The Western Australian Government is aiming to strengthen the consumer rights of thousands of households and businesses under new electricity supply regulations.
As part of the new regulations, customers will have access to independent dispute resolution through the Energy and Water Ombudsman. Customers will also be charged a fair price for their power, as well as get transparent information about their electricity supply.
Under the Alternative Electricity Services (AES) registration framework, the regulations extend some of the standard protections that are available to traditional electricity customers. These include Synergy and Horizon Power customers.
The first two supply arrangements to be regulated under the AES framework will be embedded networks and onsite power supply arrangements.
Embedded networks – private electricity networks servicing several lots of tenancies in one property – are becoming increasingly common in apartment buildings, shopping centres, retirement villages, and long-stage caravan parks.
Until now, electricity supply for embedded network customers has been largely unregulated and evidence has emerged that some customers are experiencing poor outcomes.
The Western Australian Government says customers have reported receiving large electricity ‘bills’ that were just a total amount to be paid, with no information on how much electricity it is for or how it was calculated.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says this decision is the first step to provide robust protections and access to the Energy and Water Ombudsman to customers of electricity services.
“Western Australia is the first state to introduce a bespoke framework for emerging electricity services, continuing this government’s commitment to leading the energy transition while protecting customers,” Sanderson says.
“Service providers will have the opportunity to provide further feedback during 2025 with significant preparation time ahead of formal obligations commencing in 2027.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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