Executive summary The Financial and Consumer Rights Council (FCRC) seeks to provide a voice for Victorian consumers of essential services, in particular customers affected by fuel poverty. Fuel poverty affects consumers who experience periods where they are unable to pay their utility bills and hence face the risk of accumulating debt and/or having essential services...

In January 2002 the competitive electricity market was opened to include Victorian and New South Wales domestic electricity customers. This research surveyed Victoria households to obtain an understanding of their initial experience of the new market (full retail competition). It was anticipated that corporate strategies to acquire attractive customers whilst shedding unattractive ones would be...

This report examines the implications of full retail competition in a dereguated electricity market, suggesting that there will be redlining or market exclusion of vulnerable households.