AER - Final decision letter to retailers - Energy bill relief message - 10 August 2023

10 August 2023

Since the AER published its previous section 37 decision on 6 July 2023, we have received further feedback from stakeholders about the implementation of the energy rebate message.

Some retailers highlighted that the length of the previous message made it challenging to accommodate in their billing systems. In response to this feedback, we have reduced the length of the messages to make them as short as possible, while retaining the necessary information to ensure it is useful to customers.

We also received feedback from some jurisdictions, who considered that the generic phrase 'your state or territory government' is likely to be unclear to customers. To address this concern, we have determined a single message for all states, and separate messages for ACT retailers, including ActewAGL Retail. This will provide greater clarity for customers in each state and in the ACT.

In light of this information, on 10 August 2023, the AER decided to:

• revoke the 6 July 2023 decision to implement a single generic message.
• make a new decision under section 37 of the Guideline to approve new messages as 'Tier 1' information, depending on whether they live in a state, the ACT, or are a customer of ActewAGL Retail.

The final messages are:

For electricity customers who live in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania or Queensland

The Australian Government and your State Government are supporting customers to reduce bills. Check the understand your bill section to see if you have received a rebate or concession. More information at energy.gov.au

For electricity customers in the ACT, other than customers of ActewAGL Retail

The Australian and ACT Governments are supporting customers to reduce bills. Check the understand your bill section to see if you have received a rebate or concession. More information at energy.gov.au

For electricity customers of ActewAGL

The Australian Government and your State or Territory government are supporting customers to reduce bills. Check the understand your bill section to see if you have received a rebate or concession. More information at energy.gov.au

A letter was sent to retailers advising them of the decision and new messages on 10 August 2023.