Electricity price hikes of more than 18 per cent in regional areas are set to hurt the hip pocket of residents.
The proposed charges which have been recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) take effect from July 1 and will force local residents to pay hundreds of dollars a year extra for electricity.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said these increases will put added pressure on the ability of local residents in the Port Macquarie electorate to either pay more for electricity or to dramatically reduce their electricity consumption.
“Either way it is very concerning, especially when you consider the even greater impact this will have if the Gillard Government is successful in imposing a Carbon Tax on the community which will see electricity prices go through the roof,” Mrs Williams said.
“Not only will it impact on household electricity bills, it will also see businesses being forced to pay more, with those costs being passed on to consumers.”
Mrs Williams welcomed the Government’s three point action plan to minimise the impact of the price rises:
• Cabinet has approved the introduction of rebates of up to $250 for low income earners to be phased in from July 1.
• An immediate review of the electricity network licence conditions to halt any over-spending which may be forcing up power prices; and
• Seek compensation from the Federal Government to offset the price rises caused by the Commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Target.
