Consultation

The Essential Services Commission of South Australia is committed to engaging with external stakeholders and the general community to promote transparent and collaborative decision making.

The Commission engages with stakeholders by:

• Having a collaborative approach to decision making and information management;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with Ministers, Government policy makers, other regulators, industry stakeholders and consumers.
• Making information and publications accessible and consulting on regulatory decisions;
• Inviting input into our work plan priority setting and regulatory processes; and
• Communicating the outcomes of our work.

The Commission’s approach to consultation is detailed in its Charter of Consultation and Regulatory Practice which the Commission reviews every three years. The Charter was last reviewed in 2008.

Consumer Advisory Committee

Pursuant to section 14A of the Electricity Act 1996, and section 15 of the Gas Act 1997 the Commission has established a Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising representatives of electricity and gas consumers.

The CAC provides advice to the Commission in relation to its electricity and gas licensing functions, and provides advice on other matters relating to the electricity or gas supply industries to the extent that such issues and functions impact on consumers.

Membership of the CAC is drawn from peak bodies representing a wide range of interests including:

• Consumers generally;
• Rural and remote consumers;
• Disadvantaged consumers;
• Local government;
• Environmental interest groups; and
• Industry and business.

Organisations currently represented on the CAC are:

• Business SA;
• Energy Industry Ombudsman;
• Local Government Association;
• Property Council of SA;
• SA Council of Social Services;
• SA Council on the Ageing; and
• SA Farmers Federation.

Appointments to the CAC are made for a period of two years.