> In my market, Australia, the energy retailers are regulated to increase prices once a year. Increase prices. Never a saving for the retail customer. They’ve worked out that can skip all that messy market bullshit and just regulate annual increases.

Have you actually read the regulation?

  The AEMC said the new rules were in response to requests from Australia's energy minsters. They will:

    * prevent retailers from increasing prices more than once a year
    * ban excessive charges like late-payment fees for all retail contracts
    * ensure all consumers are entitled to a fee-free payment method
    * prohibit retail fees for vulnerable consumers
    * ensure vulnerable Australians are receiving their retailer’s best offer
    * prevent retailers from charging more than the standing offer price if the customer's initial offer changes or expires. This will protect customers from paying higher prices for their loyalty.

  The rules to improve consumer confidence in retail energy plans will come into effect on 1 July 2026. Those that assist hardship customers take effect from 30 December 2026.

A) regulation that forces a price rise once a year.

and

B) regulation that stops more than one price rise (if any) in any year.