What the ACCC does

  • We monitor and enforce the Electricity Retail Code for electricity retailers.
  • We monitor and enforce the Gas Market Code for the wholesale gas market.
  • We monitor and enforce the gas price cap on the supply of regulated gas.
  • We advise government on changes to improve the operation of energy markets

What the ACCC can't do

ACCC inquiries into energy

Current inquiries

Gas inquiry 2017-30

We are conducting an inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia. We'll publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas.

Finalised inquiries

Electricity market and retailers

Electricity Retail Code

The code is for electricity retailers and sets a maximum price for certain electricity offers. It also forms a reference price for marketing activities.

Gas pricing and supply

Gas price cap

The Competition and Consumer (Gas Market Emergency Price) Order 2022 is an emergency measure that applies a temporary price cap on the supply of regulated gas.

Gas Market Code

The code contains a number of requirements for suppliers and aims to ensure the domestic wholesale gas market supplies adequate gas at reasonable prices and on reasonable terms for both suppliers and buyers.

Gas inquiry 2017-30

We are conducting an inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia. We'll publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas.

Gas inquiry 2017-30 reports

On 19 April 2017, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of and demand for wholesale gas in Australia, as well as to publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas for the next 3 years.

Initiatives

Image of a persons hands using laptop and phone

The Consumer Data Right

The Consumer Data Right allows consumers to safely share the data that businesses hold about them. This can help consumers to compare products to find offers. Banking and energy data is already available for consumers to share, with other sectors to follow.

Rules and advice for business and consumers

Electricity prices and plans

We guide consumers on how they can find the best electricity deal. The information is mainly for New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia. We provide sources for other areas to compare electricity costs.

Problems with your energy company

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, contact your electricity company and let them know. Your local Energy Ombudsman can help resolve problems with your energy company.

Solar panels and systems

Solar power is environmentally friendly and can help reduce your electricity costs. Choose a purchasing arrangement that best meets your needs, as some may end up costing you more than others.

Solar power

When deciding whether to install solar power you should read widely about the available systems and speak to your electricity supplier and a number of solar power providers to find out if the investment is the right one for you.

ACCC action in the energy industry

See media releases on energy