Diamond Energy Pty Ltd has incurred penalties totaling $46,950 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued three infringement notices for breaching the Electricity Retail Code. This Code mandates that electricity retailers must provide specific pricing information to assist consumers in comparing different electricity plans.

The infringement notices stem from allegations that Diamond Energy did not adequately communicate mandatory pricing information to three of its customers. In a court-enforceable undertaking, Diamond Energy admitted to contravening the Code, acknowledging that in June 2024, it sent communications to 12,809 customers that lacked the required pricing details when notifying them of changes to their electricity plans.

Additionally, Diamond Energy admitted to failing to include necessary pricing information on its website for 44 electricity plans between January 1 and June 30, 2024, and for another 44 plans between July 1 and September 20, 2024. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey emphasized the importance of accurate pricing information for consumers, stating that the lack of disclosure hindered their ability to make informed decisions when comparing prices across different electricity retailers.

In response to the violations, Diamond Energy has committed to implementing a compliance program to ensure adherence to the Code. The ACCC will continue to monitor electricity providers to ensure they provide adequate pricing information to consumers. The Electricity Retail Code requires retailers to disclose specific information when advertising prices or notifying customers of price changes.

Consumers who believe their electricity retailer has failed to provide the required information are encouraged to contact their retailer directly, as they are obligated to disclose this information under the Code. The ACCC has previously issued infringement notices to other electricity retailers for similar breaches since the Code's introduction in 2019.