Help available to find better electricity deals targets those who most need it

Vulnerable electricity consumers in South-East Queensland now have access to a range of assistance programs to help them to shop around and save on their electricity bill thanks to funding from electricity retailer AGL.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said that as part of the transition to a deregulated retail electricity price market in South-East Queensland, electricity retailer AGL has provided $500,000 of funding through its Switched On Communities program to organisations to support vulnerable consumers to get a better electricity deal.

The community organisations are:

• Salvation Army                 
• Multilink Community Services
• Queenslanders with Disability Network
• COTA Qld                           
• Laidley & District Community Organisation                                          
• Coast2Bay Housing Group
• Encircle                                        
• Mangrove Housing
• Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre

“Lower income households spend proportionately more of their day to day living expenses on essential requirements such as electricity, so the benefit of better deals and financial savings will potentially have a greater impact for them,” Mr Bailey said.

“These community organisations are well-placed to assist vulnerable consumers, and I thank AGL for their support.

“The organisations will be offering a mix of targeted support to help South East Queenslanders find the best electricity deals, including one-on-one counselling, telephone support, community workshops, home visits and ‘bring your bill’ advice days.

“The support programs will reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, seniors, people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people facing financial hardship, as well as people not yet fully engaged in South-East Queensland’s energy market.

“I urge people in South-East Queensland who feel they need assistance choosing the best electricity provider, to contact these organisations.”

AGL’s Head of Government & Community Relations Tony Chappel said AGL has a long-standing commitment to supporting communities.

“This financial commitment is about helping consumers to get the most out of the retail electricity reforms, and AGL remains committed to improving accessibility of support information for customers and in ensuring that vulnerable groups are protected,” Mr Chappel said.

“Energy affordability is a major challenge for the community, and we recognise that industry has an important role to play in working with governments and community groups to deliver effective support for energy consumers.”

Council of the Aging Queensland CEO Mark Tucker-Evans said the cost of electricity bills can be a challenge for seniors, particularly pensioners and retirees.

“COTA Queensland will use the grant funding to facilitate education programs across South-East Queensland to ensure seniors had access to information to find the best electricity deal,” Mr Tucker-Evans said.

“Making sure you’re on the best and most affordable plan for your home can lead to very important household savings.

“We look forward to supporting our seniors network to help the Queensland Government spread the ‘how to shop around for electricity deals’ message.”

Queensland Council of Social Service’s Mark Henley said because electricity is an essential service it is vital to ensure that all consumers, particularly low-income households and disadvantaged customers, are informed and able to take advantage of the benefits of electricity competition.

“We support having targeted programs in place to assist people who experience disadvantage or financial hardship to get better outcomes in the competitive market,” Mr Henley said.

“Through our extensive networks we will continue to help educate the community about how to engage in the market and importantly about what protections and programs are available to help in times of hardship.

“Electricity is one of the major expenses households have so understanding both how to shop around and get assistance when needed is essential.”

Deregulation of South East Queensland’s retail electricity market became effective on 1 July 2016 following the recommendation of the Queensland Productivity Commission.

Mr Bailey said studies have indicated that electricity bill savings in a deregulation market could be up to $400 per year/bill, depending on individual circumstances.

For more information visit www.qcoss.org.au

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640