AGL recently responded to the Inquiry into future directions for the Consumer Data Right (CDR) announced by the Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP.

The Inquiry is looking at how the CDR could be enhanced and leveraged to boost innovation and competition, and support the development of an effective digital economy in Australia, including the introduction of ‘write access’ (which would allow accredited third parties to switch customer providers with their upfront consent).

In our submission we note that:

• The future design of the CDR must be mindful of the current design, scope and changing nature of CDR as it rolls out into the energy sector.
• That to determine any potential benefits in a future-state, the Inquiry must thoroughly consider the costs and benefits of the CDR in each sector, including energy (which is yet to receive a thorough assessment).
• That to be fully effective, the current and future states must operate on an economy-wide, interoperable system that ensures all participants can engage and benefit equally.
• Write access is not practical or appropriate for the energy sector at this time (as noted by the Australian Competition in the Retail Electricity Pricing Inquiry Report).
• Consumer protections needs to be at the centre of the CDR regime, with measures developed and balanced against the various costs to the market.

You can read our full submission here.