FinCap has told the Electricity Authority that stronger rules are required to ensure no one is disconnected from essential energy services due to an inability to pay.

FinCap has submitted on the Electricity Authority’s 'Improving retail market monitoring: amended information notice and updated analysis Consultation paper (proposed notice).'

"Many whānau working with financial mentors do not use a heater when it's cold and this can contribute to their being unwell," our report says. "The Electricity Authority having better visibility over the way in which people interact with electricity retailers will be a foundation to best addressing under-consumption and other energy hardship issues."

In its submission, FinCap calls for strong monitoring of electricity retail markets; robust rules to ensure no one is disconnected from essential energy services due to an inability to pay; and prompt action from regulators where someone is harmed by an electricity retailer breaching consumer protection obligations.

Read the submission in full here.