New rules help life support energy users
Carolyn Campbell-McLean has muscular dystrophy and depends on electricity for the simplest everyday tasks.
There's the ventilator so she can breathe at night, a rechargeable wheelchair and an electronic bed - even an electric system to open her front door.
"When the power goes out, for me it's pretty drastic," she told AAP.
There are about 150,000 Australians who depend on uninterrupted power to run life support equipment and each has to register with their power company.
It means they'll be contacted quickly if there's a blackout, and their power can't simply be cut off but they need a fresh medical certificate every time they move house or change retailer.
And life support appliances such as dialysis machines, ventilators or insulin pumps can be expensive to run.
Like many, Ms Campbell-McLean has been told she has to switch energy retailers if she wants to save money.
Yet the disability advocate says the paperwork is a "pain in the neck" - she can't write, use a printer or get to the doctor for yet another medical certificate.
"People who really need a discount and to get a better deal are actually the ones stuck on big power plans," she said.
"It is frustrating always having to prove you have a disability and do the paperwork ... there's a lot on our plates just dealing with the everyday".
NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman Janine Young agrees.
"It's really a barrier, it's a lack of equality, it's really unfair," she told AAP.
After hearing from Ms Campbell-McLean, the Ombudsman pushed for a change to the national energy market rules, which will be introduced on Sunday.
It means consumers who depend on life support can use their medical documents for up to four years, making it easier for them to switch power companies or move house.
"It is critical that these customers can easily switch retailers to get an energy contract that meets their financial needs," Ms Young said.
After being with the same supplier for eight years, Ms Campbell-McLean says she'll now be able to look out for cheaper energy deals without the mental health impacts of tackling piles of disability paperwork.
"You can actually look for a better deal without having to go through all the red tape," she said.
Australian Energy Market Commission Chair Anna Collyer says she's pleased to be able to make the change.
"It means you don't have to go to the doctor every time you want to switch energy retailers," she told AAP.
Ms Campbell-McLean believes energy retailers are trying to do better by customers but said it's "not before time."
