Mounting energy prices to hit Victorians hard

A home run by solar energy is looking even more enticing as standard energy prices are set to soar in the coming year throughout Victoria. Increased electricity prices have been in the pipeline for some time, but we now know they will be hitting Victorians harder than expected. Fixed supply charges, acquired even before a single switch is turned on, will increase by up to a whopping 34% from this January and result in a cost of more than $400 per year for many households.

What’s the cause? Energy retailers are blaming higher wholesale and distributors’ network charges, along with the cost of government green energy target schemes.

St Vincent De Paul’s recently conducted an analysis that found that a typical family’s power bill will increase by up to 13 per cent in 2012, and families will be paying up to $155 extra a year for electricity alone, or combined gas and electricity. Specifically, energy analyst Gavin Dufty said fixed supply charges would jump 15-34 per cent in Melbourne's inner and outer east, sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula; 12-27 per cent in the inner west, north and inner CBD; 15-28 per cent in the state's regional and rural west; and 10-16 per cent in the regional and rural east and north.

State energy Minister Michael O'Brien said the government would continue to advocate for a more active examination of federally regulated network and metering charges. He further stated that the government will continue to promote the “highest possible competitiveness among Victorian energy retailers”, as well support improved price disclosure arrangements through the government’s website yourchoice.vic.gov.au.

Meanwhile, an increased global production of solar panels combined with Australian government solar energy rebates means that solar power is now cheaper than ever for Victorian households, and a cost-effective alternative to soaring electricity prices.

Find more details on Neco Solar Power energy at http://www.neco.com.au/index.php/solar-power/

Roshan Carbone - About Author:
Neco, the solar power experts and Australia’s leading provider of solar power and eco products for homes and business. Neco has been installing solar power since 2004 and helped hundreds of Australian homes and businesses reduce their energy bills through the installation of solar power and other energy efficient products.

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