18 June, 2026
The Smart Energy Council (SEC) has identified several critical gaps that must be resolved before electric pricing reform as proposed by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) can be considered.
Commenting on the final AEMC report, SEC Chief Executive David McElrea said he was broadly welcoming of the Commission’s willingness to engage on the issue, however fundamental concerns remain.
“We’ve heard and elevated the many concerns from industry and consumers and we observe that the AEMC has shifted its sentiment in response, but guarantees are not included in the report” he said.
“Pricing reviews cannot be treated as abstract technical exercises. They directly shape household budgets, investment decisions and public confidence in the energy transition”
The reforms suggest there may be greater discretion available to distribution network service providers (DNSPs) when designing tariffs.
“Any discussion around pricing structures must firmly focus on consumer benefits, rather than an increase to network profits. It’s not clear this review has been instigated with that in mind,” Mr McElrea said.
“The AEMC’s intent may be to modernise tariffs, but if the practical effect is to give networks more room to shape tariff structures in ways that could disadvantage solar and battery households then the Smart Energy Council will campaign and advocate until detailed consumer protections are locked in.”
“I want to be clear with the four million households who have solar on their roof, and for low energy users; our job is to make sure that no household is left worse off,” Mr McElrea said.
“Every battery installed, every solar panel connected, every EV on a smart charger makes the system cheaper for everyone. The AEMC needs to embed these incentives. Our job now is to make sure the implementation of reform doesn’t let those consumers down.”
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About the Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy for all Australians.
Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
