Australia: Gas retailer Kleenheat gets antitrust fine

Western Australia gas retailer Kleenheat has been fined more than AU$25,000 (US$17,508) for allegedly misleading consumers about the potential benefits of a big discount plan.

The Wesfarmers-owned gas supplier has been stung by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over advertisements promoting savings of 35%.

From April 2018, Kleenheat advertised that new customers in Western Australia could “save 35% on gas charges” by switching to its Monthly Energiser Plan. However, the ACCC alleged that this representation was false and misleading because the discount only applied to a customer’s gas usage charges.

These advertisements appeared on television, radio, Facebook, Spotify, billboards, bus panels, and emails. Some advertisements contained a reference that conditions apply, while others included references in fine print explaining the deal.

Full Content: The West

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