[Greens-Media] FW: Steep electricity price rise inequitable

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT GREENS MLA DEB FOSKEY MEDIA RELEASE
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15 June 2007



Steep electricity price rise inequitable

Deb Foskey, Greens MLA, today expressed concern that electricity price
rises should be introduced in a way that causes least harm to people on
low incomes.

"The price rise of 17%, announced by the Independent Competition and
Regulatory Commission (ICRC)  today, will send a necessary signal to
people who are able to reduce their electricity use by using it more
efficiently and turning off appliances when not needed," said Dr Foskey.

"However, many are already struggling to pay bills for what is
essential: heat and light in poorly designed houses."

"I had hoped that the ICRC would heed the submission from the Essential
Services Consumer Council (ESCC) which proposed that any increase be
introduced in two stages, the first in winter (when bills for low income
people are likely to be at their peak) and the second at the beginning
of January after a review."

"That would have allowed for a decision to reassess the cost of
electricity in the event that the Snowy Hydro dams refill over winter
and spring."

"I am concerned that cuts made to the ICRC have reduced its capacity to
fully account for the social impacts of its decisions, and question if
this decision is not a reflection on that."

"The ESCC and CARE Financial Counselling, which supported the ESCC
submission, are bodies that are most aware of the impacts essential
service price rises on Canberra's poorest people. In the absence of its
own social analysts, it is crucial that the ICRC heed their advice,"
said Dr Foskey.

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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
==== www.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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