Question

Mr Pritam Singh: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how many households, expressed as a percentage, have switched to purchasing electricity from suppliers other than SP since the launch of the Open Electricity Market; and (b) whether the Energy Market Authority is actively considering a simpler sign-up procedure for low-income households in particular.

Written reply

1. From May this year, all consumers have the option of buying electricity from a retailer of their choice under the Open Electricity Market (OEM). As of end-June 2019, about 34% of household consumers have made the switch.

2. The switching process for OEM consumers was designed to be simple and accessible to all, regardless of income or household types. OEM consumers can approach their preferred retailer to sign up and can do so via different channels, including online, over the phone, as well as at the retailer’s roadshows or physical stores. The retailer will then work directly with SP Group to make the switch. Surveys commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) show that 98% of OEM consumers who have switched to a retailer found the switching process easy. We have also introduced the necessary consumer safeguards; OEM consumers have access to various avenues, such as the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Small Claims Tribunal, for dispute resolution in the event of any contractual dispute with their retailers.

3. EMA will continue to work with SP Group and retailers to provide a positive consumer experience under the OEM.