18 March 2010
The Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has called on the NSW Government to respond to today's decision by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to increase electricity prices by between 20% and 42% over the next three years by increasing energy rebates and extending eligibility for rebates to a greater number of low income earners.

"Electricity is an essential service," said Ms Alison Peters, NCOSS Director. "No family should have to live in the dark or be unable to cook their food because they can’t afford the bill, yet that is exactly what happened to more than 26,000 households last year".

"These increased prices can only make that problem worse".

NCOSS has called on the Minister for Energy to urgently introduce additional hardship relief for low income earners who will struggle to pay the increased prices.

"Currently only pensioners and a few others can get a small rebate of $130 per year towards their energy bills. Other fixed income earners and low paid, working poor families get no rebate," said Ms Peters.

"NSW needs to apply the same rules as many other states and provide rebates to households on a low income health care card," said Ms Peters.

"This modest assistance will make all the difference for thousands of households in NSW who are currently doing it tough," she added.

"Today’s announcement will make it even more difficult for struggling families to make ends meet. The Government has a clear responsibility to act to protect low income consumers."

Media Contact

• Alison Peters, NCOSS Director
  ph: 9211 2599
  mob: 0425 231 814
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