energy Archives

Aug132025 by Connor JamesNo Comments

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 electricity in the National Electricity Market. For the first time, the ACCC undertook analysis of customer outcomes and competition for so-called new energy services, which the ACCC identified as an area of rapid growth and an important part of the energy transition. To inform the publication of the report, the ACCC collected billing data from retailers covering 97% of residential customers and 90% of business customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and South-East Queensland. Some of the main findings from the ACCC as published in their annual report are set out below: Firstly, the ACCC found that when measured on an annualised basis,…

Jun32024 by Jodi DonovanNo Comments

AER payment difficulty framework review

AU Energy Compliance, Compliance, Consultation

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 difficulties. On 14 May 2024, the AER released an issues paper for consultation. The review is driven by the commitment in Action 8 of the ‘Towards Energy Equity’ strategy in which the AER committed to considering whether improvements could be made to the NECF to ensure that consumers experiencing payment difficulties are identified early, engaged proactively, and provided with assistance tailored to their individual needs. Currently, the NECF offers various protections for consumers facing payment difficulties through regulatory instruments such as the National Energy Retail Law (NERL), National Energy Retail Rules (NERR), National Energy Retail Regulations, and the AER Customer Hardship Policy Guideline. These protections…

May112024 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Compliance Quarter’s Submission to the AER’s Review of the Compliance Procedures and Guidelines

AU Energy Compliance

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 procedures and guidelines, which set out the manner and form in which energy businesses in jurisdictions that have adopted the National Energy Retail Law must submit compliance information and data to the AER. We argue that there should be consideration of measures to incentivise early reporting of potential breaches. These may, for example, take the form of firm discounts to the maximum civil penalty that can result from non-compliance. Clearly, it is the obligation of entitles to comply and to report however as in other spheres, incentives make a difference and can influence behaviour. While changes would be required at the legislative level, we argue…

Nov142023 by Connor JamesNo Comments

A Guide to the Role of the Metering Coordinator

AU Energy Compliance

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 of metering services. With the National Electricity Rules (NER) as the guiding framework, AEMO has published a guide to the role of a metering coordinator and this article serves as a summary of that role drawing on the guide. Understanding the Purpose and Scope: The Guide to the Role of the Metering Coordinator is specifically designed to meet the requirements of clause 7.3.1(c) of the NER. It serves as an authoritative resource to clarify the roles and responsibilities of MCs and provides a clear roadmap for authorized procedures under the NER. It is important to note that the NER and the National Electricity Law take…

Nov82023 by Connor JamesNo Comments

The State of the Energy Market 2023: Observations and Insights

AU Energy Compliance

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 (AER), 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. The Role of Energy Retailers Energy retailers sit at the crucial intersection of the energy supply chain, linking energy generation, distribution, and end consumers. They purchase electricity and gas either directly from suppliers or through wholesale markets and sell it to residential and small business customers. As noted in the 'State of the Energy Market 2023' report, "Retailers are exposed to financial risk through spot price volatility…

Jun272023 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Key points from Executive Board Member Geoff Summerhayes’ speech to the Financial Services Assurance Forum- Lessons for Energy Sellers

AU Energy Compliance

Cyber threats are accelerating and evolving rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in online activity and remote working, providing more opportunities for cyber criminals to attack. Boards and internal audit functions often lack understanding and expertise in cyber security, leaving organisations vulnerable. To address this, APRA has released a new Cyber Security Strategy for 2020 to 2024. It aims to: Establish a baseline of cyber controls including information sharing and incident response. The goal is to address basic cyber hygiene issues, foster collaboration, and ensure organisations are prepared for breaches. Enable boards and executives to properly oversee cyber risks. APRA will provide guidance and increase scrutiny of cyber governance. Boards need to understand cyber risks and take action. Internal audit functions also need to strengthen their cyber…

Jun242023 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Australian Government Proposes National product stewardship scheme for solar photovoltaic systems and small electrical and electronic equipment

AU Energy Compliance

The Australian Government has released a discussion paper outlining their proposal for a national regulated product stewardship scheme for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and small electrical and electronic equipment (SEEE). The scheme aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of electronic waste (e-waste) by requiring importers and producers to take responsibility for managing their products at end-of-life. The Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, said “E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream globally. This scheme will provide Australian households and businesses with sustainable ways to dispose of their e-waste and support Australia’s transition to a circular economy.” Under the proposed scheme, corporations importing or manufacturing SEEE or PV systems above a certain threshold would be required to join the scheme and pay fees to fund services like free e-waste drop-off points…

Apr162023 by Connor JamesNo Comments

Empowering Change: New Obligations for Energy Retailers to Support Customers Affected by Family Violence

Consultation

As of May 1, 2023, significant changes to the National Energy Retail Rules will come into effect, placing new obligations on energy retailers to better support customers impacted by family violence. This landmark rule change, spearheaded by the Australian Energy Market Commission, aims to protect residential and small business customers from the exploitation of essential services by perpetrators. In response to these amendments, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released an interim guidance note detailing their expectations for retailers' adherence to the new family violence provisions. This article explores the key messages from the AER's guidelines, such as customer identification, safety and risk considerations, staff training, and the necessary steps for compliance. As the energy sector navigates these transformative changes, our team stands ready to provide assistance in reviewing and…

Dec82022 by Connor JamesNo Comments

AEMO Suspends Two Retailers

AU Energy Compliance

On Wednesday, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued two separate notices suspending Mojo Power and QEnergy from all trading in the National Electricity Market, effective midnight on Tuesday night. The reasons for the suspension were not stated. Later that day, AEMO lifted the suspension orders for both retailers. Mojo Power, which is based in Sydney, is a smart solar and renewables-focused company that aims to challenge market incumbents and offer customers a more solar and green energy-aligned approach to home energy. QEnergy, based in Brisbane, offers one of the cheapest retail deals in the market, mostly servicing small and medium businesses in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, as well as residential customers. Australia's energy market crisis has claimed a number of smaller retailers including Elysian Energy, Social Energy…

Dec32022 by Connor JamesNo Comments

An overview of the Australian electricity market

AU Energy Compliance

The electricity market in Australia is an important and complex system that plays a significant role in the national economy. It is comprised of a mix of private and public sector stakeholders, each of whom has a different role to play in the functioning of the market. In addition, the market is regulated by a number of government agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure that it operates in the best interests of consumers. In this, the first of a series, we will introduce the key market participants. The electricity market in Australia is made up of a variety of participants, including electricity generators, electricity retailers, network businesses, traders, and consumers. Electricity generators are responsible for producing electricity, which is then sent to the national electricity grid. Generators typically use coal,…