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Pittwater Opposes Streetlighting Price Hike
Pittwater Council is one of 34 NSW councils that have raised strong objections to a proposed 67% increase in street lighting pricing by EnergyAustralia.
In submissions to the Australian Energy Regulator, the councils have opposed the price increase by pointing to benchmarks elsewhere and EnergyAustralia’s own modelling which does not support the increase.
Pittwater Mayor David James said that if approved by the regulator, EnergyAustralia's pricing increase would be a form of cost-shifting to councils.
“This is at a time when Councils are being severely constrained by rate capping,” the Mayor said.
“Of particular concern to Councils is the pricing of newer greenhouse-friendly lighting. In the case of the most common type of energy efficient lighting for residential roads, EnergyAustralia’s price this year is 84% higher than that of Integral Energy’s,” Mayor James added.
“Some tough questions have got to be asked by the regulators and government about why EnergyAustralia’s prices are so high, particularly for energy efficient lighting.”
The proposed 67% increase in street lighting fees comes amid ongoing concern about service difficulties for councils served by EnergyAustralia. With street lighting a monopoly service of EnergyAustralia, councils have expressed concern that there are no contracts or binding service regulation and limited regulatory oversight of pricing.
“This latest price increase just further highlights the need for an urgent government review of EnergyAustralia’s monopoly on street lighting,” Mayor James said.
Contact: David James
Phone: 9970 1104