Energy Archives - Page 3 of 21 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

11 October , 2023

LG Solar Batteries Recalled – Consumers Urged to Check and Switch Off Affected Batteries Immediately

All households with a solar storage system need to urgently check if the system has a recalled LG battery installed and should switch off affected batteries immediately, the ACCC has warned.

When these batteries malfunction there is a serious risk of injury or death due to the affected batteries overheating and causing a fire.

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.

22 September , 2023

EnergyAustralia in Court over Alleged Misleading Information

“With electricity prices increasing, and many Australians looking for a better deal, it’s crucial that the information people receive from their energy company is correct and can be relied upon,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

23 August , 2023

New Gas Market Code Takes Effect

The ACCC has today published compliance and enforcement guidelines on the new Gas Market Code.

The Code commenced on 11 July this year with a two-month transition period for the gas industry to prepare for some of the new obligations that the Code establishes. The ACCC will begin enforcing the Code from mid-September 2023.

10 August , 2023

Governments Called to ‘Step Up’ to Ensure a Consumer-Focused Energy Future

Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) newly released report, Stepping Up: A Smoother Pathway to Decarbonising Homes (available here), has called on local, state/territory, and federal governments to collectively ‘step up’ and ensure everyone in Australia is supported and enabled to go all-electric. The policy report is based on research by CSIRO and Dynamic Analysis which has increased our understanding on the shared and individual costs of electrification for consumers.

14 July , 2023

Interim Authorisation for Electricity Industry to Coordinate Maintenance

The ACCC has granted interim authorisation for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and electricity industry participants in the National Electricity Market to collaborate to ensure reliability of electricity supply during Australia’s transition towards renewable electricity.

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.

15 March , 2023

World Consumer Rights Day – what’s happening around the world

Within the consumer movement, the World Consumer Rights Day, is an annual reminder and recognition of the importance of consumer rights in any market, no matter how complex or diverse. With the clean energy transition being a core theme this year, check out the events taking place around the world that you can be part…

2 February , 2023

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is here to raise consumer protection standards

Launched today, the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program seeks to raise consumer protection standards in Australia for purchases of new energy tech, including rooftop solar, battery storage, EV chargers, home energy management systems and more. Australia is a world leader in small-scale renewable energy generation, with over 3 million rooftop solar systems providing…

15 December , 2022

Free solar advice for Australian households and businesses

Australian households and small businesses now have access to a free online solar PV savings calculator, backed by a $946,399 investment from the Australian Government and tailored to individual property needs. Led by the University of New South Wales and the Australian PV Institute and designed by engineers, the SunSPOT tool has been upgraded to…

10 December , 2022

National commitment to energy bill relief welcome news for consumers

Energy Consumers Australia has welcomed the energy bill relief measures agreed to at today’s National Cabinet meeting, saying they would help to curtail further price increases while shielding consumers from the immediate impact of high energy bills. CEO Lynne Gallagher said the package of measures would protect households and small businesses from excessive bill shock…