Energy Retailer Assurance Audits in 2026: An Australian Guide
Assurance audits used to be a tick-the-box exercise. They are not anymore. With the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) refreshing its Compliance Procedures and Guidelines and releasing an updated Practice
The AER’s Independence: Understanding What the Structural Separation Means for Energy Businesses
On 1 July 2026, just months from now, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will formally separate from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, ending a
Navigating the AER Retailer Authorisation Process: How Compliance Quarter Can Help
If you’re planning to enter Australia’s energy retail market, obtaining a retailer authorisation from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is not just a regulatory formality—it’s
ACCC’s 2025 Report on the National Electricity Market
On 1 August 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published its 13th annual report on prices, profits, and margins in the supply of
Outcome of Ergon Energy’s Challenge of the AER’s Overcharge Investigation Notice
In January 2025, our clients were advised of Ergon Energy’s commencement of proceedings in the Federal Court seeking to set aside a notice it received
Key Reporting Obligations for Australian Electricity Retailers under the ERA’s 2025 Performance Indicators Handbook
The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) of Western Australia has recently published its updated “Performance Indicators and Definitions Handbook – For Electricity Retailers” (April 2025). This
Draft Default Market Offer and Victorian Default Offer Realeased: background and implications.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Essential Services Commission (ESC) have recently released their draft determinations for the Default Market Offer (DMO 7) and
Navigating Compliance Obligations When Entering New Markets in Australia
Expanding into new markets presents significant opportunities for business growth, whether through geographic expansion or product diversification. However, such expansion introduces substantial regulatory compliance obligations
Implementing an Effective Compliance Management Framework in Energy Retail
Energy retail is one of the most highly regulated sectors in Australia. Retailers must navigate a web of national and state laws, industry codes, and
Proposed Changes to National Energy Retail Rules: Supporting Hardship Customers with Deemed Best Offers
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is currently considering a rule change request from the Honourable Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. The rule
Understanding Record-Keeping Requirements for Energy Retailers: A Guide to Compliance
Record-keeping is a fundamental compliance obligation for energy retailers operating under the National Energy Retail Law (NERL), the National Energy Retail Rules (NERR), and the
Victorian Default Offer 2025-26: Essential Services Commission Opens Consultation Process
The Essential Services Commission (Commission) has released its request for comment paper regarding the 2025-26 Victorian Default Offer (VDO), marking the commencement of stakeholder consultation
Australian Energy Market Commission Consultation Paper on real time access to data
Millions of Australian households and businesses are adopting consumer energy resources (CER) such as solar panels and batteries. The energy landscape in Australia is rapidly
Better Bills Guideline Compliance Review – Key Findings and Industry Guidance
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has completed a compliance review following the full implementation of the Better Bills Guideline (Version 2). This Guideline provides essential
Federal Court Ruling Emphasises Comprehensive Nature of Energy Retail Regulatory Framework
The recent Federal Court decision in Australian Energy Regulator v AGL Retail Energy Limited [2024] FCA 969 delivers a significant wake-up call to energy retailers
The Australian Energy Market in 2024: Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Retailers
The Australian energy market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the transition to renewable energy sources, policy interventions, and evolving market dynamics. For energy
Adapting Regulation to Australia’s Energy Future: Insights from AER Chair Clare Savage
As we continue to see the transition of the NEM in Australia, regulation plays a crucial role in balancing innovation and consumer protection. Clare Savage,
Explaining the Integrated System Plan
If you are interested in understanding the enormity of the energy transition in Australia, AEMO’s 2024 Integrated System Plan for the National Electricity Market (ISP)
Avoiding Compliance Atrophy: The Critical Role of Assurance Reviews for Growing Energy Retailers
As energy retailers expand their customer base and operations, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations can become increasingly challenging. A key risk is “compliance atrophy”
AER payment difficulty framework review
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is conducting a review of the consumer protections available under the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF) for those experiencing payment
