AER - Review of consumer protections for future energy services - Final advice - November 2023

On 23 November 2023, the AER sent a letter to Energy Ministers with the final advice attached, in preparation for the Energy Ministers meeting on 24 November 2023. 

The final advice is the culmination of rigorous risk analysis, research and extensive stakeholder consultation. It presents the case for reforming the National Energy Customer Framework to ensure it can continue to adequately protect consumers in an evolving energy market, supporting the energy transition. 

New energy services such as virtual power plants, aggregation services and home energy management services are being increasingly intertwined with the essential services consumers rely on. New energy services will also become increasingly important in supporting the grid through the energy transition, reducing the costs of supplying electricity to all consumers and driving down emissions.

The AER’s view is that, unless there is some regulatory reform to enhance protections, there is the risk of harm to consumers. Effective consumer protections would also support the wider uptake of these new services, driving further innovation and realising the significant benefits that they bring to the transition.