Committee Details

A Petition Regarding Consumer Utility Hardship

Inquiry status:

Past

Date commenced:

18 Oct 2006

Tabling date:

10 Apr 2008

Date Ended:

10 Apr 2008

Committee

Environment and Public Affairs Committee

House:

Legislative Council

Important Information:

Terms of Reference:

We the undersigned residents of Western Australia are concerned about the incidence of utility consumer hardship. There are significant economic and social impacts caused in cases where consumers struggle to pay for access to essential services.

We therefore respectfully request that the Legislative Council examine and address utility consumer hardship by:

Assessing the extent, nature, underlying causes and cost of utility hardship in Western Australia, including examining situations where consumers are disconnected or restricted on account of being genuinely unable to afford their utility bills.

Reviewing recent studies and relevant policies and practices both in Australia and overseas dealing with utility debt.

Assessing the impact on consumer hardship of the policies and practices of Western Australian Utilities, Government departments and agencies.

Recommending changes to the policies, programs, regulations and practices of Utilities, the Economic Regulation Authority, the Energy Ombudsman, and Government departments and agencies, to mitigate consumer utility hardship.

Submission Number	Submitting person/organisation
No submissions

Unless a venue is specified, hearings are held at the
Legislative Council Committee Rooms, Level 1, 2 Parliament Place, West Perth

Date	Time	Organisation
31 May 2006	10:30 AM	Western Australian Council of Social Service
27 Sep 2006	11:00 AM	Alinta Limited
27 Sep 2006	11:45 AM	Water Corporation
03 Oct 2006	11:30 AM	Synergy
03 Oct 2006	12:30 PM	Horizon Power
03 Oct 2006	01:30 PM	Energy Ombudsman
01 Nov 2006	11:15 AM	Jacaranda Community Centre Inc.
01 Nov 2006	12:15 PM	Anglicare

Related Transcripts of Evidence:

No documents found

Members conducting inquiry

Members:

Hon. Sheila Mills MLC
Hon. Bruce Kirwan Donaldson MLC
Hon. Catherine (Kate) Esther Doust MLC
Hon. Robyn Mary McSweeney MLC
Hon. Paul Vincent Llewellyn MLC

Staff Members:

Dr Vincent Cusack, BA (Hons), PhD (Advisory Officer (General))
Ms Linda Omar (Committee Clerk)