Tasmania continues to have the lowest electricity prices in Australia, but debate rages over whether this translates to affordable power bills for households across the state.
The state’s regulated energy prices increased by 0.5% over the 2024-25 financial year, information confirmed during yesterday’s Energy Matters Committee.
Treasurer Guy Barnett was quick to highlight Tasmania’s position at the top of national rankings.
“In addition to having the lowest prices in the nation, Tasmanians also have some of the most generous concessions in the country,” Barnett said.
He said eligible concession-holders received up to $1,433 in bill relief this year, including the government’s renewable energy dividend payments of $250 for households and $300 for small businesses.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan backed the government’s approach, claiming it is making a real difference.
“At today’s Energy Matters Committee, it was made clear that Tasmanians are moving away from energy debt at the fastest rate in the country,” Duigan said.
But Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie had a very different take, slamming the Treasurer as “tone deaf” for his stance on power affordability.
“The Treasurer’s comments come after the Joint Select Committee on Energy Matters heard that more than 50,000 Tasmanian households are suffering the consequences of energy poverty,” Willie said.
Willie said while the unit price for energy might be low, actual Tasmanian power bills remain among the highest nationwide.
He also raised concerns about the state government’s plans to potentially privatise energy assets, warning this would “only send bills higher”.
“It’s astonishing that the Treasurer proudly clings to a claim about pricing when so many Tasmanians are struggling to pay the bills,” Willie said.
