Last chance for consumers to have their say on electricity prices
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.
