The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released an options paper as part of the 'Review of consumer protections for future energy services’, formerly known as the 'Retailer authorisation and exemption review’.
The options paper seeks stakeholder views on three possible reform model options for the future consumer protections framework. Stakeholder feedback will inform which model(s), or model elements, should be developed further.
The AER's preliminary position is that the current regulatory framework will not be fit for purpose for the future energy market. Emerging energy products and services are not likely to fall under the current energy consumer protection framework. However, they are likely to bring new risks and there is a strong case for considering whether additional energy-specific consumer protections are needed to protect consumers.
We welcome submissions by Friday 16 December 2022. Submissions should be emailed to AERpolicy
aer [dot] gov [dot] au (AERpolicy[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au).
Stakeholders are invited to an in-person public forum at the AER Melbourne office on 16 November at 10am. Please register to attend here.
Background
The review forms part of the Energy Security Board’s consumer energy resources implementation plan which aims to effectively integrate consumer energy resources, such as rooftop solar and batteries, into the National Electricity Market.