New code will improve outcomes for Victorian consumers
Consumer Action Law Centre welcomes the announcement from Solar Victoria that all solar photo voltaic (PV) and battery retailers participating in their Solar Homes and Solar for Business programs will be required to be signatories to the New Energy Technology Consumer Code (NETCC).
The NETCC sets out consumer protection standards across a range of new energy technologies, including solar, home batteries and electric vehicle chargers. The NETCC replaces the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Approved Solar Retailer Code of Conduct. Importantly, the NETCC represents an improvement on the previous Code, including enhanced consumer protections covering a wider range of products.
Consumer Action has been a long-term supporter of the NETCC and an active participant in its development through our ongoing role on the NETCC Council. Membership of the Council is drawn from peak industry and consumer bodies, and is responsible for oversight and governance of the program.
“Consumer trust and confidence is critical to the uptake of new energy technologies,” said Consumer Action CEO, Stephanie Tonkin.
“As the clean energy transition expands speeds up, it is essential that strong consumer protections are in place. For this reason we welcome the announcement by Solar Victoria that retailers participating in their programs must will be required to have signed up to the NETCC.
“The new code will raise protection standards and improve the experience of Victorians purchasing solar and other new energy products,” continued Ms Tonkin.
“Through our roles on the NETCC Council and Solar Victoria’s Industry and Consumer Reference Group, we look forward to working with Solar Victoria and industry to support the transition to the new scheme.”
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce, Media and Communications Adviser, 0413 299 567, media@consumeraction.org.au
