Labor calls for power price relief for struggling households

Premier Peter Gutwein has dismissed calls for additional support to get struggling families through winter by helping out with power bills, stating an established $54 million fund is enough.

LABOR has called on the state government to help struggling Tasmanian households pay their power bills.

Labor’s energy spokesman David O’Byrne said people staying at home due to coronavirus-related restrictions faced higher power bills at a time many would struggle to pay them.

Utility prices have been be frozen for 12 months and small businesses are having one power bill waived this year as part of government stimulus measures

Tasmanian electricity retailer Aurora Energy has established a $5 million Customer Support fund to help customers through bill relief, the waiving fees and charges, freezing debt, payment plans.

Labor’s energy spokesman, David O'Byrne said those forced to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis will face higher power bills.

PREMIER ANNOUNCES POWER BILL RELIEF FOR BUSINESS

In the lead-up to the 2018 election, the state government provided a $125 Special Energy Bonus to pensioners, veterans, carers and disability pensioners.

Mr Byrne said with may households facing increased energy bills, some relief was called for.

“With winter properly upon us today, the government must look at introducing a winter energy supplement to households in financial stress.

“Capping household power prices will not be enough to take the sharp edge off higher power bills for many households

“And, while Aurora Energy has made $5 million available to help both business and residential customers impacted by COVID-19, households need additional support to get them through these extraordinary times.

“I again urge the Premier to provide a winter energy supplement to households in financial stress, similar to the government’s 2018 election-eve provision of a $10 million special energy bonus in the middle of summer.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said the government has already provided significant assistance to households. Picture: Chris Kidd

ENERGY SUPPLEMENT CHEQUES FOR PENSIONERS ARE IN THE MAIL

Premier Peter Gutwein said the government was already providing significant assistance of households.

“In terms of concessions, obviously Labor aren’t factoring the fact that we have $54 million worth of concessions already provided.

‘We are already providing supplements: a freeze of both energy and water prices and importantly concession customers benefit from around $54 million worth of concessions.”