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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1126 asked in the Legislative Council on 8 December 2021 by Hon Dr Brian Walker

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

ELECTRICITY — FEES AND CHARGES

1126. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the Minister for Energy:

I refer the minister to the article in The Sunday Times, dated 5 December 2021, entitled ''Electricity bills shock battlers'', which detailed the $121 million owed in overdue power bills, up from $106 million in May, suggesting that this winter has been especially hard on struggling WA families. I note that power bills have gone up by an astonishing 130 per cent since 2008.

(1) Is the McGowan government still committed to annual power bill increases until at least 2024–25?

(2) If yes to (1), how does the government react to claims in the article that more than 1 000 Western Australians were forced to rely on hardship grants from charities to pay their electricity, gas and water bills in the past month alone?

(3) With Christmas fast approaching, what, if anything, is the government doing to make essential services more affordable for the average family?

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

It is a lengthy question, and I have a lengthy answer here compiled from information provided by the Minister for Energy.

(1) The McGowan government is committed to continuing to keep power bills as low as possible. From 1 July 2021, the household basket of fees and charges rose by 1.6 per cent, below the projected consumer price index of 1.75 per cent in 2021–22. The McGowan government has delivered on its commitment to ensure increases to household electricity and water charges are capped at inflation across the forward estimates. This counters the 90 per cent increase over the two terms of the Barnett Liberal–National government, which had an average of 8.4 per cent each year.

(2) The McGowan government has significantly increased support available to families experiencing difficulty paying electricity bills, including through implementing new evidence-based approaches. For example, in 2020, in recognition of the impact of COVID, the government doubled the energy assistance payment, with a one-off boost of $305.25. This meant that, including the household electricity credit, a total of $1 210 was provided to assist around 300 000 households. It has also delivered several pilot programs: the $13 million household energy efficiency scheme, the $6 million smart energy for social housing program and Synergy's case management program with tailored access to dedicated financial counsellors. Other innovative improvements include the creation of a dedicated portal for financial counsellors to make it easier to assist clients with managing their Synergy bills. Those experiencing financial hardship can also access other assistance, including the hardship utility grant scheme and the account establishment fee rebate. In the first half of this year, HUGS alone has contributed more than $1 million towards the electricity bills of customers in hardship. Around 300 households a month receive a combined amount of about $200 000.

(3) The McGowan government acknowledges the additional stress at Christmas time and the holiday season. Any person experiencing financial hardship is encouraged to contact their electricity retailer directly for assistance.