Pensioners slam skyrocketing energy prices

“Pensioners and low income households will not be able to cover a price hike of 62% for their electricity. There are no two ways about it.”

“NSW Energy Minister John Robertson says that he was ‘shocked’ by the forecast price increases.”

“The Minister should spare a thought for the ‘shock’ that will be felt by pensioners facing an $893 price rise when they live on just $336 per week. Allowance recipients on $228 per week will fare even worse.”

“These typically low-energy using households already pay in excess of $1,000 each year on electricity bills, and have to go on to payment plans as a result.”

“The NSW Government’s Energy Rebate is $130 each year. Allowance recipients are not eligible for it, and it currently equates to just 14% of an average single pensioner’s electricity bill.”

“The Energy Rebate is indexed annually in accordance with CPI. CPI averages 2.5% to 3% each year. Electricity prices will go up between 44% and 62% over three years after rising over 20% this year. There will be no comparative Energy Rebate increase.”

“The Tasmanian State Government indexes its electricity rebate in accordance with electricity price rises. They also give Allowance recipients access to the rebate.”

“NSW should follow suit so that pensioner and low income households don’t live in the dark. Energy should not be a service that only the rich can afford.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716