At a high level, the baseline review was carried out on the following basis, (the assessment methodology contains more detail, and retailers were written to about the baseline review process):

  • The review used only published or publicly available information as at 15 June 2010;
  • Assessment was qualitative in nature and indicated the extent to which each clause in the minimum terms and conditions was met by retailers' published terms and conditions and any associated documents. Ratings range from Full alignment, through Substantial, Moderate, Low, to None, and included a Not Applicable (N/A) rating for some terms;
  • The output of the baseline review was an individual report for each retailer (which was not published) and a non-attributable, consolidated, high-level report (Consolidated Report) that has been made publicly available. In addition, a second more detailed report was prepared for retailers (Retailers' Report) to help them consider what changes they may wish to make before the planned first formal alignment review in June 2011;
  • Individual reports and the consolidated report were finalised in September 2010; and
  • The GIC also carried out its baseline review of retail gas contracts at the same time. This provided an opportunity for sharing information to help minimise effort required on the part of dual-fuel retailers.