AGL fined over SA disconnections

Electricity retailer AGL has been fined $40,000 for cutting off nine South Australian customers in financial difficulty.

The Australian Energy Regulator imposed the penalties in relation to two infringement notices issued to AGL South Australia Ltd and AGL Sales Ltd.

AGL revealed the disconnections to the regulator under its reporting obligations.

"These incidents involved customers in financial difficulty and on payment plans and they should not have been disconnected," AER chair Paula Conboy said.

National energy laws prevent retailers disconnecting customers when they are participating in a hardship program and adhering to payment plans.

Ms Conboy said customers who were concerned about paying their bills should contact their retailer which is obliged to offer assistance.

Consumers should ask about an extension, a payment plan or getting access to the retailer's hardship program, she said.

They should also check if they are receiving any concessions or if a cheaper deal is available.