State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling on the Government to intervene after it recently announced that Wallsend customers will have to pay up to $400 a year more for power from July, because of a 50 per cent increase in the wholesale electricity price.
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.”
“Some 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.”
“Some people will not be able to afford to turn on their heater this winter as a result of this increase – it is 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.”