Gas and Electricity in Australia - Consumer Advice

consumer advice

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regulation of the retail energy industry

Each Australian State and Territory has dedicated organisations looking out for the rights of energy users. There are four types of organisations - they are inter-related but have differing roles and responsibilities - covering regulation, legislation, dispute resolution and monitoring.

regulator

The regulator is an independent organisation that mandates the prices charged by energy distributors. They also monitor the quality of the service provided by distributors, manage licence arrangements for the electricity and gas suppliers, and ensure that distributors and suppliers remain compliant with the relevant laws, codes and guidelines.

legislator

Each State and Territory has a relevant government department that is committed to monitoring the provision of electricity and gas services throughout the area. The government bodies are responsible for bringing about energy legislation. Once this legislation passes, it is the responsibility of the energy regulator to enforce.

ombudsman

The Energy Ombudsman is an independent dispute resolution vehicle for consumers, holding the power to investigate and rule on disagreements between consumers and the organisations that serve them. The Ombudsman's service is free and accessible to all gas and electricity users who have an outstanding dispute with their supplier or distributor.

consumer affairs

Consumer Affairs protects the interests of consumers by scrutinising government legislation, advising customers and organisations of their rights and responsibilities and enforcing compliance by energy providers with the relevant laws and guidelines.

energy regulators around the country

national bodies & associations

As well as state regulation bodies, there are a number of national bodies that are involved with the regulation, representation and monitoring of the various parties that are involved in Australia's energy industry.