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New AEMC consumer protections for smart meters welcomed by SACOSS

New AEMC consumer protections for smart meters welcomed by SACOSS

The South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) welcomed moves by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to increase protections for future SA smart meter households. But it’s clear more must be done to protect low-income SA smart meter households currently facing time of use (or so-called ‘surge’) tariffs.

All consumers in the National Electricity Market (which includes South Australia) will be moved onto smart meters by 2030.

Under the new AEMC ruling, consumers receiving a smart meter upgrade can only be switched over to new tariff structures if the retailer obtains the customer’s explicit informed consent. Currently retailers can impose these new tariffs without a customer’s consent. However, the ruling does not apply to households that already have smart meters. In addition, the period of time before retailers can switch consumers over to the new tariffs has now been reduced from a proposed three years down to two.

This new ruling also means AEMC will require retailers to offer a flat rate standing offer as an option for households that cannot respond to time of use pricing. Moreover, standing offers, although capped by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), are generally more expensive than market offers, and retailers have already removed flat rate market offers for existing smart meter customers. SACOSS believes both new and existing smart meter customers should be able to access the new flat rate standing offers.

Quotes attributable to Ross Womersley, SACOSS CEO

We welcome any initiative that increases consumer protections around smart meters. We’ve been advocating for many years that the smart meter rollout was not being planned or executed appropriately, and today’s ruling is definitely a step in the right direction.

Up until now, consumers had very little agency: you got a smart meter whether you wanted it or not, and you were placed on these time of use, or surge, tariffs by retailers whether you wanted them or not.

It was left up to the consumer to understand what was going on – and the first indication consumers often got was one of shock when they received their first bill after a smart meter was installed. They found that they had been placed, without their consent, on a whole new regime of ‘time-of-use’ charging that had not been communicated or explained.

It’s particularly devastating for energy consumers on lower incomes. Energy is an essential service and going without it is not an option for anyone. But now South Australian households on lower incomes who have been placed on smart meters are faced with impossible decisions: trying to shift their energy usage behaviour to some imaginary ideal or choosing between other essentials such as food or medicine in order to pay their energy bills.

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

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DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.