AER Prioritises Consumer Protection and Market Transparency
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2023-24, outlining key focus areas for monitoring and enforcing compliance in Australia’s energy markets over the next year. The priorities aim to protect consumers, especially those experiencing vulnerability, enable competitive markets, and support efficient infrastructure. A top priority for the AER is improving outcomes for customers experiencing financial hardship. The AER notes that “with the considerable challenges facing the east-coast energy market and rising cost of living more generally, we expect to observe a significant increase in the number of consumers experiencing financial hardship this year.” The AER will closely monitor retailers’ compliance with hardship obligations and policies. “Our focus will be on ensuring that all eligible customers are able to access the protections they are entitled to…
