ENERGY INDUSTRY OMBUDSMAN

In reply to the Hon. M. PARNELL (14 February 2012).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy has advised:

1. If an energy customer is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the Energy Industry Ombudsman they can seek independent legal advice about the next steps in relation to their matter. The next steps may include a hearing of the matter in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

2. The Government is confident that the Energy Industry Ombudsman of South Australia provides a high level of independent dispute resolution for matters arising between energy consumers and retailers. The Energy Industry Ombudsman is funded by energy industry participants and its services are provided free of charge to energy consumers.

Under the Electricity Act 1996, the terms and conditions of the Ombudsman Scheme are approved by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), an independent regulator established by the Government in 2002. Both the Constitution and Charter of the Ombudsman Scheme have been approved by the ESCOSA and any changes to the Constitution or Charter must also be approved by the ESCOSA. As such the ESCOSA can ensure that the procedures of the Ombudsman Scheme remain impartial.