Call for mandatory disclosure of energy origins

A recent study conducted by University of Technology’s Institute of Sustainable Futures (ISF), as commissioned by the Total Environment Centre, has highlighted the absolute lack of disclosure by Australia’s electricity retailers regarding the origin of energy sources.

Fiona Berry, Senior Researcher at ISF, published an article outlining the findings of the study. Contrary to established practices in the US, the UK and Europe, Australia does not require any such disclosure. In California and other US states, electricity retailers have been providing customers with a Power Content Label since 1998, which provides detail of the power mix. In the UK and Europe, customers are given information on the overall fuel mix of electricity sold via bills and websites. Consumers are aware of the contribution of each energy source - either renewable energy (with zero or low carbon emissions) or fossil fuels (with high carbon emissions).

The study concluded that of the 36 licensed retailers in the National Electricity Market (NEM), it is not possible to find the source of electricity sold by any. Additionally, these companies are under no obligation to share this information.

According to the report, the only way a consumer can be sure that electricity is derived from renewable sources is to either self generate, or choose GreenPower, which is an Australian Government program that provides certified renewable energy. The catch there is that ISF research determined that less than 50% of retailers offered GreenPower.

The report goes on to suggest that mandatory disclosure, or a labelling system, would help Australian consumers make more informed decisions regarding their power purchases, in terms of environmental impact. A copy of the full study is available for download from tec.org.au/recent-tec-reports.