Electricity Disconnections head for record high
Mark Henley The latest electricity disconnection figures for non-payment of accounts released last week show the extent to which disadvantaged Queenslanders are struggling with the spiraling cost of living.
The Queensland Competition Authority reported that more than 7000 residential customers were disconnected for non-payment in the first quarter of the current financial year. This continues the upward trend in disconnection we have seen over the past three years. If the rate remains constant over the next three quarters, the annual disconnection rate will increase by another 20 per cent this year.
The Queensland Government has expressed concern at Queensland’s high rate of disconnections and is investigating the causes. QCOSS has provided input to this investigation and is advocating for the extension of electricity concessions to Health Care card holders as one means of alleviating the pressures on families facing disadvantage.
I look forward to the findings of this review and trust that some positive recommendations emerge which assist disadvantaged Queenslanders cope with future electricity price increases.
