As an energy crisis unfolds and the NSW Parliament launches its enquiry into embedded networks, embedded networks are fast gaining media attention.
In a 19 June article in The Guardian Australia, NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman Janine Young explained how the apartment construction boom of the past decade has made embedded networks increasingly common—and how these networks leave consumers vulnerable.
Embedded network customers aren’t protected by the default market offer (DMO) cap on electricity and gas, are excluded from rebates and concessions, and have limited options for dispute resolution when things go wrong. With energy prices set to rise on 1 July, many customers are worried about keeping their bills down.
“I see customers stop using heating because they’re too scared about the bill – elderly people with compromised health risks,” Janine told The Guardian.
The article also included insights from the Consumer Action Law Centre, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, and Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), all of which agree that reforms are needed to improve protections for embedded network customers.
