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New Data Highlights Power Pain of Vulnerable South Australians

New Data Highlights Power Pain of Vulnerable South Australians

More must be to done to help South Australians on low incomes so they can afford the energy they need, according to the South Australian Council of Social Service.

New Australian Energy Regulator data shows South Australians continue to pay the highest power prices in the nation. These power prices lead to South Australia having the most unaffordable electricity of any mainland jurisdiction, even while having the lowest average usage.

The AER’s Annual Retail Markets Report 2023-24 also reveals that:

  • For the third financial year in a row, South Australia has the highest average energy debt in National Energy Market jurisdictions. In the last 12 months, the average energy debt of residential customers not in hardship programs increased by more than 21% (from $1,256 in 2022-23 to $1,522 in 2023-24).
  • The number of customers entering hardship arrangements increased by more than 23%, from 16,066 in 2022-23 to 19,849 in 2023-24.
  • Median market offers in SA increased by 16% in 2023-24, the biggest increase in the nation.
  • Electricity was more affordable in SA for low-income consumers in 2023-24, with them spending 4.4% of their disposable income on electricity compared to 5.4% last year (largely due to federal and state government subsidies) 

 

Quotes attributable to Ross Womersley, SACOSS CEO

South Australians on low incomes continue to bear the brunt of a complex and unfair energy market. We need to keep asking why we pay the highest prices in the nation.

South Australia’s high penetration of solar means that, according to the AER, average usage is low – but not all South Australians can afford to install rooftop panels on their residence, or they may live in rentals where they may not have a choice. This means that those who are least able to afford energy are paying the most for it. We know that the median usage of a hardship customer in this State is 66% higher than the average, and this means bigger bill impacts for those households.

More must be done to help all South Australians on low incomes to afford the energy they need. Currently, many are forced to waste energy – and pay for it – to keep their homes liveable because they are so inefficient. State and federal government subsidies provided short-term relief, but do very little to reduce demand in the longer term and are currently masking peoples’ power pain.

There is an urgent need to address this through measures that would increase energy efficiency in existing homes: improving insulation and draught sealing, and ensuring more equitable access to better appliances and renewable energy.

Hardship numbers continue to rise but in one sense we perceive this to be a good sign: that more customers are acknowledging they are struggling to cope with their energy payments and are seeking help from their retailers, which the retailers are obligated to supply.

I encourage anyone experiencing bill stress in the first instance to contact their retailer – by law they must help you.

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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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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