Legislation abolishing the Limited Merits Review process has passed parliament and will affect the ability of network companies to appeal to the Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT) over rulings on revenue or access agreements, placing greater emphasis on the need for network businesses to consult consumers in developing their business plans.
Energy Consumers Australia CEO, Rosemary Sinclair, said Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chair Rod Sims had emphasised the significance of network costs to the energy affordability challenges consumers are now facing.
“The frequent, almost routine, appeals of network revenue determinations in recent years damaged consumer trust in the sector and undermined the authority of the Regulator,” Ms Sinclair said.
“Network costs are higher than they need to be, in part because of Limited Merits Review and abolishing it is important and timely reform.
“We are hopeful the abolition of Limited Merits Review will signal the end of a costly and counter-productive period in network regulation.”
Ms Sinclair said there were positive signs that networks businesses were shifting their focus from the legal process to consumer outcomes.
Energy Consumers Australia is part of a new, joint initiative with Energy Networks Australia and the Australian Energy Regulator that will explore ways to improve sector engagement, and identify opportunities for regulatory innovation.
“There are opportunities to better reflect consumer views in revenue determination processes, and to improve consumer trust and confidence in network regulation. Energy customers’ priorities should drive business and regulatory outcomes.
“The network businesses that will thrive in the new market are those that operate in an open and collaborative way to align interests and deliver the services consumers demand in the most efficient and innovative possible way,” Ms Sinclair said.
