Exaggerated Claims against Carbon Tax Probed

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission seeks to probe exaggerated claims against the carbon tax. 

Reports show that sellers of solar panels claim that the carbon tax would result into hundreds of percent increase in electricity costs. 

Some builders allegedly also told potential buyers that they should buy now to avoid being affected by the carbon tax. 

ACCC Commissioner Rod Sims about four to five businesses have made close to 100 false claims against the carbon tax. He added the commission would issue ‘formal substantiation notices.’ 

Some of the misleading claims made include how the carbon tax would significantly increase electricity cost by as much as 40 percent annually. The increase is said to be cumulative and would result to a hike of a couple of hundred percent. 

This has been debunked by the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal, saying the carbon tax’s impact on the first year is just nine percent. This translates to about $315 annually for a household that consumes 7mWh. 

Another deceptive claim was made by some builders who warned buyers to make their purchases as soon as possible to avoid getting affected by the carbon tax. 

Building groups said buyers may have to shell out as much as $6,000 for a new home because of the carbon tax. 

The commission may also get the commitment of businesses never to make misleading and unsubstantiated claims again. If it takes court action, these businesses may be fined as much as $1.1 million. 

Sims reiterated the commission will take legal action of these businesses don’t stop from making false claims.

Tagged ACCC