Div 7Payment plans

Division 7—Payment plans 50—Payment plans (1) A retailer must offer and apply payment plans for— (a) hardship customers; and (b) other residential customers experiencing payment difficulties if the customer informs the retailer in writing or by telephone that the customer is experiencing payment difficulties or the retailer otherwise believes the customer is experiencing repeated difficulties in paying the customer's bill or requires payment assistance. (2) A retailer must comply with applicable requirements of the Rules relating to payment plans including how they are offered, but need not provide a payment plan in circumstances specified in the Rules. 51—Debt recovery A retailer must not commence proceedings for the recovery of a debt relating to the sale and supply of energy from a residential customer if— (a) the customer continues to adhere to the terms of a payment plan or other agreed payment arrangement; or (b) the retailer has failed to comply with the requirements of— (i) its customer hardship policy in relation to that customer; or (ii) this Law and the Rules relating to non-payment of bills, payment plans and assistance to hardship customers or residential customers experiencing payment difficulties. 52—Rules The Rules may make provision for or with respect to payment plans for small customers.