The AER says its new report shows its role in consumer protection.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its annual compliance and enforcement report for 2023–24, detailing the actions undertaken to protect consumers and ensure a secure energy supply. 

In the face of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and energy affordability concerns, the AER says its efforts have been crucial. 

The report says that over the past 12 months, the AER has secured $9.989 million in penalties from three court outcomes and five infringement notices. 

Additionally, four civil proceedings are currently in progress in the Federal Court, four enforceable undertakings have been accepted, and eleven compliance bulletins and guidance notes have been published.

“As Australians face ongoing cost-of-living pressures, our compliance and enforcement outcomes continue to deliver for consumers,” says AER Chair Clare Savage.

She further stressed the AER's commitment to working with energy companies to ensure they meet their obligations and provide necessary services and protections to consumers.

During the reporting period, the AER took significant steps to protect customers. 

This included actions against breaches of life support obligations and overcharging associated with Centrepay payments. 

The AER also reminded retailers of their responsibilities regarding price changes and support for customers experiencing hardship. 

A review of retailer compliance with the Better Bills Guideline and family violence policies was also conducted.

To protect customers in embedded networks, the AER initiated proceedings against CAM Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd and accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Trinity Place Investments Pty Ltd.

Monitoring compliance to support a reliable energy system remained a priority for the AER. 

This included securing almost $7 million in penalties for breaches related to backup electricity services and reporting physical plant capability to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). 

Additionally, $2.75 million in penalties were imposed for breaches of record-keeping obligations related to the Day Ahead Auction for gas pipeline capacity.

Further proceedings were instituted in the Federal Court against Callide Power Trading for alleged non-compliance with performance standards at the Callide C power station and against four Jemena subsidiaries for not ensuring the accuracy of Auction Quantity Limits provided to AEMO.

“The AER will continue to act where there are serious issues impacting consumers experiencing vulnerability, including life support consumers and consumers affected by family violence,” Savage said.