The latest independent assessment of retail electricity markets has highlighted the ongoing value of competition and market deals in helping customers cut their energy bills, the energy industry said today.
The Australian Energy Council's Chief Executive Sarah McNamara said that steps taken to simplify bills and reduce confusion for consumers was having a beneficial impact.
"The message is simple: customers who shop around for market deals can benefit and this remains the best approach to get your electricity bill down.
"The AEMC's competition review indicates that customers can make significant savings due to stronger competition in 2019, while switching retailers has reached new highs as a result of greater customer engagement. The industry is committed to make it easier for customers to find a better deal, and is looking forward to seeing engagement continue to rise over the next 12 months.
"For that reason we strongly support its recommendation to improve the visibility and effectiveness of the government's EnergyMadeEasy comparator website and endorse its support for the Energy Charter.
"The report makes a number of other important recommendations to help deliver good customer outcomes, further enhance competition and improve regulatory certainty for retailers and we look forward to working with stakeholders to develop these measures."
About the Australian Energy Council
The Council represents 21 major electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. These businesses collectively generate the overwhelming majority of electricity in Australia and sell gas and electricity to over 10 million homes and businesses.
