provide more comprehensive protections and support for all affected customers. We additionally note that the AEMC should be open to reviewing the NERR to ensure its effectiveness, and stress that effective implementation of these reforms relies on industry and community awareness, which industry should work to ensure.

Read our submission here, which goes into further detail about our specific recommendations to enhance the proposed rules, and additional components that should be included.