NATIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET

596 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (30 July 2013). What aspects of the National Electricity Market regulatory regime concern the government, are further reforms required and if so, what are the details?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development): I am advised on 7 December 2012, the Council of Australian Governments endorsed the comprehensive Standing Council on Energy and Resources' energy market reform package 'Putting Consumers First'.

The reforms consist of four key areas that will drive better outcomes for consumers, namely strengthening network regulation, empowering consumers, competition and innovation, and ensuring balanced network investment.

The government has already delivered on two of the commitments, with the National Energy Customer Framework and deregulated retail prices being introduced on 1 February 2013. Other government initiatives include improving the network regulatory appeals mechanism to ensure the paramount concern is the long-term interests of consumers.

The first steps are being taken towards a stronger consumer voice, through a proposal for a national consumer advocacy body. Consumers are also able to make better choices about their energy uses through increased access to consumer energy data and greater incentives for demand-side participation to avoid or defer the need for additional investment in generation and networks.

The government will again take a lead role in delivering some of these national reforms. In the latter half of 2013 I will seek the support of the South Australian Parliament for reforms to improve the network regulatory regime appeals mechanism and implement smart meter consumer protections.

The government is also seeking to ensure that there are no impediments to the functionality and efficiency of the competitive sectors of the National Electricity Market.