Electricity prices: High bills force western Sydney family to wash dishes in cold water

Adid Alrubai once had access to solar power. “It was like you lived in paradise,” he said. Today he doesn’t. And with electricity bills skyrocketing, the dishes are now done in cold water.

The cost of power has become so prohibitive for western Sydney’s Adid Alrubai and his wife that they now do the dishes in cold water.

Their adult son Abullateef has Down syndrome and his special needs often result in the clothes washing machine running until midnight — on the cold-water setting.

“We use hot only when we have a bath,” Sheik Adid, of Mt Druitt, said.

The community leader, who works part-time as a school bus driver, is a member of a group set to meet with NSW energy minister Matt Kean at Parramatta on November 30.

The nonpartisan group, Voices for Power, is seeking support for projects including community-owned solar gardens and a mobile “energy hub” that would provide expert independent advice on how to get a fairer deal on energy.

Adid Alrubai with son Abullateef. Picture: Richard Dobson

“We hope (with) Matt Kean to solve some of these problems,” Sheik Adid said.

In a previous home, his family had access to solar energy.

“It was like you lived in paradise,” he said.

The most recent winter was a particular struggle where they live now.

“All the family was in one room for one heater because it costs a fortune,” he said.

Voices for Power lead organiser Diana Olmos said this was an increasingly common story.

“We have heard many concerns from renters that live in homes that are old and not energy efficient,” Ms Olmos said.

“We are hearing some renters over winter … had to put on five blankets to fall asleep,” she said.

“Communities in summer are really struggling with the use of airconditioning.

“They prefer to go to shopping centres to escape the heat without using electricity.”

NSW Treasurer and energy minister Matt Kean. Picture: NCA Newswire’s Gaye Gerard

Voices for Power is pushing for minimum energy efficiency standards in rental properties.

“Everyone in NSW should have access to clean and affordable energy, regardless of your upbringing,” Ms Olmos said.

“We want to see if Matt Kean is keen to tackle the cost of living crisis for people in western Sydney.”

Ms Olmos said the federal and state governments had to work together amid forecasts power bills will rise by more than 50 per cent over the next two years.

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