Origin Energy has paid a $20,000 penalty following the issue of an infringement notice* by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
The AER issued the notice because it had reason to believe that Origin Energy had breached the National Energy Retail Law (Retail Law) by failing to submit accurate market performance data to the AER by the required date. Origin subsequently resubmitted the correct data, four months after it was due.
“A key part of our role as the energy regulator is to monitor and report on energy markets and ensure retailers are meeting their obligations,” said AER Chair Paula Conboy.
“The accurate and timely submission of performance data by retailers helps paint a clearer picture of what is going on in the homes of Australian energy customers,” Ms Conboy said.
“When we understand the disconnection rates or the number of customers on payment plans, we are in a position to inform policy makers and other key decision makers and work towards better energy outcomes.”
The performance data is also used by the AER and other stakeholders to inform policy decisions, for market analysis and to carry out regulatory functions.
Ms Conboy said the AER’s focus on the accuracy and timeliness of all data reporting is just one of its tools to promote transparency and consumer confidence in retail energy markets. The Energy Made Easy price comparator website, which provides customers with information on all the generally available offers in their area, is another.
“We encourage all customers to visit Energy Made Easy to see whether they could be saving money on their energy offer – we know that in most areas there can be a difference of hundreds of dollars between the cheapest and the most expensive offer,” Ms Conboy said.
“We will continue to protect energy customers, by ensuring energy businesses comply with the rules around customer disconnection, and by encouraging retailers to adopt the AER’s Sustainable Payment Plans Framework,” Ms Conboy said.
“The Framework helps retailers and customers to have better conversations when agreeing payment plans and encourages retailers to offer extra assistance to customers experiencing payment difficulties,” she added.
*The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the Retail Law or Rules. The AER can issue an infringement notice where it has reason to believe a business has contravened a civil penalty provision of the Retail Law or Rules.
