St Vincent de Paul Society’s Tasmanian Tariff-Tracking Project records a 7% decrease in Tasmania’s energy bills.

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s Tariff-Tracking Project, which has tracked electricity tariffs across the country, including in Tasmania, from July 2009 to July 2021, has found that compared to July 2020, July 2021 regulated annual electricity bills have decreased by seven per cent for average consumption households for tariffs 31 and 93.

Speaking about the report, which was released this week, St Vincent de Paul Society CEO, Lara Alexander, said that in terms of general trends, the tariff analysis found that Tasmania’s electricity and gas prices have fallen by seven per cent from July 2020 to July 2021.

“Compared to last year July 2020, regulated annual electricity bills have decreased for average consumption households for tariffs 31 and 93. This year, the annual bill for households on Tariff 31, consuming 9,060 kWh/annum will be approximately $2,560,” Mrs Alexander said.

“Tasmanian electricity retail prices taking effect in July 2021 produce annual bills that are approximately $165 – $195 less than they were in July 2020.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society undertakes research on a national level into issues that have the potential to impact the lives of low-income people and families in our community. Reports such as the Tariff-Tracking Project develop conclusions so that the Society can make informed recommendations to governments and regulators regarding of any adverse impacts their decisions have on low-income earners and the most vulnerable in our communities.

“The rationale for tracking domestic energy prices has been to document price changes, analyse market developments, and inform the broader community about the impact on their energy bills and any potential savings to be made.

“There is still limited knowledge and understanding in the community regarding the various energy tariffs available, how they are changing, and how tariff changes impact on Tasmanian households.

“Furthermore, this increased knowledge will allow all charities, including the St Vincent de Paul Society, to monitor the impact price and tariff changes have on households’ bills, and the affordability of this essential service. All too often, families are making the decision to pay the power bill to keep warm or buy food. We see this dreadful situation arising on a daily basis at the St Vincent de Paul Society.

“This could not be more important than it is for Tasmanian energy consumers. As Aurora is the only domestic energy provider in Tasmania, monitoring energy pricing ensures the Society can be on the ‘front foot’ to help people seeking our service and support. The St Vincent de Paul Society also works very closely with Aurora to link those struggling with their energy bills with the YES program, which Aurora has been running with great success,” Mrs Alexander said.

All workbooks and reports are available on the St Vincent de Paul Society’s website: www.vinnies.org.au/energy

_{MEDIA NOTES: The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a 20-year old Italian student, Frederic Ozanam. Today, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members. Australia has over 60,000 members, dedicated to assisting people in need and combating social injustice. The Society started in Tasmania in 1899 when founders established a Conference in Launceston. From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to 25 Conferences within three Regional Councils across Tasmania. Each Conference undertake a variety of good works, the most recognised being the traditional Vincentian home visits and the annual CEO Sleep-out to draw attention to homelessness.}

_{Media contact, Mark Wells: +61 414 015 966 (24-hours)
© St Vincent de Paul Society and MWPA.}