A report released by the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre has revealed that energy companies have been unlawfully pursuing “hardship customers” for utility debts.

Many of these hardship customers included individuals who had recently separated and suffered a loss of income, as well as victims of domestic violence. The ACCC has issued a warning to energy companies following the release of the report.

Under the National Energy Retail Law Act, which establishes the National Energy Customer Framework, energy companies are required to have “hardship policies” to assist customers if they fall into arrears, as they may be experiencing hardship such as loss of income, family crises, separation, and family violence.

Read the Age’s recent article here.