The Economic Regulation Authority has made it simpler for customers using life support equipment to access protections, through changes to the Code of Conduct for the Supply of Electricity to Small Use Customers 2022 that will come into effect next year.
The Code provides protections to small use electricity customers, which include households and some small businesses, by setting standards for billing and payment, connections and disconnections, and complaints.
Under the Code, customers using life support equipment in their home can register to receive additional protections - earlier notice of planned outages, priority reconnection after outages, and no disconnections for non-payment.
Customers must register with their retailer and provide relevant medical evidence to access the protections, and then confirm their ongoing need for life support equipment with a health practitioner every three years.
We have expanded the range of professions that can provide that three-yearly confirmation, including general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists.
Previously there were different registration requirements depending on whether they were in metropolitan or regional areas. The requirements have now been streamlined.