Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien, has warned that his government may have no other choice but to reconsider its support of COAG’s National Energy Retail (NER) Law Bill if the Federal Government does not provide assurances that the Australian Energy Regulator will be sufficiently funded.

 

“The Bill also gives responsibility for enforcement of obligations under the National Retail Rules to the Australian Energy Regulator,” Mr O’Brien said.

 

“There are some areas where the National Energy Retail Law and Rules offer a materially lower level of protection or service than the existing Victorian framework. The Coalition Government has consistently stated that it will only sign up to the national framework if key Victorian customer protections are retained. Therefore a number of Victorian specific matters are to be provided for through regulations made under the Bill.”

 

“I have sought an assurance from the Commonwealth that the Australian Energy Regulator will be appropriately funded to administer jurisdiction-specific arrangements.”

 

The Bill has been tabled and is listed on the Government Business Program for Parliament this week, with the expectation that assurances will be provided.