Calls for inquiry into SA power prices
Consumers have welcomed calls for a Royal Commission into South Australia’s soaring electricity prices.
Family First said it is the only way to guarantee power bill relief, but the government disagrees.
In July, the former boss of ETSA made the admission on 7News that the privatised power system is designed to rip off consumers.
“It’s time to stop the blame game and we really do need a Royal Commission, something that once and for all will get to the bottom of why power prices are just escalating through the roof,” Family First MP Dennis Hood said.
In each of the past three years, power prices have soared by more than 15 per cent – far more than most other states.
“We are continually at the top of the list around the world for expensive electricity and there’s no good reason for it,” Mr Hood said.
Premier Jay Weatherill agrees we are paying the price for privatisation - but said a Royal Commission is not the answer.
“There are problems with the national electricity market,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Having our own enquiry here and navel gazing here in South Australia isn’t going to solve those big national problems.”
A recent investigation by the energy regulator found that in April and May this year, the price of electricity spiked to near record levels because the major power suppliers deliberately reduced supply to the market.
Mr Hood said it is proof the regulator is failing customers.
“We’re looking at exorbitant increases in power costs, we have a regulator to control these increases and yet they keep going up extraordinarily,” Mr Hood said.
