News

| September 25, 2019

No goodwill from Labor for Horsham gas customers

The Andrews Labor Governments continual refusal to take action to break the gas supply monopoly in Horsham is leaving local residents paying some of the highest gas prices in Victoria.

Gas prices in Horsham have risen by over 75% since the Wimmera and Colac Gas Supply Tariff Order 1998, which constrained gas tariff increases to no more than CPI, expired in 2013.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said Labor had taken no steps to renew the Order since its expiration.

“It is obvious that Daniel Andrews has no interest in fixing the gas supply monopoly situation in the Wimmera,” Ms Kealy said.

“It’s been six years since the Order expired and the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has done absolutely nothing.

“I am constantly contacted by local residents who have received astronomical gas accounts from the only provider in the area, Energy Australia.

“One resident told me she recently contacted Energy Australia to complain about her account and the fact that there are no pay on time discounts available to Horsham customers.

“Even Energy Australia acknowledges there is an issue because they gave her $50 off her account as a goodwill gesture.

“Our gas prices are soaring and the Minister won’t even acknowledge there is an issue.

“It is high time the Minister showed Horsham residents some goodwill and takes some action to get some cost of living relief for local residents by ending the gas supply monopoly and ensuring Horsham residents have access to the same energy deals as those available in Melbourne.”