Ed,

With all the official alarming talk that the cost of electricity in Australia may increase after official intervention by 20 to 30 per cent this year, may I point out that my power supplying company has just advised me that my total bill in 2023 will be about 80 per cent higher than it was in 2022. 

In an official letter dated 16 March, the company claims that my total power bill for the current year will be $1,872. This is compared to the $1,017 I paid out for the service last year. This year’s estimated higher amount was based, as the company points out, on my last year’s usage pattern.

The letter also warns that it’s estimate is based on a calculation required by official energy regulations and that “your actual energy costs may be significantly different if your usage or energy plan changes during this time.”

In other words, should I need to use more power during the next nine months due to hotter or colder weather, my power bill will naturally be even bigger. There is also a warning that my present electricity rates are “variable subject to further increases.”

In addition, I have also noted that the company has withdrawn my previous 22 per cent Senior’s discount and has replaced this with a mere waiver over exit fees should I wish to change companies.

My receipt last week of the power company’s letter followed my weekly shopping at various stores based on my regular list of supplies and suppliers. Once again to my amazement, compared to the official forecast that Australia’s overall Cost of Living Index is likely to be about 10 per cent this year, my latest shopping receipts showed a 43 per cent increase for my identical week’s supplies. One frozen vegetable item, which cost $7.20 a week ago, was now $11.40!

As a single man, my mind goes out to working families who are now facing the harsh reality of commercial price increases far beyond official expectations.

Oscar Tamsen, Yamba