Energy

Origin Energy pays penalty for allegedly misleading electricity customers

Origin Energy has paid a penalty of $126,000 after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for an alleged false or misleading representation in a price increase letter sent to residential electricity customers in Victoria.

In the letter, Origin told customers on market offers that its electricity prices were changing, and represented that the reason for the change was the Victorian Essential Services Commission’s increase to the Victorian Default Offer.

CDR Participant Test Strategy

The ACCC has released the Consumer Data Right Participant Test Strategy for the banking sector. A critical element of the Consumer Data Right is the successful operation of participants’ technology solutions. This Test Strategy outlines the ACCC’s testing approach for new participants prior to on-boarding, and for existing participants to prepare for future releases and ensure continuous integrity and operation of the ecosystem.

Efficient infrastructure key to economy beyond the COVID-19 crisis

Efficient infrastructure is integral to rebuilding the economy beyond the pandemic but cannot come by excessively focussing on the needs of infrastructure owners at the expense of the users, ACCC Chair Rod Sims said today.

Mr Sims was speaking at the Australian Financial Review’s National Infrastructure Summit on competition issues in infrastructure and changes since COVID-19.

On-boarding guide

The ACCC has published the on-boarding guide. The guide is for participants to navigate the Consumer Data Right on-boarding process, once they have been accredited (data recipient) or registered (data holder).

ACCC makes Accredited Intermediary Rules

The ACCC has made amendments to the Consumer Data Right Rules. These amendments permit the use of accredited intermediaries to collect data, through an expansion of the rules relating to outsourced service providers. The amendments expand the Consumer Data Right system by allowing for accredited businesses to rely on other accredited businesses to collect Consumer Data Right data on their behalf, so they can provide goods and services to consumers.

Energy industry cooperation authorised with strict conditions

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and participants in gas and electricity markets have been authorised to cooperate on measures to secure Australia’s energy supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The authorisation granted by the ACCC today allows AEMO and energy industry participants to share essential personnel, essential inputs such as parts and equipment, and information about the operation of their facilities. They will also be permitted to co-ordinate repairs and maintenance.