ActewAGL customers to face full electricity price rise

The ACT regulator ruled on the maximum amount on Monday, an increase that could mean an extra $200 added to household power bills and about $750 to small business' bills in the coming financial year.

An ActewAGL spokesperson pointed to higher ACT government scheme costs as driving up prices.

Designed to reduce greenhouse gas contributions, ACT's renewable energy scheme has also been blamed by Evoenergy as the reason for increased prices.

The ActewAGL spokesperson said higher ACT government scheme costs, payable by all retailers, were recovered through network charges.

The spokesperson said it would be writing to customers to inform them of the changes and would work with services such as the Salvation Army to support vulnerable customers.

"We understand any price increase can have a significant impact on our most vulnerable customers," the spokesperson said.

"We're here to support our customers through this change and all our usual support options are available."

Following the price hike ruling, the ACT government announced a range of energy concessions to support people on low incomes.

They include a permanent increase in the annual utilities concession by $50 to $750 annually and expanding access to discounted rates to all those who hold an ACT Services Access Card.

The ACT Council of Social Service CEO Emma Campbell said the package was in line with the service providers recommendations.

Dr Campbell said high energy prices were largely a result of the territories 100 per cent renewable energy strategy.

"Climate change is an important social justice issue, and ACTCOSS supports the ACT government's commitment to renewable energy," Dr Campbell said.

"However, there must be a just transition to ensure that the interests of all Canberrans are adequately represented and that people on low incomes are protected."

The ACT residents who contributed to a 17 per cent increase in solar panels installed in the past financial year would continue to see savings from the solar energy they produce, irrespective of the commission's pricing determination, the ActewAGL spokesperson said.

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