Energy complaints up, & electricity hasn’t even been privatised

“Complaints about energy provision have jumped in 2008/09, even though the largest electricity price rises in years took effect after the reporting period, and we’re yet to see electricity privatisation” said Charmaine Crowe, CPSA Policy Coordinator.

“The Energy and Water Ombudsman’s (EWON) annual report reveals an increase in open cases of 23%, with electricity complaints standing out totalling 7008, a jump of 21%.”[1]

“If more customers experienced difficulties last financial year, CPSA shudders to think what EWON’s report will look like next year, when the electricity price hikes of 20% are factored in.”

“If electricity assets are privatised, NSW customers will face higher electricity prices, lose independent regulation by 2013, and be subject to a higher risk of disconnection and aggressive marketing techniques as witnessed in other states where electricity was deregulated.”

“Electricity is an essential service, just like health care and transport. The NSW Government has a responsibility to invest in it and deliver a quality service, while protecting vulnerable households from higher utility costs that investment may entail.”

“Privatisation of electricity assets will not lead to a better deal for people in NSW. It will result in them paying more for electricity, and further disadvantage pensioner and low income households already struggling to pay their utility bills.”