Gippsland families and businesses are paying too much for energy a review into Victoria’s energy market has found.
Speaking in Parliament today, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said energy had become unaffordable under Daniel Andrews.
This is backed-up by the Independent Review into the Electricity and Gas Retail Markets in Victoria, released last week.
“Families and businesses are suffering under the strain of increased costs,” Ms Bath said in parliament.
“One Traralgon milk bar has experienced a 55% increase in electricity prices over the past year, surging from $900 a month to $1,400.”
Milk bar operator Bronwyn McGennisken is concerned about the impact of price increases on her customers.
“There are real challenges in our area and this just adds to it. It’s difficult to continue to pass on these increasing costs to the people who come into our shop,” Ms McGennisken said.
Ms Bath told parliament that the government must intervene in light of the findings of the independent review.
“The Andrews Labor Government’s own independent review into electricity and gas markets has found regional consumers in areas with only one gas or electricity provider face significantly inflated prices,” she continued.
“When Hazelwood power station shut down in March, 750 people lost their jobs and the State was left with no alternative to make up the baseload power supply that was lost.”
“If Daniel Andrews was serious about energy affordability for Victorian households and businesses, he wouldn’t have failed to stop the closure of Hazelwood power station without a Plan B.”
“Daniel Andrews needs to act immediately on power prices instead of pointing the finger and hoping the Federal Government will fix the energy affordability mess.”
