Mandatory rules needed for power retailers to protect

The Electricity Authority says power retailers are not properly applying voluntary guidelines to improve protections for consumers, and it wants to make some of the rules mandatory. In particular, it says medically dependent consumers, those in financial difficulty and those facing disconnection need better protection. The Authority has just begun public consultation on its Consumer Care Guidelines which were introduced in 2021, but left to the power sector to follow voluntarily. Kathryn speaks with Electricity Authority Chief Executive, Sarah Gillies.