The launch of the Energy Charter has been welcomed by associations and industry bodies as an important initiative to manifest the interests of consumers at the centre of business priorities.
The final version of the Energy Charter and the Energy Charter in Operation incorporates feedback on the Consultation Draft from the End-User Consultation Group (EUCG), the energy industry, an extensive range of stakeholders and further input from Industry Working Group (IWG) members.
A total of 21 public submissions were received during public consultation between 20 September and 17 October 2018, with a further 200 individuals providing feedback through webinars and targeted teleconferences, stakeholder forums and one-on one briefings. Feedback was also received via the media, with articles appearing in the Australian Financial Review, Energy Source and Distribution magazine and Energy magazine.
Feedback from public consultation indicated that stakeholders were supportive of the intent and direction of the Energy Charter, and support has continued following its recent launch.
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) said that its major gas transmission pipeline owners and operators have already committed to the Energy Charter.
“We understand this is a world first whole-of-industry initiative focused on embedding customer-centric culture and conduct in energy businesses,” APGA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Davies, said.
“Australian gas transmission companies are all service providers, providing transportation and storage services to markets and users. Gas transmission companies work actively to provide the capacity and services that market participants need.
“The Energy Charter provides an excellent framework to ensure interactions with customers remain focused on delivering the best outcomes for them.”
The Australian Energy Council
Australian Energy Council Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said consumer interests remain a central focus for the industry, as it manages the transformation of the energy system and continues to advocate for a stabilising climate and energy policy.
Several of the Council’s members are among the 17 businesses across the energy supply chain that have committed to the Energy Charter and to building a culture and solutions required to ‘together, deliver energy for a better Australia’.
“Our members are committed to delivering the outcomes their customers expect,” Ms McNamara said.
“As the grid is increasingly decarbonised and decentralised, energy businesses will have an even greater role to play to ensure reliable, safe and sustainable supply that meets the needs of consumers. The cross-sector collaboration and industry-led reforms the Charter will enable are essential to the delivery of better outcomes for consumers.
“We commend the 17 signatories and Energy Consumers Australia, for the development and launch of this important project. We look forward to its continued growth during this critical time for the energy sector and its customers.”
Participating businesses include: AGL, APA Group, Aurora Energy, Ausgrid, AusNet Services, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, CS Energy, Endeavour Energy, Energy Queensland Limited including Ergon Energy Network, Energex, Yurika and Ergon Energy Retail, EnergyAustralia, Essential Energy, Jemena and Ovida, Meridian Energy Australia and Powershop Australia, Origin Energy, Powerlink Queensland, Stanwell and TransGrid.
