Utilities Archives - Page 5 of 25 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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…

2 November , 2022

Energy concessions failing to reach low-income Australians

At least 1 in 5 eligible low-income households in the National Energy Market are not receiving their energy concession, a new report from the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has found. CPRC, CEO, Erin Turner, released the report today and called on state and federal governments to review the concessions system to ensure it works…

26 October , 2022

Putting people in control of energy use is our most urgent national energy priority

Energy Consumers Australia said the expected rises in electricity and gas prices over the next two years contained in today’s Budget, means there must be a critical national conversation on how governments will help people control their energy use and bring bills down. CEO Lynne Gallagher said the strategy needs to make sure there is…

28 September , 2022

New protections for Victorian water customers

The state’s economic regulator today released updated water industry standards, strengthening support and protections for Victorian consumers, particularly those facing financial difficulties. This is a media release from the Essential Services Commission. It was originally published on 27th September, 2022. The Essential Services Commission’s water industry standards set out the minimum service requirements water businesses must meet, covering…

31 August , 2022

Making Australia’s new homes more liveable

Federal, state and territory building ministers have agreed on a series of sweeping national reforms that will ensure that new homes in Australia will be more comfortable, liveable, accessible and energy efficient. This is a media release from The Hon Ed Husic MP: Minister for Industry and Science. It was originally published on 26th August, 2022. Industry…

16 June , 2022

New vulnerable consumers standard ensures everyone gets a fair deal

Have you ever tried switching bank accounts online, only to end up feeling confused by the technology? Any situation in which an individual may be unable to engage fully or effectively in a market is considered consumer vulnerability read more here and watch the video. Protecting the most vulnerable people in society falls not just to government but…

10 June , 2022

New Energy Comparator & Energy Moving Services Customer Code

A new Energy Comparator & Energy Moving Services Customer Code has been launched. Its development was sponsored by The Energy Charter. This is a media release from The Energy Charter. It was originally published on 1st June, 2022. The aim of the National Customer Code for Energy Comparators and Energy Moving Services is to give customers using these channels confidence that Signatories are…

10 June , 2022

Standard for responding to vulnerability

The new ISO Standard ISO 22458 Consumer vulnerability – Requirements and guidelines for the design and delivery of inclusive service was developed by the international committee ISO/PC 311 Vulnerable consumers. This was written by Alistair Tegart, Former Engagement Manager at Standards Australia and published by SOCAP. Standards Australia’s committee CS-311 Vulnerable consumers worked on Australian input to the…

26 May , 2022

New consumer information website on Energy Tech

Energy Consumers Australia, the independent national advocacy voice for household and small business energy consumers, has published a new consumer information website about new energy technology. Buying and using new tech like solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles can feel daunting. What questions should you ask? Where can you turn if something goes wrong? ECA…

20 December , 2021

Financial issues ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ in supporting energy consumers, prompting new tactics from the AER

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is consulting on a bold new strategy, launched today for consultation, to improve outcomes for consumers experiencing vulnerability and help them stay engaged with the rapidly transforming energy market. This is a media release from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). It was originally published on 20th December, 2021. Latest energy debt figures show a 56% increase…

17 December , 2021

Energy sector remains focused on transition and affordability

Affordable energy and transition to a decarbonised energy system in ways that put customers at the centre, have been identified by the Energy Charter as critical ongoing commitments in 2022, following a new report released today. This is a media release from The Energy Charter. It was originally published on 15th December, 2021. Energy Charter Full Signatories, made up of…