Energy retailers fined $60,000 by AER

EnergyAustralia and Alinta have paid a total of $60,000 in penalties after allegedly failing to submit required accurate market performance data to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

“Retailers need to carefully examine their information and data, prior to submitting it to the AER, so that that stakeholders relying on that data are not misled,” AER chair Paul Conboy said.

“Where we find breaches of the data reporting provisions of the Retail Law, we will investigate and take action.

“We expect retailers to have adequate and robust data governance systems in place to ensure that they are meeting their obligations under the Retail Law.”

The AER’s focus on the accuracy and timeliness of all data reporting supports consumer confidence and market transparency in retail energy markets.

Alinta has paid $40,000 in penalties after being issued with two infringement notices for allegedly failing to submit timely and accurate jurisdictional data for South Australia and New South Wales for the 2016/17 financial year.

The latest data submitted was 12 months late.

EnergyAustralia has paid $20,000 in penalties after being issued with an infringement notice for allegedly failing to submit timely and accurate jurisdictional data for New South Wales for the 2016/17 financial year.

EnergyAustralia submitted data 10 months late.

“Having timely and accurate market performance data is critical to the work of the AER,” Ms Conboy said.

“It allows us to examine trends and identify areas of concern in the Australian retail energy market.

“Timely and accurate data on key indicators such as customer numbers, the assistance given to customers experiencing payment difficulties, and the number of customers disconnected for non-payment is necessary to develop the best policies to protect customers and ensure companies are meeting their legal obligations.”

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