On the same day that both tolls and electricity prices going up, NSW Labor is reiterating its call for Dominic Perrottet and Matt Kean to consider re-diverting some of the chronic underspends in programs to help families with immediate and serious cost of living relief.
Recent analysis revealed that the Perrottet Government is currently underspending on its “Cost of Living” programs – with at least $265 million in eligible energy rebates remaining unclaimed last year.
From today, some NSW residential customers will pay up to 18 per cent or $369 more each year on their electricity bill, while small businesses will pay 20 per cent or $1,130 more.
The highest price rises will be seen across Western Sydney, whose residents already pay the highest energy bills as well as steep rises in the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.
In comparison to every other state and territory across the country, NSW currently offers the least support for energy bills to low-income households.
The average take-up of government energy rebates is 51 per cent, with some as low as 11 per cent.
Additionally, Dine and Discover vouchers, and small business fees and charges rebates, have expired as of yesterday.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said:
NSW residents will be hit with a double whammy today – both tolls and electricity prices are going up – and its brought to you by Dominic Perrottet’s privatisation agenda.
“Under Dominic Perrottet and the NSW Liberals, we are in a cost of living crisis”.
“We’re calling on the Government to look at the chronic underspend of programs – there’s $265 million in eligible energy rebates that can be used.
“It’s a common sense idea, that can offer real and immediate cost of living relief to NSW families now.”
Jihad Dib, Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change said:
“Matt Kean hasn’t busted energy bills, energy bills have busted families. It’s time for the government to come up with a real plan for cost of living relief that families can access.”
“The government’s approach to cost of living relief is that if you’re not on an existing concession then you’re not feeling the pinch. This is naive and out of touch.”
“The Minister is quick with a quip and big statements like he’s going to ‘bust’ energy bills. But the truth is that under his watch, families have done it tougher than ever before.”
“From today every family’s electricity bill will be going up. The government is out of touch if they don’t think this is hitting families really hard.”
BACKGROUND
For the 10 per cent of customers on standing offers (as determined by the Default Market Offer) power bills will increase by up to 18 per cent or $369 for households and 20% or $1,130 for businesses from today.
- Endeavour Energy (Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra and South Coast)
- Residential – 18.3 per cent increase or $369
- Small business – 19.7 per cent increase or $1,130
- Ausgrid (Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter)
- Residential – 11 per cent increase or $210
- Small business – 10 per cent increase or $690
- Essential (Regional NSW)
- Residential – 9.6 per cent increase or $219
- Small business – 14.7 per cent or $1,146
Energy Retailers have also flagged increases for customers on market offers –
- Origin Energy will increase bills by 14.4 per cent or $270 on average from July 1.
- AGL customers will see an average increase of 17.5 per cent or around $300 from August 1. Some customers, including those in Western Sydney will see an increase of 20 per cent.
- AGL are also raising gas prices by 8.8 per cent or $73.