Catholic Social Services Australia has expressed deep concern following the Australian Energy Regulator’s final determination for the electricity default market offer for New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
The determination, released this week, will see electricity prices increase between 0.5 per cent and 9.7 per cent from July 1, depending on the network area. The most significant impacts will be felt in NSW, where residential customers face up to 9.7 per cent increases.
CSSA executive director Jerry Nockles said the decision would disproportionately impact those already struggling to make ends meet and stands in stark contrast to the Albanese Government’s repeated promises to reduce power prices for Australian households.
“This latest electricity price hike represents more than just numbers on a bill – it forces impossible choices upon families already living on the margins,” Dr Nockles said.
“It also reveals a significant failure to deliver on the Government’s commitment to reduce power prices for Australians. These ongoing increases directly contradict those promises and leave vulnerable people bearing the burden of that failure”.
The price increases come at a time when many low-income households are already making significant sacrifices to afford their energy bills.
Catholic social service agencies across the country report seeing clients who are going without food, medication, and other essentials simply to keep their lights on.
“Our member organisations witness daily the impossible decisions faced by vulnerable Australians – whether to heat their homes or put food on the table. This is not a choice any person should have to make in a wealthy country like Australia,” Dr Nockles said.
He also criticised the Government’s standard advice for consumers to “shop around” for better deals.
“Telling vulnerable Australians to simply ‘shop around’ is not good enough. Many lack the time, resources, digital literacy, or English language skills to navigate complex energy markets,” Dr Nockles said.
“Others are trapped in rental properties with no choice over their energy provider or appliances. The onus should not be on struggling families to solve a systemic issue,” he said.
CSSA is calling for Immediate targeted relief for low-income households affected by the price increases; greater investment in energy efficiency upgrades for low-income housing; and energy debt relief for those most severely impacted.
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Electricity price increases heighten concerns for vulnerable Australians (CSSA)
