‘Money isn’t infinite, power bills are’: Adelaide families forced to tighten the belt
South Australians are facing a power bill hike of up to $114 a year, leaving families “cynical” for the future.
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Another power bill hike has rocked South Australian families, with some paying up to $114 extra per year.
The Australian Energy Regulator published its draft 2025-26 default market offer, showing SA homes will have to add an extra 5.1 per cent to their power bills, each year — a total of $114 a year.
Campbelltown sales manager, Michael Astachnowicz, 47, said working from home chewed up daily solar generation and left him paying thousands in energy bills each year.
“We were convinced that solar is, and was the right thing to do, and we completely lost that impact,” he said.
Mr Astachnowicz, his wife Samantha, and daughter, Eva, 10, have had to tighten the belt, foregoing days out to the cinema and other activities due to cost.
“All costs impact how we’re able to live and what we’re able to provide our child,” Mr Astachnowicz said.
“Money certainly isn’t infinite, while bills and power bills are.
“We made a call on the weekend not to go to the movies for what it costs, but you don’t have that choice with power.”
Paradise couple Darren Little, 54, and his wife, Christina, 55, have stopped going out to concerts and restaurants, grappling with inflation and constant bill hikes.
“It’s getting out of hand,” Mr Little said.
“Even though the federal government gave incentives, the price is going up and we’re noticing that every month we’re increasing the rate we’re paying just to keep ahead.
“It’s important for whoever comes into government that they follow through on their promises... but there’s still only so much they can do.”
Working from home, Semaphore mum, Stephanie, 40, said her and her partner had become a lot more conscious, especially because they’re also renting.
“We’ve had to become much more conservative with power, not leaving lights on, using the dishwasher and dryer when it’s night so there’s lower tariffs,” she said.
Stephanie and her partner have a four-month-old baby, and said paying high prices for essential items and groceries, renting, dealing with bill hikes, it was all part of a bigger problem.
“Promises have been broken by governments now and in the past that are impacting us today,” Stephanie said.
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