Single State Impacted Most by ‘Suckerpunch’ Hike in Electricity Rates

Prices will increase by more than 13 per cent in parts of the country, but one state may be shielded from the worst of it.

“This will be a suckerpunch for a lot of customers,” Canstar spokesperson Sally Tindall said.

AGL and Origin Energy locked in new prices for millions of customers today. 

Starting on July 1, AGL’s prices will jump 13.5 per cent in New South Wales.

In South Australia, electricity prices are set to increase by 8 per cent, while in Queensland they will go up by 7.5 per cent, and in Victoria by 6.8 per cent. This will result in an additional $110 on the average electricity bill for Victorian households.

Today, the federal opposition slammed the government’s action on energy prices.

“They imposed price caps that haven’t worked, they’ve completely failed, and we continue to see price hikes,” Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said. 

Origin Energy hasn’t locked in its electricity charges for Victoria just yet. 

Gas will cost the average Victorian household an additional $85 per year, which is the largest increase for any state in the country. 

“There are plenty of options and payment plans available,” Origin’s Chief Marketing Officer Catherine Anderson said.

“We would really encourage our customers to reach out to us, we’re here to help.”

For those struggling to pay, some help is on the way. 

All households will receive an automatic $150 reduction on their electricity bills courtesy of the federal government. Additionally, concession card holders in Victoria are eligible for a further $100 discount.

For everyone else, the advice is to shop around. 

“Don’t get mad – get even,” Tindall said. 

“By shopping around you, could potentially save hundreds of dollars off your electricity bill.”

Other retailers will lock in their prices in the coming days.