Executives from major power companies face grilling over sky-high electricity bills

THE bosses of NSW’s major power companies have been ordered to explain why they are not doing more to help families battling rocketing electricity bills.

• HOUSEHOLDS TO PAY $400 A YEAR MORE FOR POWER
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THE bosses of NSW’s major power companies have been ordered to explain why they are not doing more to help families battling rocketing electricity bills.

Average NSW household electricity prices have doubled over the past decade. Picture: Marc McCormack

Energy Minister Don Harwin is chairing the discussion, which includes executives from AGL, Energy Australia, Origin and others. He will ram home the fact that thousands of customers are struggling to pay sky-high bills. Average NSW household electricity bills have more than doubled over the past decade and families face another increase, potentially up to $400 a year, from July. “I want to convey to retailers what I’ve been told by NSW consumers, and to make sure they are addressing consumer concerns,” Mr Harwin said yesterday.

Energy Minister Don Harwin. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

He blamed rising prices on “national factors” including the gas industry putting up gas and electricity prices. “The NSW government is increasing its support and we want the retailers to do likewise,” he said.