Policy and research update

Proposed electricity restructure in New South Wales

With the move to a national energy market and proposed restructure of the electricity industry in NSW, EWON has made various submissions on the need for a strong consumer protection framework for energy consumers.

Given the proposed changes and increases in energy costs, EWON welcomed the NSW Government announcement in April 2008 regarding:

• an increase in the pensioner energy rebate from $112 to $130 pa over the next five years
• extension of the energy rebate to include recipients of Carers Allowances, Sickness Allowances and Special Benefits
• introduction of a ‘no disconnections policy’ for small domestic customers
• an increase in the level of funding for the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program

EWON will continue to work with retailers, government and community organisations to ensure that there remains a strong commitment to the needs of financially disadvantaged consumers in the context of any changes in the energy industry.

Click here to view our recent submissions.