South Australian electricity network tariffs will increase slightly in the upcoming year with today’s release of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approved charges.
The network tariff increase could result, if all other factors remain constant, in a $60 – or 2.7 per cent – increase in the average residential bill over the year, if retailers pass on the charges in full.
The eventual impact on retail customers will also be affected by factors such as wholesale price movements, environmental scheme costs and variable retailer costs.
AER chair Paula Conboy acknowledged the rise is unwelcome news, but said it was important to recognise that the AER’s earlier tariff approvals reducing network charges in recent years means that SA customers are still $180 better off than they were in 2015.
“While this is a small rise in network charges, we recognise that a rise is a rise, and in an era of concern about energy affordability, we know that every dollar counts,” she said.
Ms Conboy said AER research showed that South Australia had the highest variance in price between retailers in deals offered to households, from a low of around $1900 to a high of $3700. Consumers should check their current arrangement with their retailer to ensure they are getting the best possible deal.
“We know in South Australia some people are paying hundreds of dollars more than they need to. People should always shop around for the best deal possible for their situation. The AER’s Energy Made Easy website is a free and independent price comparison website that helps people find the power deal that works best for them,” said Ms. Conboy.