Jul242018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Alinta Energy fined $40,000 for allegedly switching customers without consent

AU Energy Compliance
The Australian Energy Regulator has issued two infringement notices to Alinta Energy in relation to breaches of s 38(b) of the Retail Law in relation to obtaining explicit informed consent. The penalties imposed totalled $40,000. This serves as an important reminder to all energy retailers that they will be held responsible for the actions of their agents. Photo by Rodolfo Marques on Unsplash By Anne Wardell, Regulatory Specialist, Compliance Quarter. One of the breaches occurred as part of a telephone marketing campaign conducted by an agent of Alinta Energy. The customer was transferred to an Alinta account notwithstanding that she had indicated on the phone that she wanted to remain with her current retailer. There was no evidence that the customer had provided explicit informed consent. The other breach occurred following a visit…
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Jul242018 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Consumer data right – speech by Rod Sims Chairman of the ACCC

AU Energy Compliance, Financial Services
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chair Rod Sims has delivered a speech to the National Consumer Data Policy Research Centre on the consumer data right (CDR) and the digital platforms inquiry (DPI). The CDR will be rolled out first in the banking industry followed by the energy and telecommunications industries. Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash By Anne Wardell, Regulatory Specialist, Compliance Quarter. Consumer data right (CDR) The consumer data right (CDR) was introduced by the government in November 2017. Following the Open Banking Review, the Treasurer announced that banking would be the first sector to which the CDR would apply. At the same time as the Final Report was released, the government released the Consumer Data Right Booklet. The Booklet contains the following useful summary: The ACCC will have the…
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