ACCC Insights on Electricity Bills and Affordability
The ACCC's latest report on its Inquiry into the National Electricity Market provides unique insights into the electricity bills faced by customers across New South Wales, South Australia, South East Queensland, and Victoria. The ACCC’s findings demonstrate how different energy plans, tariffs and contracts can impact consumers’ bills. The report found electricity prices have increased for most residential and small business customers over the past year, though the full impact of higher wholesale costs experienced in 2022 will continue flowing through to bills over time. According to the ACCC, “Changes in retailers’ costs take time to flow through to retail prices and, even more belatedly, actual billing outcomes experienced by consumers.” Higher wholesale costs are the main driver of price increases. The ACCC noted “wholesale electricity costs are an important…