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

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Someone
Someone commented:

How about cheaper price rates for over 55's ??!!!!! 

Mauro
Mauro from VIC commented:

unfortunately nothing will change until we are under a government that does not favour renewable energy. Investments in this sector could generate jobs and also go to the advantage of consumers who would finally enjoy affordable power sources. The biggest hindrance is that politicians (particularly the latest generations), do not care about public interest, but only about the lobbies (coal in this case). In any case, the word for the future is "differentiation". We need to move away from traditional power sources like coal and move to a cleaner world. If that means that some higher "interests" will be hurt in the process, then so be it. 

Wenlock
Wenlock from VIC commented:

How about a solar panel scheme aimed at pensioners? 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Wind and solar would complement our energy resorted........unions have nothing to do with energy pricing 

Elizabeth
Elizabeth from NSW commented:

There was some problem when I made my earlier comments, and I note there are 2 repeats of part of my comment. Admin please delete the errors, and note I never hit the 'comment' button on those two. 

Warren
Warren from NSW commented:

Labor/Green schemes, market forces and Union influences determine our energy prices. Let's get rid of these suckers first. 

stephen
stephen from NSW commented:

We need more options to generate our electricity. Wind maybe. Or rechargable battery cells that charge in low peaks and can be used in higher peaks. I can't afford to get solar panels, I sit in the cold in the evenings as this is the time when the cost is through the roof. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Even if you put solar panels on your house with the Government now not allowing enough subsidy especially for older people's premises when down sizing is not encouraging us to think about helping to save on electricity and do the correct thing in making sure we can care for ourselves. The price of electricity is too high and is far above the older person's budget and cost of living. 

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