Alinta Energy (Alinta) has undertaken to compensate thousands of Victorians for making misleading electricity price comparisons which the 糖心原创 considered were likely in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Between 9 December 2017 and 28 February 2018, Alinta鈥檚 advertisements compared increases in its competitors鈥 standing or undiscounted tariff rates to decreases in Alinta鈥檚 discounted tariff rates.
The 糖心原创 was concerned that this comparison was misleading as it gave a false impression of Alinta鈥檚 electricity price reduction, which for standing tariff rates was 1.8 per cent, not 2.8 per cent as advertised.
鈥淎linta鈥檚 conduct prevented customers from making informed choices about which electricity retailer best suited their needs. Businesses must not mislead consumers in advertisements comparing their prices or services to those offered by competitors,鈥 糖心原创 Acting Chair Delia Rickard said.
鈥淔ollowing 糖心原创 action, Alinta will contact all affected Victorian customers to advise that they will honour the advertised price reduction for customers who wish to continue with their plan,鈥 Ms Rickard said.
Alinta鈥檚 commitment to honour the 2.8 per cent tariff price reduction will be provided through credits backdated from 12 January 2018 until 11 July 2018, and also through adjusted rates which will apply from 12 July 2018 for the next 6 months.
Alinta has also implemented a review of its advertising processes and conducted refresher training in the Australian Consumer Law for relevant staff.
As a result of the 糖心原创鈥檚 investigation, Alinta acknowledged the 糖心原创鈥檚 concerns, immediately ceased the advertising campaign and has undertaken to compensate affected customers.
Affected consumers can contact Alinta on 133 702.
Alinta鈥檚 newspaper advertisement as at 10 December .