Premier

Electricity Consumers Have Their Say

06 August 2016

People who share a building, common land or strata arrangement can now have their say on electricity suppliers as part of a consultation process being undertaken by the Andrews Labor Government to boost consumer protection.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today confirmed the Labor Government will be looking at ways to better protect consumers living or working in communal properties when it comes to their electricity supply.

People living in high-rise apartments, retirement villages or caravan parks and those operating small businesses in shopping centres can often find they have few consumer rights.

Some may find they have no choice of electricity supplier or power plan and often have no avenues for dispute resolution.

Issues can arise when electricity supply arrangements have been agreed to between property developers and an electricity company, leaving owners, tenants, body corporates and small business operators to deal with complex electricity charges and billing.

The energy sector is evolving quickly, with new alternative energy options now available, giving consumers better access to solar power and other renewable energy sources.

To find the right balance between consumer rights and market innovation, the Labor Government has released a discussion paper which will examine the issues and seek feedback from the industry and those affected.

The paper will examine the rules and conditions that apply to on-site power suppliers under Victoria’s Electricity Industry Act 2000.

The paper will also examine other business models which can provide solar power and other renewable energy options to homes and businesses.

The discussion paper is available at http://www.energyandresources.vic.gov.au/energy/about/legislation-and-regulation/georeviewExternal Link and is open for comment until Monday 29 August 2016.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is about finding the right balance between the rights of consumers and small businesses with market innovation.”

"With more and more people choosing to live in apartments it's vital that our energy consumer protection laws keep pace with this trend."

“I strongly encourage consumers and industry to take this opportunity to shape the future of Victoria’s energy industry by contributing to this consultation process.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?