125,000 SA households to bear direct brunt of energy price rise

An estimated 125,000 South Australian households will be directly impacted by the Australian Energy Regulator’s final default market offer which was announced today.

 

The DMO will increase prices by 23.9% from 1 July for the 7% (60,000) of SA households on a standing offer. Another estimated 65,000 households receiving the State Government and Origin Energy’s Concession Energy Discount Offer (SACEDO), will see their bill leap by up to 30 percent due to the DMO increase. The 14.9% of SA small businesses on a standing offer will face a 28.9% increase. 

 

“We are worried that this increase will result in people being forced to ration their energy use, live in cold houses, go further into debt, and face disconnection and homelessness. These are unacceptable outcomes and the government must act to address long-term energy affordability,” SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley says. 

 

“Energy efficiency is an important part of the energy affordability problem, we continue to call for minimum energy efficiency standards for existing households and for the government to help fund these retrofits, particularly for those who can’t afford them.  

 

“The state government must also act on reforming our concessions system, expanding eligibility and introducing percentage-based energy concessions to keep pace with rising prices and cost of living pressures. 

 

“In the middle of a cost of living and housing crisis, those who can least afford it will be hit hard by these increasing energy prices. We know people are at breaking point, going without food and medicines to pay the bills and try to keep a roof over their heads. At a time when every dollar counts, there is no room in their budget for more expensive services that are essential to life. 

 

“The increase in the DMO may be somewhat offset by the one-off $500 bill relief for eligible customers – but there are many who need help who will miss out. 

 

Ultimately concessions and one-off relief packages can only go so far. They don’t address some of the root causes for why South Australians are seeing their bills climb beyond what they can afford.  

 

An urgent, mass rollout of energy efficiency upgrades for our households is essential to minimise power price pain during this cost of living crisis, and futureproof our homes. 

 

The DMO is not designed to be the cheapest offer in the market, but to reduce unjustifiably high standing offer prices and to protect consumers from unreasonable prices. 

 

SACOSS encourages consumers to call their retailer to ensure they’re on the best plan, and check online or ring the state government’s Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 to see if they are eligible for concessions or next financial year’s one-off energy bill relief payment of up to $500.  

 

Consumers should ask their retailer for help if they are struggling to pay their bills. Retailers are legally obliged to offer a payment plan or hardship supports. It is illegal for consumers to be disconnected if they are keeping to a payment plan or on a retailer’s hardship program. 

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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