This amendment to the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) comes into force on 1 March 2020.

This amendment amends the Code to set an appropriate minimum standard in terms of timeliness and process for the provision of consumer data to agents. The amendments are designed to provide an efficient and effective mechanism for agents to request and receive on behalf of consumers information from participants whilst also taking into account any obligations participants may have under the Privacy Act 1993.

This amendment amends Parts 1 and 11 of the Code. The changes include:

(a) adding a definition of electronic signature;

(b) providing for the Authority to specify an electronic information exchange system for the purpose of exchange of information between participants, from participants to other persons and the making of requests for information by participants or other persons to participants, and adding a related definition of an EIE System (i.e. an electronic information exchange system);

(c) clarifying that retailers must deal with requests from agents in accordance with any obligations they may have under the Privacy Act 1993;

(d) specifying the process and timeframes retailers must follow when they receive and consider requests from agents;

(e) clarifying that retailers must grant requests and provide information sought unless specified circumstances exist;

(f) specifying that participant agents must obtain written authorisation from a consumer before making a request on their behalf;

(g) establishing requirements for written authorities;

(h) providing for a streamlined process for requests made through the Authority's specified electronic information exchange system; and

(i) providing for retailers and agents to advise of any revocations of authority within 2 business days of receiving the notification that the authority is revoked.