PRESS RELEASE
The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) participates in celebrating Consumer Rights Day 2023 with Consumers International and its 200 member organizations in over 100 countries around the world. The goal of the global consumer movement is to increase access to clean energy in three key areas: clean homes, clean transport and clean electricity supply.
Each year, the global consumer movement celebrates 15 March as World Consumer Rights Day to raise global awareness about consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment and draw attention to a critical problem that affects consumers everywhere. The theme for this year is ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’
The theme is built around the energy as most economies are facing a deepening energy crisis globally with global energy prices rising by 50% last year and expecting to remain high in 2023 impacting vulnerable consumer everywhere and compelling them to change the lifestyles to adjust the budget for paying their energy bills. Further, the global consumer dialogue and action around the energy is needed urgently as increasing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy will play a major part in averting catastrophic climate change, with consumption shifts estimated to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions by 40-70%. Moreover, the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change points out that a demand side adjustment might cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% by 2050.
As energy consumers, we have the power to hasten the transition into sustainable energy and promote energy efficient consumption. However, the opportunity for consumers to accelerate clean energy transitions is currently lacking. Consumers need to be supported and empowered to overcome consistent technological, infrastructural, financial, regulatory and knowledge related barriers, which stand in the way of transformative action.
Therefore, within three core domains- clean homes, clean transport and clean electricity supply; World Consumer Rights Day 2023 calls on consumers to be responsible energy consumers and take action that accelerates clean energy transitions; and consumers advocates, governments, policymakers and energy stakeholders to promote clean transport, clean electricity supply and empower consumer to have access to clean sustainable energy.
In observing 40th World Consumer Rights Day, the CCAA strives to focus on strengthening consumer protection while simultaneously encouraging consumers to be aware of their rights and drive the clean and sustainable energy transition.
To empower consumers in taking action and support in overcoming their barriers, the CCAA shall endeavor to support the consumers considering their following needs:
- Knowledge, Values and Awareness – Consumers understand the need and opportunities for change.
- Availability and Affordability –There are affordable options available in the market for consumers to choose.
- Reliability and Safety – Consumers trust that new solutions will reliably and safely deliver the services they want and need.
- Implementation – Consumers do not face burdensome processes when investing in and installing solutions.
- Use – Consumers are enabled to use new systems or technologies effectively and efficiently.
- Repair and Redress – Consumers are protected by strong guarantees and are able to access adequate maintenance, repair and redress.
As an oversight body, the CCAA will continue to work toward achieving its goals of consumer protection and safety within the ambit of Consumer Protection Act 2012 and Consumer Protection Rules and Regulations, 2015.
Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment