The ACCC is holding public forums on its electricity supply and prices inquiry during the end of July and beginning August with industry body, PIAA urging members to attend to speak to the representatives about the current electricity problem.
The forums will focus on residential and small business customers, but large customers are welcome to attend any of the forums.
Following the forums, a summary of issues discussed will be published on the ACCC website. What was discussed will not be revealed to the media nor will names of attendees be published, however commissioners will be available for interview either before or after each forum.
[Related: PIAA retail electricity market could crash]
Mary-Jo Fisher, director of government relations, PIAA says, “The aim will be to get members along to the forum so the ACCC commissioners can hear from our industry first hand and we expect the feedback and information our members will make first and foremost is on the issue about cost of energy and reliability of supply.
“I would expect members to make comments about the way they view the conduct of electricity retailers, I mean the feedback we have had is they have just have to keep switching retailers to get the best price and decent service.”
Fisher says one member quoted to the PIAA, “We are wary of electricity suppliers, when you have a problem you can only speak to a call centre whose agenda is to only keep their desired statistic profitable to themselves.”
Fisher says, “It is still frustrating to talk about these issues, the problem associated with these issues should be self-evident. Why are we not talking about solutions rather than fluffing around talking about the problem. There is frustration with governments who are still fighting between themselves rather than implementing solutions.”
The first forum will be held at the Hotel Urban in Brisbane on July 25 from 5-7 pm, then on July 31 at the Rydges South Park in Adelaide for the large users from 1-3pm and from 5-7pm for everyone else, Melbourne at the Rendezvous Hotel on August 3 from 5-7pm, Townsville on August 7 at the Rydges Convention Centre from 5-7pm and Sydney on August 14 at the Radisson Hotel and Suites from 5-7pm.
Anyone interested in attending contact Fisher maryjo@printnet.com.au.
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