Compliance Quarter’s Submission to the AER’s Review of the Compliance Procedures and Guidelines
On 11 April 2024, Compliance Quarter put forward its submission on proposed changes to the AER Compliance Procedures and Guidelines. The AER is reviewing its Compliance
Obligations of Energy Retailers Regarding Best Offer Information
Energy retailers in Victoria have specific obligations under the Energy Retail Code of Practice to provide clear information to customers about their ‘best offer’ – that is, the
Guide to the National Energy Retail Rules
The National Energy Retail Rules (NERR) are a set of rules that govern the sale and supply of electricity and gas by retailers to consumers
How to Manage Multiple Compliance Deadlines: A Case Study
Compliance managers in the energy sector are constantly juggling a large work load with competing deadlines. Managing time effectively is a core skill for compliance
How to Choose a New Billing System for Energy Retailers
Billing is a vital part of the energy retail business. It involves calculating and collecting the charges for the energy services provided to the customers,
AER hardship review concludes there is room for improvement
Introduction The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) conducted a comprehensive hardship compliance review of several energy retailers, assessing their adherence to obligations towards customers facing financial
How to Build an Effective Energy Retailer Compliance Program
It is very difficult for energy retailers who are operating independently of one another to understand what an effective compliance management program is. Typically, the only feedback that they receive is from regulators when something goes wrong i.e. when there is a breach that they are required to report on, and they subsequently go through an investigation and enforcement process. Regulators themselves do not fully understand the compliance function’s roles and responsibilities- they typically see the tail end, what goes wrong, and not the work that goes in to avoiding non-compliance.
Compliance Quarter has the advantage of having worked with a number of energy retailers and as a result is in a unique position in being able to explain what an effective compliance program looks like. So, what are some of the practical steps that each retailer should ensure they are taking to ensure compliance?
Identification of Customers Affected by Hardship: Rules and Steps for Retailers
In the retail sector, particularly within the energy market, identifying customers experiencing hardship and providing appropriate assistance is not only social obligation but also a
Virtual Power Plants: Reshaping Energy Markets and Empowering Consumers
The traditional electricity grid is undergoing a fundamental shift as distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, batteries, and smart appliances proliferate. Virtual Power Plants
The Shifting Sands of Compliance: Top 5 Risks Australian Businesses Must Navigate in 2024
The compliance landscape in Australia is anything but static. Like quicksand, regulations, expectations, and business practices evolve rapidly, making it essential for businesses to remain
Compliance Nightmares: Taming the Regulatory Beast
If the word “compliance” makes you want to crawl under your desk, you’re not alone. For business owners and managers, navigating the ever-expanding tangled web
ACCC report highlights challenges and opportunities for retail electricity market
In December 2023, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its latest report on the National Electricity Market (NEM), covering the period from August
How to comply with the life support equipment registration rules
Introduction If you are a retailer selling energy to customers who require life support equipment, you need to be aware of your obligations under the
Understanding Part 3 of the National Energy Retail Rules: Customer Hardship
Introduction The National Energy Retail Rules (NERR) are a set of rules that regulate the retail sale of electricity and gas to customers in those
AER’s Comprehensive Review of the Exemptions Framework for Embedded Networks
AER’s Comprehensive Review of the Exemptions Framework for Embedded NetworksThe Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is undertaking an extensive review of the exemptions framework for embedded
A Guide to the Role of the Metering Coordinator
In the complex landscape of the electricity market, the role of the Metering Coordinator (MC) is crucial for ensuring the accurate measurement and efficient coordination
Roles and Functions in Electricity Metering: A Short Guide
Electricity metering is a complex process that requires the collaboration of various entities to ensure accurate measurement and efficient energy management. Understanding the roles and
Preparing to Apply for a Retailer Authorisation: A Comprehensive Guide
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) oversees the authorisation process for energy retailers in Australia. If you’re considering joining this market, it’s crucial to understand the AER’s guidelines and requirements. This article will outline the preparatory steps your business needs to take before applying for a retailer authorisation.
