State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is reminding Wallsend residents that because of a 50% increase in the wholesale electricity price, power bills are set to rise by up to $400 a year from July 1.
Local residents who are already feeling the impacts of cuts to pensions and benefits will struggle to pay for this increase and some will be forced to make the choice about keeping warm this coming winter.
Last year, electricity and gas prices rose after the daily supply charges increased by up to 19.5%, well ahead of rises in the Consumer Price Index.
This latest increase will be too much for some to cope with and some will be forced to make difficult decisions.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Last year we saw the Government talk up the sale of the electricity network and how it was good for the State and how it would lead to cheaper prices in NSW.”
“Today we have seen the story of Frances Burdon, who cannot afford to turn on her heater and because of costs, has had to cut back on cooking.”
“Tragically, Frances is not alone. Many Wallsend residents are already struggling because of cuts to their pension and the loss of a number of rebates provided by the State Government.”
“Last year we saw an increase in the number of people who contacted my office, struggling to cope with increases in their power bills.”
“Many residents like Frances will be forced to make difficult decisions this winter as a result of this increase – it will be too much for some to cope with.”
“The Government needs to step in and make sure Wallsend residents are not faced with the difficult choice of whether to stay warm this winter.”