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Last chance for consumers to have their say on electricity prices

Last chance for consumers to have their say on electricity prices

Tags: Energy Information FiftyUp Club
Last updated by Chris Zinn on

Consumers have 2 more days to have their say on soaring electricity prices in NSW, before they have their “day in court” on Thursday.

The tribunal regulating competition in Australia is opening its doors to the community and asking them what they think about electricity prices.

The 127,000-member FiftyUp Club is now canvassing consumers’ views and preparing a submission on their behalf.

Over-50’s particularly feel the pinch from hefty electricity bills. More than half (52%) say they are afraid to run their heater for fear of big winter bills.

In the past ten years the only cost that has gone up more than electricity (up 116%) was tobacco (up 127%), but electricity is a basic utility.

“The FiftyUp Club will be fronting the tribunal and will submit the views of its members for consideration in setting electricity prices,” Christopher Zinn, spokesperson for the FiftyUp Club said.

“The over 50’s are hurt most by increases in utilities, like electricity and gas, and any fluctuations can impact on their standard of living.”

“We live in a country where no one should be falling through the cracks in winter or going cold because of financial strain. Unfortunately this is all too common.”

Networks NSW is fighting power price cuts of $106-$313 proposed by the Australian Energy Regulator, saying they are not in consumers’ long-term interests.

The networks argue the cuts will lead to more blackouts and will not allow for adequate bushfire mitigation in regional areas.

There are only days left for consumers to take part in the FiftyUp Club Power Price Submission. Join for free at fiftyupclub.com for more details.

Originally posted on .

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FiftyUp Club
Last chance for consumers to have their say on electricity prices

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Carole
Carole from VIC commented:

Fed up with ausnet!!!!! 

Leonard
Leonard from NSW commented:

Please stick it to them. Many thanks 

Robert
Robert from NSW commented:

Australians and Australian industry should not have to pay export prices for OUR natural resources 

David
David from NSW commented:

The Federal & State governments should put Australians first and not force us to pay the export prices of our natural resources. The current policy is unjust an unfair. Lower consumer prices, by reserving some gas & coal for domestic and Australian industry use, will create jobs and make us more competitive in manufactured products. Instead the Governments of all colours cannot see beyond what they can get in the short term from tax receipts, after subsidies, from the natural resource industry sector. 

Geoffrey
Geoffrey from NSW commented:

Well done FiftyUp Club, Kind regards, Geoff 

Ariane
Ariane from VIC commented:

Thank you for your efforts! Very much appreciated! 

Stephen
Stephen from NSW commented:

Like all businesses electricity suppliers need to save money where required & stop wasteful spending. One of the things I would like happen is to STOP the 'V' of trees where powerlines run through branches...this "V" practice causes overhang on the roads/properties which is dangerous, unsightly & often obscures the vision of motorists when they are driving in unfamiliar roads.....Please do something about this unsightly practice. 

John
John from NSW commented:

Isn't it a shame that there aren't more of the Netwoek NSW so that there would be more competition for supply of electricity. They just buy the electricity and on sell it. 

Diane
Diane from VIC commented:

I agree with what Roger from NSW said below. How can it go up so high when the inflation rate is only 2.3per cent? Good luck in Court next Thursday. Di from Victoria 

bob
bob from NSW commented:

Why does one have to worry. About turning heaters on or coolers on when you are cold or hot. It is a sad state of affairs that this state has put income for the government before the health of senior citizens. 

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