The State of the Energy Market 2023: Observations and Insights
The energy market is an ever-evolving landscape, dictated by a complex interplay of market forces, consumer behaviours, and regulatory interventions. The ‘State of the Energy Market 2023’ report, published by the Australian Energy Regulator, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the market’s current state, offering valuable insights into the retail energy markets, market regulations, energy affordability, and the role of the energy retailer.
Understanding the Comparison of Electricity and Gas Prices for Small Customers in Australia – October 2023
Each year, the Tasmanian Economic Regulator issues a report comparing electricity and gas prices available to small customers in Australia. The 2023 report, issued in
Navigating Energy Regulation: Best Practices for Effective Communication
Energy retailers operate in a dynamic and highly regulated environment so dealing with energy regulators is an inevitable aspect of this business. To maintain a healthy and compliant relationship with energy regulators, there are some key principles to keep in mind.
Understanding Energy Retail Contracts and Retailer Obligations
Energy retail contracts are agreements between an energy retailer and a customer outlining the terms and conditions for the sale and supply of energy. There are primarily two types of contracts:
Standard Retail Contracts: These contracts are set out by law and offer basic consumer protections. The terms and conditions, including prices, are regulated and cannot be altered by the energy retailer.
Market Retail Contracts: These contracts are more flexible and may offer discounted rates, renewable energy options, and other incentives. The terms and conditions, including prices, are set by the energy retailer and may vary.
The Electricity Invoice Rubik’s Cube
One of the few ways that an energy retailer can potentially distinguish themselves is by the way in which they present their electricity invoices. It is a challenging design problem: you have a number of constraints in the regulatory framework and with simple space on the page, you have a readers with different levels of understanding of energy- readers who have different levels of literacy who may have a disability and who may not read English, and you have a lot of information you want to convey. In those states that have adopted the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF), retailers must now comply with the Better Bills Guideline. In Victoria, retailers have more discretion.
Final report published by the AEMC on Consumer Energy Resources Technical Standards
The Australian Energy Market Commission has released its final report for the Review into Consumer Energy Resources Technical Standards, calling for the development of a
Proposed reforms to address unfair trading practices in Australia
The Australian Government is consulting on options to strengthen protections for consumers and small businesses against unfair trading practices. Unfair trading practices refer to certain commercial practices that cause harm but are not prohibited by existing laws. The consultation paper released by Treasury in August 2023 explores options to amend the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to introduce new protections from unfair trading practices.
Expanded Unfair Contract Terms Laws in effect in November
The changes in November 2023 aim to strengthen these protections. The revised unfair terms regime will apply to all new or renewed standard form consumer and small business contracts from this date. It will be illegal for businesses to propose, rely on or use unfair terms, with penalties for breaches. The changes also update the definition of ‘small business’ to include those with less than 100 employees or $10 million turnover.
Misconduct in Public Organisations: Important Lessons for Businesses
On 9 August 2023, the Victorian Ombudsman published Misconduct in public organisations: A casebook. The casebook examines seven real-world cases of misconduct substantiated by the Ombudsman through investigations. While the cases specifically involve public sector entities, the issues explored, like conflicts of interest, financial mismanagement, and failure to foster a culture of integrity, apply equally to private businesses.
Obtaining Explicit Informed Consent: A Compliance Guide for Energy Retailers
The Essential Services Commission’s Guideline 4 on explicit informed consent requirements under the Energy Retail Code of Practice is a very useful resource for energy sellers in Victoria. This article summarises the key steps energy sellers must follow to comply with their obligations to obtain explicit informed consent from customers.
New Consultation Seeks Input on Energy Price Regulation for Embedded Networks
The New South Wales Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released an industry consultation paper as part of its review into regulating energy prices
Energy Retailer under Scrutiny for Banned Door-to-Door Sales
Victoria’s energy regulator has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from retailer 1st Energy Pty Limited following allegations that the company violated the Statewide ban on door-to-door energy sales. The ban, which took effect in December 2021, prohibits unsolicited visits and cold calls by energy retailers and their representatives.