Consumers trapped by rising cost of energy failure and power bills
Power prices will be a key election topic as Labor sells the benefits of renewables and the Coalition insists nuclear offers the only affordable answer. But under both plans, it’s customers who will pay.
In the Kabuki theatre of Australia’s energy policy, the prospect of a sharp jump in household and business power bills from July instantly cuts through. That an exporting gas powerhouse like Australia is also contemplating importing LNG – at international prices – provides another jarring example of how much has gone wrong.
Price rises always guarantee an urgent political response, of course, particularly before an election focused on the cost of living. Energy ministers are urging the Australian Energy Regulator to reconsider its proposed price increases for NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia.
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Jennifer Hewett is the national affairs columnist. She writes a daily column on politics, business and the economy. Connect with Jennifer on Twitter. Email Jennifer at jennifer.hewett@afr.com
