The peak body for energy retailers welcomes the Designed to Disrupt report into Domestic and Family Violence undertaken by Flequity and commissioned by the Essential Services Commission.
The Australian Energy Council's (AEC) CEO, Louisa Kinnear, said "Domestic and financial abuse is a critical area for energy businesses, and they recognise they have a responsibility to ensure their systems and processes are designed and implemented in such a way that ensures their customers are kept safe.
"The energy sector is heavily regulated, and unlike other sectors of the economy, has explicit requirements that retailers must follow. Regulation is well embedded in systems and processes, and this report highlights the opportunity now for the energy sector itself to take the lead on further development of important customer protections.
"The AEC has convened a Domestic and Financial Abuse Working Group to lead this work on behalf of the sector. This working group, comprising senior leaders across the industry, is tasked with collaborating to develop and deliver best practice approaches to supporting customers experiencing Domestic and Financial Abuse.
"Whilst significant progress has been made by the energy sector in supporting customers who are experiencing domestic and financial abuse, the AEC acknowledges there is more work to be done to ensure essential services are not being weaponised.
"The energy sector stands ready to work closely with regulators and experts to further build on its support frameworks, and ensure it is able to protect its customers when needed."
About the Australian Energy Council
The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.
