Queensland Proposes New Consumer Protections for Smart Meter Users

The Queensland Government has proposed a regulation change allowing households with smart meters to revert to flat tariffs. This move aims to provide flexibility to consumers who were shifted to time-of-use tariffs after smart meter installation.

The proposed change enables energy consumers, who were moved to time-of-use tariffs, to return to a flat tariff if they choose. This regulation aligns with the Australian Energy Market Commission’s recent three-year ban on tariff changes without consumer consent.

The Queensland Government pushed for these new rules after receiving feedback through the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council that customers were experiencing bill shock after unknowingly being switched to a different tariff.

In regional Queensland, where electricity tariffs are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority, Ergon Energy Retail is prohibited from changing a customer’s tariff without their informed consent.

In South East Queensland, retailers can assign smart meter customers to a demand or time-of-use tariff but must notify the customer before the next bill is issued.

The Queensland Government noted that while time-of-use tariffs can lead to significant savings, those savings depend on consumers understanding and managing their energy usage effectively.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, emphasized that the regulation change is aimed at easing financial pressure on households. “Every bit counts, and we’re committed to giving Queenslanders the helping hand they need,” Mr. Miles stated.

Queensland Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights. “We’re not only providing nation-leading cost of living relief but also ensuring Queenslanders can easily access the best tariff options for their households,” Mr. de Brenni said.

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