Utilities Archives - Page 5 of 24 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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…

25 November , 2021

How efficient is your dishwasher, and clothes dryer?

Energy rating labels provide consumers with information on the energy efficiency of a range of appliances including dishwashers and clothes dryers. High levels of performance, energy efficiency and water efficiency (where applicable) are priorities when purchasing electric dishwashers and rotary clothes dryers and included in the recently amended standards (AS/NZS 2007.1:2021 and AS/NZS 2442.1:2021). Consumers’ Federation of Australia…

2 November , 2021

Consultation Regulation Impact Statement closing soon

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is proposing to update the energy efficiency provisions for residential buildings in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The proposed provisions are included in stage 2 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft (PCD). This is a consultation from the Australian Building Codes Board. It was originally published on…

7 October , 2021

Drinking water treatment systems – does it have a WaterMark?

The revised national standard on drinking water treatment systems meets WaterMark product certification which protects community health and safety, and guarantees to be suitable for use by you, your family, and your friends. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) supports a representative to participate on the Standards Australia Technical Committee WS-027 Domestic water treatment applications which revised the Australian Standard…

24 September , 2021

Telcos and credit providers fail consumers during COVID-19, says new scorecard

Telecommunications and credit and personal finance providers were found to be joint wooden spoon winners in a 2020 Sector Scorecard developed by Consumer Policy Research Centre and Roy Morgan. By delivering the joint worst customer experience overall these sectors have let down their customers when they most needed support. This highlights the need for increased…