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Gippslanders face bill shock and impact on households as electricity prices soar as Andrews Labor government energy policies

Gippslanders face bill shock with electricity rate hikes; concerns raised over government's energy policies, affordability, and impact on households. Assistance available for the Power Saving Bonus at the electorate office.

By news@gippsland - 20th July 2023 - Back to News

Many Gippslanders will be experiencing bill shock this month as new electricity contract offers arrive and the Essential Service Commission lifts the Victorian Default Offer prices by 25 percent. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien said he was aware that energy companies have begun advising Gippsland consumers of electricity rate rises as high as 35 percent.

Gippslanders to face bill shock with soaring electricity rates due to new contracts and Essential Service Commission's price increase

Concerning energy price hikes

Mr O'Brien said, "Like many Gippslanders, I have received emails from my electricity and gas companies this week informing me of the impending price hikes. Indeed, one of my constituents has forwarded me their email advising that their electricity is forecast to rise nearly $1700 for the year!"

"This is yet another blow to the average Victorian who is just trying to make ends meet under a state government that continues to allow the cost of living to skyrocket," he said.

Inadequate power relief

Mr O'Brien said the $250 Power Saving Bonus was a band-aid fix that for many households will not even make a dent in covering their rate increases. "While the one-off payment is certainly better than nothing, it fails to come close to addressing the underlying issues causing rising power bills."

"The Andrews Labor government's failure to ensure affordable, reliable energy for Victorian households has left household budgets bleeding. The unnecessary early closure of Hazelwood started the trend and we now have Energy Australia accelerating the closure of Yallourn power station to mid-2028 and AGL bringing forward the closure date of its Loy Yang A plant from 2048 to 2035," he said.

Energy challenges ahead

Mr O'Brien added, "This at a time when the government has failed in transmission planning which has left some renewable energy producers in the state unable to connect to the grid. In addition to this, those who rely on wood heating to keep them warm will take another hit with firewood prices anticipated to increase following the government's announcement that the native timber industry shut down will be brought forward to 1 January 2024."

Mr O'Brien said anyone requiring assistance applying for the $250 Power Saving Bonus should visit his electorate office at 54B Cunninghame St, Sale between 9-4.30pm weekdays with a copy of their most recent energy bill.

Pictures from Energy Australia Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• Gippsland Water Customer Satisfaction Survey opens from 1 to 17 October, feedback chance to win $100 bill credits
  Gippsland Water’s annual customer satisfaction survey runs October 1-17, allowing all customers to provide feedback and enter a draw to win one of ten $100 bill credits.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
  Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
  Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
  Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026.
• Warragul Leisure Centre to receive $2.29M pool heating upgrade, cutting emissions and energy costs significantly
  Warragul Leisure Centre will receive a $2.29 million pool heating upgrade, funded by Council and government, cutting carbon emissions by 80% and saving approximately $308,000 in annual energy costs.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.