More left in cold as power bills bite

SURGING power prices are pushing Victorians towards the brink of poverty, with a new report showing families feel they are one bad bill away from losing everything.

A new report from RMIT and the Victorian Council of Social Services has revealed families are risking poor health to stay on top of their rising utility bills.

The survey of detailed how some Victorian families are: SHOWERING at local charities or pools to save money on hot water; NOT turning on heating and air conditioning in the family home unless guests are over; EXPERIENCING health problems because they will not use temperature control in the home; and, MAXING out credit cards and shuffling money around just to stay on top of the household budget after power bills arrive.

The release of the report comes as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today meets with the heads of Australia’s major energy retailers.

Talks between the retailers and senior government figures are expected to focus on the dramatic increase of household energy bills and recent reports of companies switching consumers to more expensive rates without their knowledge.

VCOSS chief Emma King said families needed action as they faced another round of higher bills.

“The national debate about power prices is getting bogged down by numbers,” she said.

“Behind every number is a person suffering while they struggle to pay their power bill.

“Power companies also need to lift their game and offer better deals.”

Ms King called on politicians to rise above the debate for the sake of families struggling with household budgets.

“As politicians bicker over who’s to blame for high power prices, Australians on low-incomes are suffering,” she said.