‘Some people face an impossible choice because of rising electricity prices,’ says Carolyn Hodge, Senior Policy Officer with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre’s Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program (EWCAP).

‘The choice some people face is this: either they buy essential medication or they pay enough of their electricity bill to stay connected.’

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced today that regulated electricity retail prices would increase by between 15.5 per cent and 18.1 per cent on 1 July 2011.

‘Electricity price rises have a broad social impact,’ Ms Hodge (pictured) said.

‘Low-income and vulnerable consumers often can’t absorb these kinds of increases because they’re already struggling to meet the cost of essentials.

‘We are aware that some vulnerable consumers are going without adequate lighting and heating in order to afford electricity at current prices.’

Ms Hodge said people can take action today to help manage these latest increases.

‘People can ask their electricity retailers if they are eligible for any of the Government’s Energy Rebates. They can also talk to their retailer about available payment options.’

PIAC believes longer-term strategies are needed to ensure that vulnerable households continue to have access to essential services.

‘We would like to see a social tariff investigated as a matter of urgency,’ said PIAC Chief Executive Officer, Edward Santow.

‘A social tariff would allow eligible consumers to access electricity at a lower rate. This would protect people who are most at risk of energy poverty from the worst of these price rises,’ Mr Santow said.

MEDIA CONTACT: PIAC Media and Communications Officer, Dominic O’Grady.

Ph: (02) 8898 6532 or 0400 110 169.

Background briefing: Keeping the essential affordable

There is a way to break the cycle of vulnerable households trapped by rising power costs, writes Carolyn Hodge.