In an Australian first, claims made by gas retailers comparing the performance of gas and electrical appliances will be regulated from 1 January 2026, following a decision made by the Economic Regulation Authority.
The ERA has published the final decision for the review of the Gas Marketing Code of Conduct 2022, which regulates the marketing of gas to small use customers – typically households and small businesses.
Our amendments aim to improve the quality and availability of information gas retailers provide to customers, both in their own marketing material and on major third-party comparison websites.
These changes will help consumers make more informed purchases when considering new appliances or energy plans, by making sure that any retailers claims comparing different energy sources are up-to-date, simple and accurate.
The new regulations will apply to comparisons made between gas and electric appliances, and cover five areas – cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, health, sustainability and emissions.
Following feedback to our draft decision, the ERA has updated the approach to this comparative marketing regulation to make it easier for retailers to implement.