Australian Energy Regulator takes AGL to court claiming dodgy data
The electricity market needs accurate information – but AGL failed on 544 of 600 measures, the Australian Energy Regulator says. It wants the courts to fine the energy company.
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Energy company AGL faces legal action over allegations it failed to provide accurate information to the electricity market.
Important information including how many customers it has, how many are on hardship programs and how many had been disconnected for not paying their bills had not been provided as required under national market rules, the Australian Energy Regulator claims.
Robust enforcement ensuring compliance with the law is vital to building consumer trust, AER chair Clare Savage said.
The regulator has launched action in the Federal Court against four AGL companies — including AGL South Australia — over performance data supplied in 2017-18.
“The alleged failure by these AGL companies to submit accurate and timely retail market performance data may have led to the AER, and stakeholders that rely on data published by the AER, being misinformed,” she said.
“AGL is a big player in the retail energy market which makes it all the more important that it has in place appropriate systems to provide the AER with accurate performance data within the timeframes required, so that the AER can correctly report on the market.”
The AER alleges data was inaccurate for 544 of 600 performance indicators.
It is seeking declarations, fines and costs.
Under consumer law, fines of up to $100,000 per contravention can be imposed.
An AGL spokesman said the company declined comment at this stage.
The AER already has legal action in progress against four wind farms of the 2016 SA blackout and against Pelican Point over its gas-fired turbines not being available in the 2017 blackout.