Question 1 - Embedded Networks

Amy:

A feature of many apartment blocks in South Brisbane and elsewhere is embedded networks which deny residents the ability to access the usual electricity tariffs available to others. When will the government bring embedded networks into the jurisdiction of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland so these customers have access to the same dispute resolution options as other residents?

DG of Department of Energy:

As part of its deliberations the former COAG Energy Council has been looking at a range of embedded network related issues. There has been ongoing work at the national level for some time. The issue you are raising around that, particularly when you haven’t got an individual meter, you also see with, for example, the inability to access rooftop solar PV in the same way. We are definitely alive to that as an issue. There is regulation at the state level which is consistent, I hope, across jurisdictions to start to address some of the issues around embedded networks.

Minister for Energy:

I can provide some further guidance on that. The question relates to supporting
electricity consumers whose supply exists within an embedded network in apartment buildings,
manufactured parks, caravan parks et cetera in terms of bringing them under the remit of the
Ombudsman. We are committed to doing that. Government is finalising a regulatory impact statement.
That process has some obligations around ensuring that the regulatory impact process meets the
threshold the community expects around effective consultation. I want to assure the member that that
process is underway. The regulatory impact statement process is nearing finalisation and will be
released soon.

Amy:

Is there a time line associated with that?

Minister for Energy:

I can assure the member that it is a priority for government and we are working as quickly as we can towards that. As soon as the regulatory impact statement is approved then we will progress.