CPD’s submission to the Draft National Energy Equity Framework outlines nine recommendations that aim to ensure all Australians, especially those experiencing hardship, can benefit from the green energy transition. It draws on insights from the Scottish approach to tackling energy poverty, as an example of how another country is managing similar issues.
The Centre for Policy Development submission to the Draft National Energy Equity Framework outlines nine recommendations that aim to ensure all Australians, especially those experiencing hardship, can benefit from the green energy transition.
The draft framework has been developed by the Australian and state and territory governments, and is designed to be used by policymakers in government agencies and market bodies when developing programs and policies for Australian energy consumers.
The Finkel Review raised concerns that as large numbers of consumers reduce their bills by adopting distributed consumer energy resources and energy efficiency improvements, consumers who may not be able to do so are paying a higher proportion of shared costs in the energy market.
The proposed framework establishes a common approach for improving equity outcomes in the energy retail market and includes analytical models, tools and guidance for policymakers. The framework is not a legal instrument and is not binding on governments.
The submission offers nine recommendations that aim to strengthen the usability of the framework, ensuring policies created are based on evidence and quality data:
On overall framing, the submission says the framework should clarify whether the intention is to focus only on households experiencing energy hardship, or whether an equitable energy transition also includes other households.
On measurement, it says energy ministers should identify specific drivers of energy hardship, develop policies to target these drivers, and track them using quantitative indicators over time.
On better practice policymaking, it says policymakers should design policies based on the perspectives of those with lived experience of energy hardship.
