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Changing costs of electricity and gas

The rising costs of energy is an area of great concern for the St Vincent de Paul Society and the impact it has on people living on low-incomes. 

Each year we work with thousands of Australians who are struggling to make ends meet. They are faced with decisions such as which bill is the most urgent to pay and which they can leave for another month. 

Since 2008, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been reporting and analysing the rising costs of energy and has developed practical solutions while advocating for positive changes to be implemented by government, industry and energy market institutions.

Tariff-Tracking

Tariff-Tracking reports for ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS & VIC

Concessions

Reports regarding the relative value of energy concessions for eligible cardholders within various States.

Disconnections

Electricity disconnections in the east coast of Australia.

RPI

The potential Relative Price Index impact on the lives of low-income families in our community.

With both State and Federal governments having commitments to Net Zero by 2050 we will see a new energy future. This will include electric vehicles, more rooftop solar, home and community batteries to name a few.

A similar challenge exists for those that have home gas. This may see households switch to bio-gas or hydrogen or the phase out of gas appliances altogether as we electrify everything.

This is a once in a lifetime change in the energy systems. The St Vincent to Paul Society is deeply concerned and aims to make sure this transition is equitable, fair and nobody is left behind with this in mind.

We are following changes in Energy Tariffs and will continue to provide the best advice and solutions necessary to assist low-income households. 

National Summary Reports

The St Vincent de Paul Society undertakes research into issues that have the potential to impact the lives of low-income people and families in our community.

These national reports include summaries of our work with developed conclusions and recommendations regarding any adverse impacts to government and other concerned authorities.

It is our goal to bring issues impacting the lives of fellow Australians to the fore in the hope of finding solutions and working together as a whole to ensure a better life for all of us.

Energy Australia

National Energy Market
Where prices are high and innovation is low

November 2023

The St Vincent de Paul Society, in conjunction with Alviss Consulting, has been tracking changes to residential energy tariffs and reporting on household impacts since 2010. Initially the Tariff-Tracking project only covered Victoria but has since expanded to include New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Energy Australia

National Energy Market
Volatile prices, vanishing retailers and vulnerable consumers

October 2022

The St Vincent de Paul Society, in conjunction with Alviss Consulting, has been tracking changes to residential energy tariffs and reporting on household impacts since 2010. Initially the Tariff-Tracking project only covered Victoria but has since expanded to include New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

GreenPower

GreenPower
Unpacking the costs and comparability of offers

June 2022

This project compares the cost of various GreenPower products in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia and aims to assist consumers to make an informed choice when navigating various green electricity offers and when deciding whether to take up a GreenPower offer specifically.

Energy Australia

National Energy Market
Lower prices, more offers: Are consumers reaping the rewards?

December 2021

The rationale for tracking changes to domestic energy prices has been to document price changes, analyse market developments and inform the broader community about bill impacts and potential savings to be made.

Energy Australia

National Energy Market
Towards a New Normal?

December 2020

The rationale for tracking changes to domestic energy prices has been to document price changes, analyse market developments and inform the broader community about bill impacts and potential savings to be made.

Energy Australia

National Energy Market
The umpire strikes back

December 2019

The rationale for tracking changes to domestic energy prices has been to document price changes, analyse market developments and inform the broader community about bill impacts and potential savings to be made.

State Energy Reports

Our state-specific energy reports present region-specific summaries regarding the changes and impacts of energy pricing on marginalised households.