EnergyAustralia has been handed the largest ever penalty imposed under Australia's national energy retail law, according to the energy regulator, for failing to register people who use life-saving medical equipment.
EnergyAustralia reported to the regulator that it had failed to register more than 4,000 customers as using life support machinesPeople with muscular dystrophy have died in the past because of blackouts
The company admitted to not registering more than 4,000 customers who were using life support machines between 2018 and 2020. EnergyAustralia distributes and generates electricity, including from this coal-fired power station in NSW. "The $12 million penalty imposed by the court sends a strong message to all retailers and distributors that they must comply with their life support responsibilities under the law," Ms Savage said.
"Some people living with muscular dystrophy rely on ventilators day and night to be able to breathe — for them a loss of power without backup can be life-threatening," she said. Muscular Dystrophy Australia chief executive Jan Chisholm says the fine shows the issue is being treated seriously.
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