3 days ago
Thousands to be hit with power bill increases as EnergyAustralia, Alinta confirm price hikes
Energy prices are set to rise for thousands of Australians with two of the country's biggest providers announcing increases.
Alinta will increase costs for NSW customers by 11 per cent, and the Daily Telegraph reports EnergyAustralia will also raise NSW prices by 8.7 per cent.
The EnergyAustralia increase will see NSW households pay an average of $215 extra in annual power bills, and small businesses would pay an additional $565.
Prices will also increase for households across other major states, including an 11.6 per cent increase for the ACT, 2.1 per cent in Queensland, 2.9 per cent in South Australia, and 2.3 per cent in Victoria.
The Daily Telegraph estimates NSW small businesses with Alinta will pay at least $236 extra, depending on what area they are based in.
Alinta will also impose a 5.2 per cent increase for Queensland and 6.5 per cent for South Australia.
Shadow Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Dan Tehan said the increases come after the Labour government "promised" Australians would see cheaper energy by 2025.
"Chris Bowen has failed dismally as Australia's energy minister and he should apologise to the people of NSW for his gross incompetence," he said.
"He promised that by the end of this year power bills would go down by $275 but this confirms they will go up by $1000."
EnergyAustralia Chief customer officer Kate Gibson said customers can reach out for support.
'We encourage any customers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills to please contact us as early as possible,' she said.
'Through our EnergyAssist program, support can cover payment plans, staying-connected guarantees, energy efficiency advice, and, for small businesses, cashflow assistance is available.'
