Impact on consumers The key benefit associated with this option is the positive outcome for consumers, including disadvantaged consumers currently paying for paper bills. No consumer would be required to pay a fee to receive a paper bill. The costs associated with generating a paper bill would once again be incorporated into the overall price of the provision of goods and services, as was traditionally done. Consumers who are currently paying paper billing fees will pay less overall, as the costs of producing their bills would be shared amongst all customers. Consumers who elect to receive digital bills would effectively subsidise those who do not – meaning they could pay marginally higher monthly bills. Impact on other stakeholders This option limits the tools available to businesses with which they can encourage consumers to transition to paper bills. This may lead to increased production of paper waste that may be viewed unfavourably by some in the community. BENEFITS COSTS Consumers including disadvantaged Businesses are not able to pass costs to consumers no longer have to pay to receive consumers leading to an increase in overall paper bills. prices for all consumers. Businesses are incentivised to invest in Some businesses lose a basis on which alternative means of transitioning customers they can attract customers. to digital bills such as user friendly – interfaces. Businesses involved in the manufacture and Increased paper waste. distribution of paper bills may benefit from increased business.
Impact on consumers The key benefit associated with this option is the positive outcome for consumers, including disadvantaged consumers currently paying for paper bills. No consumer would be required to pay a fee to receive a paper bill. The costs associated with generating a paper bill would once again be incorporated into the overall price of the provision of goods and services, as was traditionally done. Consumers who are currently paying paper billing fees will pay less overall, as the costs of producing their bills would be shared amongst all customers. Consumers who elect to receive digital bills would effectively subsidise those who do not – meaning they could pay marginally higher monthly bills. Impact on other stakeholders This option limits the tools available to businesses with which they can encourage consumers to transition to paper bills. This may lead to increased production of paper waste that may be viewed unfavourably by some in the community. BENEFITS COSTS Consumers including disadvantaged consumers no longer have to pay to receive paper bills. Businesses are not able to pass costs to consumers leading to an increase in overall prices for all consumers. Businesses are incentivised to invest in alternative means of transitioning customers to digital bills – such as user friendly interfaces. Some businesses lose a basis on which they can attract customers. Businesses involved in the manufacture and distribution of paper bills may benefit from increased business. Increased paper waste.
Fees%20for%20paper%20bills%20%20Consultation%20Paper.docx