The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has approved Telstra Energy (Retail) Pty Ltd (Telstra Energy) to become an energy retailer.
The decision paves the way for Telstra Energy to become a gas and electricity retailer in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, as well as Tasmania for electricity only.
The AER assessed Telstra’s application against the criteria in the National Energy Retail Law, focussing on Telstra Energy’s organisational, technical and financial capacity, as well as its suitability to hold a retailer authorisation.
The AER received 7 submissions from a range of interested stakeholders, including consumer groups, and brought these insights into its assessment process, in accordance with the AER’s Retailer Authorisation Guideline and National Energy Retail Law.
The entry of new energy retailers provides further opportunity for consumers to shop around to obtain the best deal to suit their circumstances. The AER encourages consumers to visit its Energy Made Easy website to compare energy market offers.