Media release – Michael Ferguson, Treasurer; Nick Duigan, Minister for Energy and Renewables, 17 June 2024
Tasmanian electricity bills to fall
The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes the release of 2024-25 electricity prices by the independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator.
The Regulator has approved an average increase of just 0.50 per cent in regulated electricity tariffs for Tasmanian households and small businesses, which will take effect from 1 July.
Treasurer Michael Ferguson said that the Tasmanian Liberal Government has reached in and is providing more energy bill support than ever before, driving bills lower.
“We know that Tasmanians are struggling with the cost of living, which is why the Tasmanian Government is providing significant concessions to help reduce pressure on households and small businesses, such as our supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend and the existing Energy Bill Relief package,” said the Treasurer.
“As a result, Tasmanians will pay less for electricity this coming year.
“In fact, as a result of combined state and federal energy bill relief measures, the average Tasmanian concession-holder can expect to see more than $1,000 shaved off their power bill this coming financial year.”
“The Tasmanian Government will continue to do what it can to provide immediate relief to the rising cost of living.”
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said Tasmania’s position as having the lowest regulated prices in the nation was secure and the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future would keep Tassie’s power prices low.
“This determination by the independent regulator is good news for Tasmanian energy users at a time when cost of living pressures continue to bite,” said Minister Duigan.
“The marginal increase would mean that the typical bill increase would be between around $5 – $16 for the whole year, before any rebates or concessions.
“Through our supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend, we are providing a massive $250 to all Tasmanian households, and $300 to small business customers. This will be credited to customers electricity accounts before the end of this financial year and credited to customers on their next bill depending on their billing cycle.”
The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to deliver on its long-term plan to ensure Tasmania has the power it needs for our future – at the lowest possible cost to consumers.
Media release – Janie Finlay MP, Shadow Minister for Energy, 17 June 2024
Tasmanians should pay a Tasmanian price for Tasmanian power
Today’s decision by the Tasmanian Economic Regulator locks in a 23 per cent power price increase for Tasmanians since prices spiked in coal and gas on the mainland.
Tasmania has the unique advantage of state-owned renewable electricity generation and we should be paying Tasmanian prices for Tasmanian power.
Tasmania’s electricity prices are already too expensive and Tasmanian households have the highest electricity bills in the country. While Tasmanian prices have gone up again, other jurisdictions have seen price decreases.
Any increase in power prices is a blow to Tasmanians in this cost of living crisis, one especially felt by those earning lower incomes who are already at breaking point.
The Liberal Government has failed to deliver on their promise to provide energy bill relief. The Renewable Energy Dividend was announced in February last year, has changed three times and still not a single cent has flowed to Tasmanians.
Every other state and territory has delivered energy bill relief in full, why hasn’t this government?
Media release – TasCOSS, 17 June 2024
Unjustifiably high electricity prices locked in
In the midst of a cost of living crisis, today’s announcement by the Tasmanian Economic Regulator of another increase in electricity prices is a blow to Tasmanians on the lowest incomes, who do not have anything left in their budgets to cut back on and are at breaking point.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said while the regulated price increase of 0.5% is much smaller than the 22.5% rises in the past two years, it shouldn’t deflect from the fact that Tasmanian households are still paying too much for their electricity and have the highest electricity bills in the country.
“Tasmania’s electricity prices are far too expensive for people on low incomes who are already struggling with a cost of living crisis,” Ms Picone said.
“TasCOSS is concerned those households unable to afford their energy have little option but to pay the extra bill hit by going without other essentials, such as food or medicine, or enter into energy debt. Either option is not good for physical and mental health and wellbeing, and will only compound difficulties for households to engage in education, work or training.
“The Tasmanian Government must urgently act to provide relief now by releasing $35 million of Energy Bill Relief Fund payments currently being withheld, and support people on low incomes to avoid future price increases by working with the Commonwealth Government to co-invest in energy efficiency initiatives for low income households that will reduce consumption and bills.”
TasCOSS encourages consumers to contact their retailer to ensure they’re on the best plan, check if they are eligible for concessions, and ask their retailer for help if they are struggling to pay their bills. Retailers are legally obliged to offer a payment plan or hardship supports. It is illegal for consumers to be disconnected if they are keeping to a payment plan or are on a retailer’s hardship program.
