For the provision of Residential and Small Business Energy Customer Advocate Services

Proposals are sought to enhance advocacy representation for residential and small business energy customers in Queensland in order to raise visibility of information needs and energy consumption issues across these two customer groups.

In a changing market (introduction of market monitoring and tariff reform) residential and small business customers will require support and information regarding their rights and the opportunities available to them to benefit from market reforms. To maximise outcomes for small business and residential customers, regulators and policy makers will also need to be kept informed of the emerging issues in the market affecting consumers. The advocate service requires co-ordination of residential and small business interests to strengthen informed participation by consumers and achieve outcomes across these customer groups.

The proposed advocate will represent the interests of Queensland residential and small business energy customers on emerging energy policy and regulatory issues, facilitating two way information exchange between government and residential and small business customers.