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.
Concessions
Reports regarding the relative value of energy concessions for eligible cardholders within various States.
Energy Podcasts
Listen and learn about Gavin Dufty’s podcasts on the fair energy transition.
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.
2026 Energy Economics for Non-Energy Economists
Melbourne | May Brisbane | July Sydney | Sep Hobart | Nov
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.
National Energy Market
At the pivot point?
December 2025
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.
National Energy Market
A digital foundation delivering analog outcomes
February 2025
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earlier Reports
Relative Price Index | March quarter 2016
Report on the CPI and the implications of changing cost pressures on various household groups:
- Couple with three or more dependent children
- Renter
- Unemployment and student allowances
State Energy Reports
Our state-specific energy reports present region-specific summaries regarding the changes and impacts of energy pricing on marginalised households.