http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/battlers-take-on-electricity-giants/story-e6frf7jo-1225989949677
The Consumer Action Law Centre and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre have applied to the Australian Competition Tribunal for leave to intervene on behalf of consumers, in the appeals lodged by Victoria’s five electricity distributors against the Australian Energy Regulator’s recent price determinations that cut back the amounts the distributors wanted to charge consumers over the next five years.
The Consumer Action Law Centre and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre have applied to the Australian Competition Tribunal for leave to intervene on behalf of consumers, in the appeals lodged by Victoria’s five electricity distributors against the Australian Energy Regulator’s recent price determinations that cut back the amounts the distributors wanted to charge consumers over the next five years.
Distribution costs account for around 40% of household electricity bills and it would be unfair if Victorian consumers were forced to pay millions of unnecessary extra dollars because distributors were able to argue for more money in court proceedings in which consumers did not get a say.
Law firm Maurice Blackburn is representing the organisations in the proceedings on a pro bono basis, supported by barristers Kristine Hanscombe SC and Melanie Szydzik.
A hearing to be held on 17 February 2010 will determine whether the distributors will be given leave to proceed with their appeal and, if so, whether consumer advocates will be given permission to intervene. If given the go ahead, the appeal is expected to be heard in March 2010.
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