Ensuring that the objective 6.2) To develop, in close consultation SCER to develop a SCER June 2013 A proposal for a Relevant to WA of the Australian Energy with consumer bodies, a proposal on proposal on model, national energy and the NT Market Agreement, which the form, scope and funding to funding and consumer advocacy places an emphasis on the establish such a national body, implementation body was developed long term interests of equipped to engage in regulatory arrangements for SCER by two consumers, is met processes, support targeted research expert advisors. Their and advocacy initiatives, and lead on final report was national advocacy issues. released publicly on 31 May 2013. SCER asked officials to develop a detailed implementation plan. Note that establishing such a body is N/A N/A N/A Relevant to WA likely to require legislative change and and the NT that in parallel immediate steps should be taken to improve consumer representation in the energy market. Note the establishment of a Consumer Funding and selection SCER and AER No later than Panel established by Commonwealth Challenge Panel within the AER to of Panel July 2013 AER (from 1 July resourcing ensure that consumers are better 2013) following an commitment to the represented within regulatory decisions. open EOI and AER selection progress. 6.3) Improvement of criteria for the Consultation on SCER June 2013 On 31 May 2013, Relevant to WA Consumer Advocacy Panel (CAP) grant improvements SCER agreed to and the NT allocation within the AEMC relevant amendments Establishment Act Regulations to have to the AEMC greater focus on addressing priority Establishment needs of average energy consumers, Regulations. including in AEMC processes and consider the appropriate mechanism
Ensuring that the objective of the Australian Energy Market Agreement, which places an emphasis on the long term interests of consumers, is met 6.2) To develop, in close consultation with consumer bodies, a proposal on the form, scope and funding to establish such a national body, equipped to engage in regulatory processes, support targeted research and advocacy initiatives, and lead on national advocacy issues. SCER to develop a proposal on model, funding and implementation arrangements SCER June 2013 A proposal for a national energy consumer advocacy body was developed for SCER by two expert advisors. Their final report was released publicly on 31 May 2013. SCER asked officials to develop a detailed implementation plan. Relevant to WA and the NT Note that establishing such a body is likely to require legislative change and that in parallel immediate steps should be taken to improve consumer representation in the energy market. N/A N/A N/A Relevant to WA and the NT Note the establishment of a Consumer Challenge Panel within the AER to ensure that consumers are better represented within regulatory decisions. Funding and selection of Panel SCER and AER No later than July 2013 Panel established by AER (from 1 July 2013) following an open EOI and selection progress. Commonwealth resourcing commitment to the AER 6.3) Improvement of criteria for the Consumer Advocacy Panel (CAP) grant allocation within the AEMC Establishment Act Regulations to have greater focus on addressing priority needs of average energy consumers, including in AEMC processes and consider the appropriate mechanism Consultation on improvements SCER June 2013 On 31 May 2013, SCER agreed to relevant amendments to the AEMC Establishment Regulations. Relevant to WA and the NT