Ergon Energy has been fined for a life support equipment breach.

Ergon Energy Queensland Pty Ltd has been handed fines totalling $135,600 by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for alleged breaches of the National Energy Retail Rules for life support equipment.

The AER issued two infringement notices after identifying that Ergon Energy had failed to register a customer's life support requirements and had incorrectly deregistered another customer's premises without proper notification. 

These breaches contravened rules 124(1)(a) and 125 of the National Energy Retail Rules, which are designed to safeguard customers requiring life support equipment.

“Customers who use life support equipment can be especially vulnerable, so it’s vital that retailers have the systems and procedures in place to support these customers and provide them with the protections required under the National Energy Retail Rules,” said Justin Oliver, a member of the AER Board.

Life support protections are critical because they ensure uninterrupted energy supply to customers who rely on powered medical devices. The National Energy Retail Rules mandate stringent processes for registration and deregistration of such customers to prevent any inadvertent discontinuation of service.

The investigation into these breaches began after Ergon Energy self-reported the possible non-compliance. 

Despite the fines, payment of an infringement notice by Ergon Energy does not imply an admission of liability. 

Businesses and individuals have the option to comply with the notice or contest the alleged breaches through legal proceedings.