Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed today’s announcement from the Minister for Energy the Hon. Angas Taylor MP that the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) will start work on a “price safety net” today.
“Our focus is on lower power prices for consumers and small businesses,” said Mr Pasin.
“As I have always said, we want to have a practical debate about reducing electricity prices – not an ideological one. I want to see real results for energy consumers in Barker, and that’s why today we are taking action to put consumers and small businesses back in charge, helping them save money on their power bills.”
The Treasurer and the Energy Minister have written to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to introduce a default energy price, consistent with recommendations of the ACCC report.
“This ‘default price’ will provide relief from confusing and often more expensive standing offers, and make it easier for customers to compare offers between retailers to get a better deal,” Mr Pasin said.
Under the plan, retailers will be forced to be transparent with their prices and notify customers if their standing price is above the price set by the Australian Energy Regulator and justify their price.
The Australian Energy Market Commission found current standing offers can be up to $832 per year more expensive than the cheapest offer in some regions.
The Australian Energy Regulator has been asked to determine a default offer price to apply in each of the 13 regions in the National Electricity Market.
The Australian Government intends to seek the cooperation of state and territory governments as it implements this landmark reform, with a COAG Energy Council to be held in Sydney on 26 October.
“I have been an outspoken voice about the need to address the affordability aspect of our energy issues. I’m pleased to see our Government taking action. It’s a step in the right direction,” said Mr Pasin.
Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
