The AEMC today started consultation on a rule change request from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) designed to make it easier for customers to enter into multiple trading relationships with different electricity retailers at a premises.

AEMO submitted this rule change to the AEMC on 17 December 2014. AEMO anticipates that being able to engage different retailers will encourage new and innovative energy services and to drive more competition in retail electricity markets.

AEMO’s rule change request also proposes a number of changes to the processes for customer classification, disconnection and life support arrangements, to allow for multiple retailers to provide electricity services at one premises.

The concept of multiple trading relationships originated as part of the AEMC’s Power of Choice and Energy Market Arrangements for Electric and Natural Gas Vehicles reviews. These reviews set out a market-wide reform program to give electricity consumers more opportunities to understand and take control of their electricity use and costs.

Stakeholders are invited to make submissions on the proposed changes. These should be lodged by 10 September 2015.