We have published the draft Ministerial Statement of Expectations: Protecting NSW customers of embedded networks for public comment.
The Ministerial Statement forms part of the Embedded Network Action Plan, which identifies how we can improve outcomes and address gaps in protection for embedded network customers.
The Ministerial Statement applies to:
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authorised electricity retailers operating an embedded network to on-sell electricity to multiple premises, and
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operators of hot or chilled water embedded networks that sell hot or chilled water to multiple premises through a common hot or chilled water system that they operate and meter.
The expectations set out in the Ministerial Statement will support improved outcomes for customers of embedded networks. The aim is to extend the consumer and price protections enjoyed by those in traditional energy supply arrangements to customers in embedded networks. In conjunction with other measures set out in the Embedded Network Action Plan, this will deliver more equitable protections for customers of embedded networks.
A final Ministerial Statement will be released after public consultation and review of submissions.
How to get involved
If you would like to make a submission or ask a question, please contact the Energy Consumer and Competition Policy team at energy.consumerpolicy@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
Submissions close at 5:00 pm AEDT Friday 31 March 2023.
Next steps
Once a final Ministerial Statement is released, we will pursue the required legislative and regulatory changes to make the expectations – set out in the Ministerial Statement – for embedded network operators legally enforceable. The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will also report any known instances of non-compliance to the NSW Government and the NSW Government will begin consultations with the relevant operator.