TasCOSS today appeared before the Joint Select Committee on Energy Matters to speak about actions the Government can take to reduce instances of energy poverty and to ensure all Tasmanians have access to a reliable, safe and affordable household energy supply.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said energy costs in Tasmania represent a significant component of household budgets, with those on lower incomes spending a higher proportion of their income on energy, making their electricity bills less affordable.
“One-in-five Tasmanian households are unable to afford their electricity supply,” Ms Picone said.
“When you can’t afford to pay your bill, you’re left with little option but to go without other essentials, ration your energy use, or enter into energy debt.
“It should not be the case that in one of the world’s wealthiest nations, people are skipping meals, turning off their heating and getting sick because they can’t afford to power their homes.
“Persistent energy poverty has a detrimental impact on Tasmanians’ physical and mental health and wellbeing, which in turn places additional burden on our health system, reduces economic participation and adds further strain our community service organisations, in particular, those delivering emergency relief.”
Ms Picone said household energy consumption, and therefore energy bills, can be reduced by improving household energy efficiency performance.
“TasCOSS calls on the Tasmanian Government to boost its investment in a program of household energy efficiency upgrades for low income households, including rooftop solar, insulation and thermal efficiency upgrades, and mandate minimum energy performance standards for rental properties,” she said.
“These measures will provide for healthier homes and significantly improve energy affordability for Tasmanian households by reducing electricity consumption and permanently lowering electricity bills.”
Energy Snapshot:
- Since 1 July 2022, electricity prices in Tasmania have increased by more than 23%, whereas CPI has increased by 8.4% for the same period.
- TasCOSS estimates around 50,000 Tasmanian households are living in energy poverty.
- 13,400 Tasmanian customers are currently repaying an energy debt, twice as many since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 21% increase in customers entering retailer hardship programs in the past year.
For more information, please refer to TasCOSS’s previous submission to the Legislative Council Sessional Committee Inquiry into Energy Prices in Tasmania (2023) or 2025/26 Budget Priorities Statement: A Good Life for Tasmanians: Getting the Basics Right (4.3 Energy Affordability).