NSW electricity bill price hike: How much your power bill will increase from July 1
Power bills across NSW are set to rise by up to 18 per cent, with homeowners being warned to prepare for bill shock. See how much your provider will increase rates by here.
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Hundreds of thousands of homeowners are about to be slugged an extra $369 a year on their electricity bill, as the NSW Government are being called on to offer cost-of-living support.
The new financial year will see residents on ‘standing offer’ electricity rates experience bill shock, with forecasts of prices rising by up to 18 per cent.
Meanwhile, small businesses should expect to pay up to 20 per cent more on their power bill.
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns told NewsLocal residents in western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra would bare the most brunt of the price increases.
SEE THE HOW MUCH YOU WILL PAY UNDER YOUR PROVIDER BELOW
“We are in a cost of living crisis,” Mr Minns said. “We’re calling on the government to look at the chronic underspend of programs – there’s $265 million in eligible energy rebates that can be used.
“It’s a common sense idea that can offer real and immediate cost of living relief to NSW families now.”
Shadow Energy spokesman Jihad Dib said energy bills are placing pressure on families.
“It’s time for the government to come up with a real plan for cost of living relief that families can access,” he said. “The government’s approach to cost of living relief is that if you’re not on an existing concession then you’re not feeling the pinch — this is naive and out of touch.
“The Minister is quick with a quip and big statements like he’s going to ‘bust’ energy bills, but the truth is that under his watch, families have done it tougher than ever before.”
Treasurer Matt Kean revealed a total of $71.554 million in Energy Accounts Payment Assistance vouchers had been issued to 213,787 residents across NSW in the past four financial years.
NSW residents having trouble paying their energy bills due to “short-term financial crisis”, unexpected medical bills, or reduced income due to COVID-19 can apply for vouchers to pay for energy bills which are sent directly to the provider.
A spokeswoman for Mr Kean said the NSW Government funds around $330 million in Energy Social Programs to support households each year.
“In the last financial year these Energy Social Programs reduced electricity bills by 20 per cent and reduced gas bills by 15 per cent for recipient households on average,” she said.
“A crisis support scheme is also provided in addition to the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme, which helps customers experiencing a sudden financial crisis or emergency with their energy bills.
“From 30 May this year, the NSW Government increased the maximum EAPA value from $300 to $400 for electricity and gas, which customers can access twice per year.
“This means eligible customers can receive up to $1600 towards their energy bills annually.”
Meanwhile, the Family Energy Rebate of $180 per household and the Seniors Energy Rebate of $200 per year is also available through Service NSW.
Other initiatives include the Low Income Household Rebate, Life Support Rebate and the Medical Energy Rebate.
“The Government is also enabling energy rebate recipients to swap their energy rebate for either a free solar system or energy saving upgrades through the $128 million new Energy Bill Buster program,” the Treasurer’s spokeswoman said. “The NSW Government is working hard to manage the energy market transition and move towards a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity sector.
“This is being achieved through the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap – a 20-year plan to bring new renewable generation, storage, firming and transmission projects online, which will attract investment and put downward pressure on energy prices while creating jobs.”
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