Real-time meter data a small step closer

Consumers will have to wait until November 2028 to request access to real-time meter data at no cost following a final determination from the Australian Energy Market Commission.

The rule maker has been consulting on the rule change request, first proposed by Energy Consumers Australia, since 2024.

The AEMC said the final rule change would enhance interoperability between energy platforms and technologies and support market competition.

“With strict consumer consent, third-party service providers will be able to use the data to provide other services — a greater range of options — that would deliver value for consumers now, and into the future,” AEMC Chair Anna Collyer said.

An initial directions paper proposed delaying the onset of the obligation until 2040, however this was cut to January 2028 in response to industry and advocacy group feedback. The rule maker has pushed this out to November 2028 in its final rule, citing the need for more time for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to develop procedures and industry to develop and test technology and functionality.

Energy Consumers Australia executive manager, advocacy and policy Lotte Wolff said the consumer group was happy with the outcome.

“We understand that the Commission got feedback from AEMO and industry that the initial January date was just not feasible. They need more time to implement the technical standards and consumer protection and various data privacy protections,” Wolff said.

“Obviously it does mean fewer smart meters that are rolled out under the accelerated rollout will be included. But, at the end of the day, I think if that's what's needed to provide consumer protections, then we're comfortable with that.”

Diesel rebate keeps coal giant burning

Whitehaven Coal’s (ASX: WHC) growth trajectory is contrary to Australia’s climate legislation and emissions targets, exposing shareholders and the community to climate, regulatory and financial risks, according to a report by CarbonBridge and Climate Energy Finance.

Using the NSW Treasury shadow carbon price, the report finds that the social cost of Whitehaven’s Scope 1 emissions to 2030 could reach $4.7 billion in today’s dollars, excluding the global Scope 3 emissions from burning its coal.

The benefits of the existing diesel Fuel Tax Credit Scheme (FTCS) may outweigh the company’s Safeguard Mechanism obligations, the report finds, creating a “perverse disincentive” for Whitehaven to mitigate its direct emissions. Whitehaven, as a major beneficiary of the tax break, could receive more than $1.1 billion in fossil fuel subsidies through this scheme between FY25 and FY30.

Whitehaven’s cumulative liabilities by 2030 under the Safeguard Mechanism are estimated at up to $221 million, largely attributable to fugitive methane emissions at its Narrabri mine in NSW and growing diesel consumption. This potential liability is expected to increase to 2035, following a review and extension of the mechanism next year.

The report's recommendations:

• Cap the diesel Fuel Tax Credit Scheme (FTCS) at $50 million per company per year and convert it into a Transition Tax Incentive, requiring recipients to invest in decarbonisation and electrification of mining operations
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• Expand onsite solar generation and battery storage across the Whitehaven portfolio and limit the extent and duration of any expansion of Blackwater
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• Electrification or hybridisation before 2030 would slow emissions growth, reduce diesel-related liabilities, and improve alignment with regulatory regimes.