A report released by an expert panel has found that Victoria’s energy consumers are being disadvantaged by the appeals system for regulatory decisions on energy network charges.

 

State Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O’Brien welcomed the report from the Standing Committee on Energy Resources, saying it backs the State Government’s push for changes to the regulatory regime for network changes.

 

"This report strongly backs the Coalition Government arguments that the current appeals regime is not delivering the best results for consumers," Mr O'Brien said.

 

The current appeals regime in the National Energy Market, known as the Limited Merits Review, determines how electricity companies can challenge regulatory decisions regarding what they can charge for “poles and wires” infrastructure, which make up over 40 per cent of consumers’ bills.

 

The review is in two stages. Stage one considered how the regime has operated to date. Stage two will make recommendations for improving the regime for the future.

 

The first stage of the process has now been completed and the panel has found the Limited Merits Review process is not fulfilling the intended policy objectives and does not appear to be providing adequate consideration of the long term interests of energy consumers.

 

The full review can be found here