ACCC facilitates smooth introduction of full retail competition in SA

To facilitate the smooth transition of full retail competition the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to allow South Australia to delay the introduction of competition for some types of metering services in the electricity market.

Metering services involve the provision, installation, maintenance, routine testing and inspection of electricity measuring equipment for domestic and business users.

Full retail competition begins in South Australia on 1 January 2003 and will allow consumers to choose their electricity retailer. Introducing competition in metering services is not necessary, at this stage, for the benefits of full retail competition to be realised.

"For the full benefits of retail competition to be realised it is important to have an environment which allows consumers to easily switch retailers", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today. "This decision will mean the process for consumers who choose to switch retailers is straightforward".

A copy of the draft determination is from Mrs Maxine Helmling on (02) 6243 1246.