Proposed changes to the Guideline on arrangements to assist low income and vulnerable consumers [Closing date: 2009/04/01 12:00:00 GMT+13]

The Guideline on arrangements to assist low income and vulnerable consumers outlines the Commission’s expectation of the standard for electricity disconnection due to non-payment by vulnerable consumers. The Guideline was issued in 2005, revised in July 2007, following the death of Mrs Muliaga, and updated in January 2008 to address issues of discrimination with prepayment meters. Engagement with electricity retailer, Ministry of Health officials, DHBs and Work and Income has identified issues with the Guideline.

The Commission proposes to revise the Guideline and wishes to obtain input from affected parties. The major revisions proposed are:

1. changing the definition of MDVC to focus on the level of medical dependence and imminent harm; rather than the existence of the medical equipment;
2. providing a process to assist a MDVC receive the support that they may be entitled to;  
3. clarifying that it is the consumer’s responsibility to disclose private or personal information that may be relevant to any retailer’s disconnection decision; 
4. aligning the Guideline with the current DHB process; and
5. recognising that low income consumers are a subset of vulnerable consumers.
   

The Electricity Commission invites submissions on the consultation paper "Proposed changes to the Guideline on arrangements to assist low income and vulnerable consumers”.

• Proposed changes to the Guideline on arrangments to assist low income and vulnerable consumers pdf [216 KB]
  

The closing date for submissions on the proposal is 12pm on 1 April 2009. This has been extended from 4pm on 27 March 2009.

The Commission’s preference is to receive submissions in electronic format (Microsoft Word). It is not necessary to send hard copies of submissions to the Commission, unless it is not possible to do so electronically.  Submissions in electronic form should be emailed to submissions@electricitycommission.govt.nz with Consultation Paper: Guideline on arrangements to assist vulnerable consumers in the subject line.

If submitters do not wish to send their submission electronically, they should post one hard copy of their submission to the address below.

Bronwyn Christie
Electricity Commission
PO Box 10041
Wellington 6143

Tel: 0-4-460 8860
Fax: 0-4-460 8879

The Commission will acknowledge receipt of all submissions electronically. Please contact Bronwyn Christie if you do not receive electronic acknowledgement of your submission within two business days.

If possible, submissions should be provided in the format shown in Appendix 2. Your submission is likely to be made available to the general public on the Commission’s website. Submitters should indicate any documents attached, in support of the submission, in a covering letter and clearly indicate any information that is provided to the Commission on a confidential basis. However, all information provided to the Commission is subject to the Official Information Act 1982.