Power meters not 'smart' if costs hike for low income households

A University of Melbourne study showing "smart" meters pushing up
electricity bills for low-income households is proof that consumers need
stronger protections if the NSW Government presses ahead with
privatising electricity retailers.
 
Dr Kaye said: "The University of Melbourne study shows the risks of
handing over control of electricity retailing to private companies.
 
"The study looked at the impact of time-of-use pricing, which would see
increased prices for using electricity during peak daytimes.
 
"The research shows that this is for the benefit of generators and
retailers, but young parents and pensioners who can’t avoid using power
at those times of the day would be hardest hit.
 
"NSW Energy Minister John Robertson is pressing ahead with electricity
privatisation despite campaigning against it less than eighteen months
ago.
 
"He is forcing a market driven system onto NSW households and exposing
the most vulnerable to predatory pricing.
 
"Competitive markets give privatised retailers no incentive to reduce
peak demand, particularly when they can pass on the costs to the
consumers through time-of-use metering.
 
"Minister Robertson is letting loose private operators on NSW
households with minimal protection. This is a recipe for disaster for
low income households.
 
"Instead he should be working with low income households to help them
manage their load.
 
"Rather than turning them into cash cows for privatised retailers, he
should be using public ownership to provide cash assistance to install
more energy efficient heating and cooling," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455