The Embedded Network Industry is a rapidly changing environment. As technological advancement gives way to a host of different ways to generate, store and track the use of energy, multi-tenant properties are now benefitting from this change as well as new regulatory protections for customers.
With embedded networks being the base technology necessary for renewable solutions and the go-to solution for multi-tenanted properties, there has been much change to the industry in a short space of time. During the growth of the sector, some of the biggest benefits of embedded networks have been forgotten and replaced by myth. It’s time to bust the biggest misconceptions around embedded networks and get back to the benefits they provide.
Myth 1: There is no regulation in pricing
Embedded Network Service Providers must comply with regulatory framework in pricing as exempt sellers, this is enforced by the Australian Energy Regulator and the Essential Services Commission. An Embedded Network Service Provider is regulated in the pricing that is set by the default retailer in each jurisdiction. The rates charged by Embedded Network Service Providers for utility services cannot be higher than the standard rate of the default retailer.
WINconnect is compliant with this regulation in regard to pricing and our rates.
Myth 2: Being part of an embedded network means being locked in with one provider
From the 1st December 2017, regulatory changes implemented by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) under the Power of Choice reforms came into effect to increase competition within the Embedded Network Market.
Effective from 1st April 2018, these changes require network exemption holders (or exempt distributors) to appoint or become an accredited Embedded Network Manager (ENM) to facilitate the exempt consumer’s access to retail market offers.
The implementation of the ENM role simplifies the process by which customers can go with the provider of their choice and ensures consistency in the embedded network industry.
WINconnect is an accredited Embedded Network Manager and as such are committed to assisting any of our customers to exercise their right to move to a retailer of their choice.
Myth 3: Embedded Networks don’t benefit all stakeholders
WINconnect Embedded Networks are built to pass on benefits to all stakeholders and when utilised and managed correctly, the following can be achieved:
- Access to cheaper power for the Common Areas
- Cheaper power for customers
- No need for the Owners Corporation to maintain Hot Water Plants
- Embedded Networks can lead to lowered Owners Corporation fees for residents
- One company managing all tenants energy, meaning an easier signup process
- The ability for customers to change providers with no costs incurred
- No lock-in contracts
- Access to concession rebates
- Carbon Neutral Energy for the whole building
- Embedded Networks are the base technology for which renewable energy technologies can be installed to provide sustainable green power to increase a sites green star rating.
- Embedded networks are Future-proofing technology, enabling sites to become micro-grids and reduce their dependence on the National Energy Market
Myth 4: The same protections for ‘normal’ electricity customers don’t apply to Embedded Network customers
From the 1st July 2018, all Embedded Network consumers now have access to the Ombudsman schemes in each jurisdiction to provide a clearer process for complaints handling, additional protection of consumer rights or to seek independent advice and assistance.
WINconnect is championing the message to our customers and the industry as a whole that further reform is needed for customer protections.
The Embedded Network industry is only expected to grow as the appetite for multi-tenanted living continues and renewable energy solutions are being customised for the market. This expansion will only increase the deliverable benefit to all stakeholders of embedded networks and continue the growing need for further regulatory protections to strengthen the industries best practice.