AER Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

19 March , 2024

Energy Consumers Australia Responds to Regulators Draft Default Market Offer

Original media release by and from Energy Consumers Australia (19/03/2024). Energy Consumers Australia CEO Brendan French: “We are pleased that the AER’s draft decision is to reduce the retail margins allowed in the Default Market Offer in recognition of the cost of living demands on consumers. This is something we have called for in our…

1 December , 2023

‘Game changer reforms’ for Vulnerable Consumers will Progress

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has welcomed the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council’s (ECMC) decision to progress work on a proposed package of Game changer reforms that will deliver significant improvements in outcomes for energy consumers experiencing vulnerability.

Under the comprehensive package, consumers would receive concessions they are entitled to and those in hardship would receive their retailer’s best offer to help them lower their bills.

5 October , 2023

AER Highlights Better Outcomes but Continue Challenges

The Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) latest State of the energy market report highlights that the energy system in 2023 experienced fewer shocks and better outcomes than in the preceding year, however many of the vulnerabilities observed in 2022 remain.

The report reveals some improved outcomes in wholesale energy markets with average wholesale electricity prices significantly lower than the record highs seen in 2022. Wholesale gas prices also declined significantly from 2022 but remain high by historical standards.

28 September , 2023

Mandatory Better Bills Guideline to Simplify Energy Bills for Consumers

From 30 September, energy bills will be easier for consumers to understand as energy retailers comply with the new billing obligations in the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Better Bills Guideline.

Retailers must now include a ‘better offer’ statement on the front page of their bill. This statement must tell the customer if the retailer can offer a better deal, which could include the retailer’s standing offer, and include details of how to switch plans.

20 June , 2023

Australian Energy Regulator Outlines its 2023-24 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has outlined its 2023–2024 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities to protect energy consumers and keep the energy system stable and secure during the transition.

20 July , 2022

Catriona Lowe nominated as ACCC deputy chair

Former Consumers’ Federation of Australia chairperson, and long-time consumer rights advocate Catriona Lowe has been nominated as Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This was written with information taken from a Government News post published on 14th July, 2022. Ms Lowe is due to take up the role on 27 January 2023.…

24 June , 2021

AER’s 2021-2022 compliance and enforcement priorities: Consumer protection

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today released five compliance and enforcement priorities for 2021-22, which include a major focus on protecting energy consumers. This is an Australian Energy Regulator (AER) media release, originally published on 23rd June, 2021. AER Chair Clare Savage said the AER will be monitoring retailers to ensure they identify residential consumers in…

30 April , 2021

Electricity Customers on a standing offer will share in over $65 million of bill savings

Thousands of customers on a standing offer contract across New South Wales, South-East Queensland and South Australia will share in over $65 million of bill savings in 2021-22 following the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today releasing the final Default Market Offer (DMO). This is an Australian Energy Regulator media release, originally published on 27th April, 2021. The final…

29 June , 2020

New research shines light on how consumers understand electricity offers

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Friday published Testing Comprehension of the Reference Price, research jointly commissioned from the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT). This research provides new insights about the ways consumers understand electricity offers and the AER and the ACCC will use these insights to consider how…

10 July , 2018

Australian Energy Regulator puts consumer interests at centre of rate of return decision

The Australian Energy Regulator has today put the long-term interests of households and small businesses at the centre of its draft decision on the allowed ‘rate of return’ for energy networks, Lynne Gallagher, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Energy Consumers Australia said today. “Energy prices, especially electricity prices, are too high in Australia and network…