Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, has taken the concerns of 3600 local residents to Parliament House today, tabling a petition that calls on the NSW Government to reject IPART’s price hike on power bills.

“We didn’t have a lot of time in which to get this campaign underway, so I thank every single person who signed the petition or who collected signatures on behalf of our community,” Mr Besseling said.

“IPART’s recommended 42 per cent increase on power bills over the next three years is out of touch with the stark reality for many households and small business operators – put simply, it is unaffordable for many families and those on a fixed income.
 

“At the same time IPART has ruled on a record price hike to pay for the power companies’ infrastructure backlog, the NSW Government is forecasting record earnings from the sector - $5 billion over the next three years.

“So while a typical household can expect to pay an extra $600 a year for their power by 2013, government will be reaping the benefits of record dividends and tax earnings from the power companies and distributing the money elsewhere.

“It is heartening that so many people in our community who are not prepared to accept IPART’s ruling have taken steps to do something about it,” Mr Besseling said.

“Our message has gained further momentum with Independent MPs in Dubbo, Northern Tablelands and Tamworth also tabling petitions in Parliament this week, bringing a collective voice to more than 15,000 people.”

Mr Besseling said he was concerned about a significant number of people who have expressed doubts about their capacity to pay more for their power usage and he has urged householders to call the Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888 or visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/energy/customers/rebates to find out if they are eligible for a $145 Energy Rebate from the NSW Government, energy vouchers worth up to $480 for families and seniors in financial crisis, or the Medical Energy Rebate and Life Support Rebate.

Anyone wanting more information is also invited to contact the electorate office on 6584 0977.