Origin Energy fined $1.6m for DV privacy, debt breaches
Australians fleeing family violence had their private details shared without their consent and were pursued for debt recovery by a major energy retailer.
Origin Energy has paid $1.6 million in fines after it was served penalty notices by the Essential Services Commission for breaching rules to safeguard the vulnerable cohort between June 2021 and March 2024.
In that span, the ASX-listed company disclosed confidential information of 16 family violence-affected customers without their consent 21 times and took debt recovery action against another 38 without considering the potential impact.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Under Victorian rules, energy retailers cannot disclose a customer’s information to third parties without consent and are required to consider the potential impact of debt recovery on those customers.
Origin’s conduct was disappointing and highlighted the need for a continued focus on supporting family violence victims, commission chair Gerard Brody said.
“This penalty shows the Essential Services Commission is determined to ensure retailers follow those rules,” he said.
“Energy and water businesses are legally obliged to protect customer information, ensure access to payment assistance, and provide customers with connections to specialist family violence services.
“The vast majority do.”
Origin has been contacted for comment.
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