Retirees at mercy of power

A SCATHING ACCC report into power prices has touched on the struggles the elderly faced when it came to electricity costs.

The report yesterday criticised pricing by retailers and the structure of the state government-owned generators.

“Some of the most vulnerable in our community are forced to struggle through freezing winters and scorching summers, with many others also having difficulty paying their bills,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

Queensland state president of the Association of Independent Retirees and former Cairns resident, Bernie Treston, said self-managed retirees were struggling with dimishing income and higher power bills.

“Some of them are on part pensions because the percentage return on their superannu- ation has dropped away,” Mr Treston said.

Retired electrical engineer and AIR member Phil Pollard, of Whitfield, said retirees often ran power all day.

“When you are staying at home all day you are using more power, you can’t avoid it,” Mr Pollard said. “If the temperature is up you have to run the airconditioning if you have medical conditions.”

He said self-funded retirees missed out on the level of concessional support pensioners received.

“The prices are offsetting any concessions they might get,” Mr Pollard said.

“They want to pay for their own retirement and not be a burden on the community.”

Ergon has been asked for comment.

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