Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy

Adelaide, Australia --- (METERING.COM) --- February 5, 2013 - South Australia has moved to energy price deregulation and implementation of the National Energy Customer Framework (NECF), in a move that is expected to bring more competition to the market, effective February 1.

Under the new regime customers can readily compare offers and switch between suppliers of electricity and gas.

“By joining the National Energy Customer Framework, South Australia will have access to more competitive markets and a simpler regulatory system,” said minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Tom Koutsantonis.

The new NECF is also intended to bring more information and protections to customers. For example under the NECF all energy providers are required to show information on electricity bills comparing the usage with other households in the area.

Energy providers are also required to provide detailed fact sheets to customers, including information about prices, fees, discounts and any other incentives or penalties. They are also required to offer at least one energy contract with no exit fees.

Under the NECF, responsibility for regulation is taken over from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) by the Australian Energy Regulator. The AER also administers a central energy price comparison service.

South Australia is the third jurisdiction to implement the NCEF, following the implementations by the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania on July 1, 2012.