TIME FOR FAIRER ELECTRICITY CONCESSION

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today reiterated their call for the Bartlett Government to extend electricity concessions to assist Tasmanians who are struggling to keep pace with spiralling costs of living.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said concessions for electricity use are currently offered at a flat rate, irrespective of how many people might be living in the household, and the concession structure requires reform to extend higher concessions to larger households while retaining the current levels of support for single occupant households.

Mr McKim also said the pricing structure for electricity currently rewards consumers for using excess electricity, and this obviously requires reform to reward low-energy users.

“The Greens used Parliament to call for an extension of concessions for electricity and for water and sewerage charges in October this year, but the Bartlett Government used its majority to defeat our call,” said Mr McKim.

“The Premier has now acknowledged that water and sewerage concessions needed to be extended, and we are reiterating our call for the Premier to also broaden the scope of concessions offered for electricity use.”

“Changing the electricity pricing structure and extending concessions for households with more than one occupant will go a long way towards removing the fear of fuel poverty for many Tasmanians.”

“The Greens are reiterating our call for the Bartlett Government to extend electricity concessions and reform the electricity pricing structure to assist Tasmanians who are struggling with spiralling cost-of-living increases,” said Mr McKim.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader