The federal government has today launched a new energy consumer advocacy body called Energy Consumers Australia.
The COAG Energy Council is responsible for the new body which has been formed to, “give consumers a stronger voice” in the national energy policy arena.
Energy Consumers Australia’s new board was announced this morning by Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane and South Australian Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Tom Koutsantonis.
Consumer advocate Louise Sylvan will chair the five person board which includes Steven Graham, Catherine Cooper, Clare Petre and Gillian Owen.
“Energy Consumers Australia will provide a strong voice for all those that use energy and want competitive and transparent prices, particularly residential and small business consumers,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Energy users will now be able to engage on issues like the price, quality, safety, reliability and security of supply of energy services in a more meaningful way.”
Ms Sylvan is a former CEO of the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, a former Productivity Commission member and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair.
“Energy Consumers Australia will build its own in-house research and advocacy capabilities to explore emerging issues of strategic importance to energy consumers, particularly households and small business,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The board will work closely with consumer advocates, ombudsman, industry, regulators and governments to build a collegiate approach to advocacy across the country.”
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