The Rockliff Liberal Government continues to deliver unprecedented support for vulnerable Tasmanians with concessions and electricity bill relief beginning to flow from 1 July.
Our policy has always been to ensure Tasmanians have the lowest, or amongst the lowest, regulated energy prices in the nation and we are delivering on that commitment.
“In recognition of rising energy prices, the Rockliff Liberal Government signed up to a historic $89 million deal with the Federal Government to provide energy bill relief of $250 for eligible households and $650 for small businesses” Minister Barnett said.
“Following the recent 9.51 per cent increase by the Independent Economic Regulator, it was estimated the average household bill in Tasmania will increase by about $200 – for 6 out of 10 Tasmanian households, our bill relief payment of $250 will cover the entire cost of the increase.
“For 35,000 small business customers, the average increase will be between $126 and $284 – from July 1 and they will receive energy bill relief of $650.
“This new package builds on the Rockliff Liberal Government’s existing electricity support measures which includes $44.9 million in the 2022-23 Budget to help vulnerable Tasmanians with concession increasing from $575 to $629, which surpasses other states by more than $200.
“Additionally, the Budget also includes $19.2 million in council rate remissions and $9.4 million in water and sewerage concession for eligible Tasmanians.
“While the announcement by the independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator is significant, it is considerably lower than electricity price rises in other jurisdictions of between 17 and 29 per cent, including 25 per cent in Victoria.
We are also trying to encourage households, small businesses and larger businesses to invest in energy efficient products to help them permanently reduce their bills.
The Energy Saver Loan Scheme for households and small businesses provides interest free and fee-free loans of up to $10,000 and continues to be an outstanding success.
More than 1659 applications have been received and are progressing to a value of $13.8 million with more than 70 per cent of the work being completed by Tasmanian companies. It is also pleasing to note that insulation has now been included with customers able to access retrofit insulation for their home or small business premises.
The Regulator also announced a 22.4 per cent increase in the minimum solar feed-in tariff to 10.8 cents per kWh which is a further incentive for existing customers and those customers considering solar options.
Tasmanian is a world leader with our 100 per cent self-sufficiency in renewable electricity with a legislated target of 200 per cent by 2040.
The Rockliff Liberal Government will continue to provide Tasmanians with amongst the lowest energy prices in Australia, some of the most generous concessions and net zero emissions.
