What the ACCC can't do

ACCC inquiries into energy

Current inquiries

We are running a public inquiry to monitor prices, profits and margins in the supply of electricity in the national energy market.
We are conducting an inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia. We'll publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas.

Finalised inquiries

On 27 March 2017, the Treasurer directed the ACCC to hold an inquiry into the supply of retail electricity and the competitiveness of retail electricity prices.

Electricity market and retailers

The code is for electricity retailers and sets a maximum price for certain electricity offers. It also forms a reference price for marketing activities.
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 bans certain types of misconduct that harm competition in electricity markets.
We are running a public inquiry to monitor prices, profits and margins in the supply of electricity in the national energy market.

Gas pricing and supply

The code contains a number of requirements for suppliers and aims to ensure the domestic wholesale gas market supplies adequate gas at reasonable prices and on reasonable terms for both suppliers and buyers.
We are conducting an inquiry into the supply of and demand for natural gas in Australia. We'll publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas.
On 19 April 2017, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to conduct a wide-ranging inquiry into the supply of and demand for wholesale gas in Australia, as well as to publish regular information on the supply and pricing of gas for the next 3 years.

Initiatives

Image of a persons hands using laptop and phone
The Consumer Data Right allows consumers to safely share the data that businesses hold about them. This can help consumers to compare products to find offers. Banking and energy data is already available for consumers to share, with other sectors to follow.

Rules and advice for business and consumers

We guide consumers on how they can find the best electricity deal. The information is mainly for New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia. We provide sources for other areas to compare electricity costs.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, contact your electricity company and let them know. Your local Energy Ombudsman can help resolve problems with your energy company.

Solar panel systems and home batteries can help reduce your electricity costs. Make sure you know your consumer rights and all your options when deciding to invest in solar products.

Solar suppliers must comply with consumer law and not mislead or deceive consumers. They must not harass or coerce consumers to buy solar panels, sign up to an agreement or take unfair advantage of consumers with any vulnerability.

ACCC action in the energy industry

Households that have been on the same electricity plan for more than three years are paying on average $221 per year more than customers on new plans, the ACCC’s latest Electricity Market Inquiry report reveals.
Overall gas supply on Australia’s east coast is expected to be sufficient in the second
quarter of 2026; however, the southern states (Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia,
Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory) will collectively rely on surplus gas from
Queensland and gas stores to meet demand.
Gas supply on Australia’s east coast is expected to improve in the first quarter of 2026, but the outlook still depends on how much uncontracted gas LNG producers decide to export, according to the ACCC’s latest gas inquiry report released today.