Article submitted by Aurora Energy

The release of the Social Inclusion Commissioner’s Cost of Living Strategy has renewed the focus on utility companies and the steps they are taking to ease the financial pressures being faced by all Tasmanians.

Aurora Energy is acutely aware that rising electricity prices are a significant factor in those pressures, and is taking unprecedented measures to minimise price increases.

The Tasmanian Economic Regulator released a Comparison of 2011 Australian Standing Offer Energy Prices in August this year which found that eligibility for concessions is generally broader in Tasmania than in other states, and that Tasmanian Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card holders receive one of the most generous concessions available in Australia.
The Regulator also found in January 2011 that Tasmanian electricity prices are competitive when compared to prices paid interstate.

Aurora already offers bill-smoothing options such as EasyPay and CentrePay, a key recommendation in the Cost of Living Strategy. It is also reducing its workforce and we work closely with both TasCOSS and Anglicare on a range of matters in relation to electricity tariffs and low income customers.

In May this year, Aurora produced an information sheet for residential and small business customers that explains the cost components of electricity bills, reveals the cost comparison with interstate electricity prices, and details the various payment and bill-smoothing options available. This information is located on the Aurora Energy website at: Your Electricity Prices Explained

Aurora has also produced a range of hints and tips for use throughout the home to help save energy, which are available on our website at: Energy Saving Hints and Tips

Aurora recognises that electricity is an essential service and is active in a range of ways to ensure fairness and equity in accessing energy. However, it is only one participant in the electricity supply chain and it does not set prices. Prices are determined by independent State and national regulators.