21 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Treasurer warns power companies over bills

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Lismore Labor MP called out over native forest logging

More than five hundred people marched in the rain through Lismore to the local state member’s office in protest against government sanctioned native forest logging on Sunday.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

Murwillumbah’s Rebecca Whan recognised for tireless work post 2022 floods

Murwillumbah was severely impacted by the 2022 floods and it was a huge community effort to support, rescue and inspire everyone to move forward. 

Photo from lifehacker.com.au
Photo from lifehacker.com.au

The Turnbull government has vowed to take tough action if electricity retailers fail to give consumers greater control over their power bills.

“I don’t think the energy companies are in any doubt that should we wish to move here we have form,” Treasurer Scott Morrison told ABC radio on Thursday, alluding to measures the government imposed on the banking sector.

The government, following a meeting with electricity company chiefs on Wednesday, has demanded retailers provide consumers with better information about their power plans, especially when discounts expire.

“They’re under no doubt that we expect them to act – if they don’t act we will,” Mr Morrison said.

The treasurer said electricity retailers were not unlike the big banks on whom the government had imposed tougher consumer data, more stringent governance regulation including on senior executives, and a levy.

“We will take the steps that are necessary, and what is necessary is that the customers need more power over their power bills,” he said.

Australian Energy Council chief Matthew Warren said retailers would write to all customers explaining the deals they are on, and providing help to find more competitive offers.

But he says a bigger problem is the uncertainty over national climate and energy policy which is deterring investment in new baseload power.

The shortage of supply is the key factor in recent hikes in energy costs, he says.

Labor frontbencher Mark Butler said the government needed to accept bipartisan support for a new clean energy target, as recommended in a review by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel.

That way, power industry investors could get the long-term certainty they need.

It’s been estimated households could save $1000 or more a year by switching companies or $400 just by getting a better deal from their existing supplier.

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm says GST should be removed from electricity bills in a bid to save households about $200 a year.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.