ACCC Highlights C&I Users' Need For More Affordable Electricity And Gas

In a speech to the Energy Users Association of Australia ("EUAA"), the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission ("ACCC") Chairman said that the energy market is not working effectively for commercial and industrial users ("C&I users"). In particular, the gas market is of significant concern to C&I users due to the consequences for employment, investment, and company viability. The chairman noted that the gas shortfall for southern states, moratoria, and other regulatory restrictions are currently impeding the gas market and discouraging additional investment. This has led to significant increases in prices paid by gas consumers in the southern states, including C&I users. The chairman also said that overspend on network infrastructure and environmental schemes, such as premium solar feed-in tariffs, have contributed to price increases.