ACT household electricity bills set to drop from July 

ACT households will soon see the cost of their electricity bills drop thanks to the ACT government’s investment in renewable energy.

The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission released its final decision on regulated electricity prices, which will see the average price in the ACT decrease by 2.56 per cent from July 1. 

If ActewAGL Retail passes on the full price decrease, a typical Canberra household can expect to save $43 in their annual electricity bill for 2020-21. For businesses, the decrease will range from $66 to $265.

“This is welcome news for ACT electricity consumers, as we have seen many households and businesses struggle due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency,” said ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

Mr Barr said the price deductions were a reflection of the state’s decision to be powered entirely by renewable energy.

“The ACT government has been a leader in investing in renewable energy, with the ACT being powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity from this year, and this commitment is starting to push down costs in a number of areas,” Mr Barr said.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Shane Rattenbury reiterated Mr Barr’s statements, adding that, “The decrease is especially timely, as businesses and households face extra pressures due to the COVID-19 crisis”.

“It is important that essential services like energy remain affordable, and that people have equitable access,” he said.

“The decision further demonstrates that good environmental policies and renewable energy go hand in hand with energy price relief for households and businesses. The ICRC notes that the increase in renewables generation is responsible for a significant portion of the decrease in electricity prices.”

In its report, the ICRC also recommended measures to make it easier for customers to understand and compare electricity offers in the capital.

Mr Rattenbury welcomed the recommendations and said the ACT government would “investigate implementing them”.