TasCOSS has called for further household assistance following the Tasmanian Economic Regulator’s determination that regulated electricity prices in Tasmania will increase by a further 4.23% next week.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Paula Wriedt, noted electricity prices in Tasmania are increasing at the same time as regulated prices on the mainland are falling by up to 10%,* warning of increased energy hardship and financial strain.
“This is the fifth consecutive electricity price increase for Tasmanian customers whose average annual bill will be $600 more than five years ago. Electricity prices have increased by 31% in the past five years, more than double the rate of inflation,” Ms Wriedt said.
“Rising electricity prices, together with higher housing, water and food costs, are contributing to the persistent cost of living crisis Tasmanians are experiencing.
“Energy is essential, not a discretionary expense, yet many Tasmanians are increasingly being forced to ration energy use in ways that compromise their health, safety and quality of life.
“As household cost pressures intensify, many Tasmanians are making impossible choices between paying energy bills and affording other necessities, such as food and medicine. Despite these sacrifices, too many Tasmanians remain trapped in energy hardship and accumulating debt with little prospect of catching up on their bills.
“According to the Australian Energy Regulator, last financial year the proportion of customers with energy debt was the highest in Tasmania at 5.6%, almost double the national average of 3.1%.
“The most recent debt data shows a record high 23,000 Tasmanians are behind on their energy bills. Customers with older and higher levels of debt tend to have more challenges meeting their repayment obligations.
“TasCOSS remains firmly of the view that the Government’s policy response to rising energy hardship remains inadequate.”
TasCOSS continues to call on the Tasmanian Government to:
- Reduce household electricity bills by investing in home energy efficiency upgrades for low income households and introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties.
- Invest in the Knock to Stay Connected program so that vulnerable customers are not charged additional fees to avoid disconnection.
- Provide energy debt relief for customers unable to meet repayment obligations or most at risk of disconnection.
- Review electricity concession arrangements to ensure they are well-targeted and fit-for-purpose.
Customers experiencing bill payment difficulties are urged to contact their energy retailer, who is required by law to provide tailored support options. Financial assistance may also be available through the Energy Hardship Fund.
* Regulated price changes from 1 July 2026:
