The federal government is claiming pressure on the big energy companies has seen half a million Australian families, and small businesses, get an automatic discount of up to 15 per cent on their energy bill.
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Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the government’s energy policy was delivering for hardworking Australian families and small businesses.
“For too long the big energy companies have focused on their massive profits and not on their customers. The Morrison Government has demanded they put customers first, get rid of the loyalty tax and deliver lower fairer prices,” he said.
“Energy retailers including Origin, Energy Australia and AGL have listened and lowered their standing offer prices for customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland, who are paying too much for their electricity.”
Mr Tehan said that on average the changes were delivering savings of $131 for residential standing offer customers in Wannon from January 1 this year.
“Rising power prices are impacting household budgets and are stopping small businesses in Wannon from growing and employing more staff,” he said.
“The big energy companies have heard the government's calls for a fairer deal for Australian families and small businesses, and they have responded.”
Mr Tehan claimed the government was getting results, but more had to be done.
“We know that navigating your power bills, understanding your energy usage and negotiating a better deal can be confusing and time-consuming. That’s why the government is developing a reference bill to be implemented by July 1, 2019 – a price safety net making it easier to compare offers,” he said.
“We are also banning sneaky late payment fees. Australians can pay up to $600 more a year just because they struggle to pay their electricity bill on time - this is unfair.”
Mr Tehan said new rules would come in this year so vulnerable customers could get help to pay their power bills, and energy retailers would be required notify their customers when their discounts would cease or change.
“Australian families and small businesses are now better off because of the action this Government has taken. We are delivering lower and fairer power prices, making a real difference to household budgets while keeping the lights on,” he said.
For more information on how you can save, visit www.energymadeeasy.gov.au
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