Consumers cannot access at least one reliable energy source for health, safety and wellbeing
The ability to heat water for the use in our homes has always been a central part of why we consider energy to be an essential service, along with lighting, heating, the use of electric devices and communications.
The guarantee that all residential gas and electricity customers have the right to open an energy account, and access an energy supply, is fundamental to all the protections contained in NECF. This single consumer protection is the basis for all the other rights extended to energy consumers in NSW - such as default/standing offers, protection from disconnection, protections for customers experiencing vulnerability, deemed arrangements for move-in customers, and fair and transparent contract terms.
The provision of electricity and gas is tied to the customer also opening a hot water account – the customer cannot access at least one service which would ensure their health, safety, and wellbeing.
