26 September 2023

ACCC shines light on solar retailers

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is proposing to require inclusion of an appeals process in granting re-authorisation to the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Retailer Code of Conduct.

ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said the Solar Code set minimum standards for retailers selling solar photovoltaic (solar PV) systems to consumers.

“Purchasing a solar PV system can be a large investment and a complex decision for a household to make,” Mr Ridgeway said.

“The Solar Code provides greater protections for consumers and is likely to help consumers make more informed decisions,” he said.

“As part of our re-authorisation, we are proposing a condition requiring the Clean Energy Council to include an independent appeals process for retailers who apply to become signatories to the Solar Code, but are rejected.”

Mr Ridgeway said an appeals process would help ensure that retailers were not inappropriately rejected from becoming signatories.

“This is especially important because many retailers consider that being a signatory is critical for them to operate in the market, as it is generally necessary to access government financial incentives,” he said.

“Many retailers’ businesses would suffer or even be unviable without Clean Energy Council approval.”

He said the ACCC was inviting submissions on its draft determination, including the proposed condition, before moving to a final decision, which was expected to be made in October.

The Commission’s 28-page draft determination can be accessed at this PS News link.

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