Electricity Wizard CEO Believes AEMC Power of Choice Draft Report Does Not Go Far Enough

Sept. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has just called for comment on a new draft report ‘Power of Choice’, which recommends that consumers be given more options in the way they use, and are charged for, electricity. The CEO of the free price comparison service for gas and electricity, Electricity Wizard, believes some key strategies were missing from the report.

The ‘Power of Choice’ report recommends ‘providing a greater range of pricing options to residential and small business consumers including the use of electricity tariffs that vary at different times of day and possibly in different locations’.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr John Pierce, when calling for comment on the draft report mentioned the inclusion in the report of recommendations for commercial investment in metering technology  and demand-side participation.

However, Electricity Wizard’s CEO, Alan Belkin says the report, does not address several key contributors to rising electricity charges.

“Ownership of the electricity infrastructure in Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales should be deregulated” said Mr Belkin. “Governments should govern. Having governments involved in such projects, without budgets and accountability, inevitably results in wasting taxpayers’ money.”

“Involving the private sector in the delivery of infrastructure will lead to greater accountability, and drive down costs” he explained.

Mr Belkin also suggests that a light be shone on ‘green schemes’ - programs that he says have cost taxpayers dearly in the form of price rises.

“It seems that the more governments are involved in the electricity sector, the more ‘green’ programs are introduced, and the more average households have to pay” he said.  “As with other programs that governments consider, the cost to consumers of these ‘green’ schemes need to be transparent, scrutinized and be subject to public discussion before they are introduced.”

While urging consumers to be proactive in managing their electricity consumption and comparing the prices from electricity retailers, Mr Belkin now also encourages them to read and comment upon the draft report (by October 16).

For more information visit ElectricityWizard.com.au


About Electricity Wizard

Electricity Wizard’s mission is to provide an easy way to find a better deal in your area. Its free http://www.electricitywizard.com.au  service has been used by over 50,000 Australians to compare rates and plans, and get a deal that best meets their needs.

The Australian gas and electricity market is one of the most competitive in the world - with dozens of companies, making it extremely difficult to know if you’re choosing the right plan for you.

When consumers contact Electricity Wizard, one of their friendly Australian staff will assess their current rates and plan, and recommend better options for their home or business from their range of preferred partners.

Best of all, the service is completely free. To find a better deal on your energy bills, in minutes, visit http://www.electricitywizard.com.au