From Saturday (July 1), the price of electricity has gone up, meaning more cost of living pressures for people on the South Coast.
A lot of those people are already doing it tough with rising interest rates, an increase in rents, and a rise to local council rates of 24% in the Bega Valley and 4.3% in the Eurobodalla (from Saturday as well) and many are looking for help.
Electricity prices have risen by between 20%-25% in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia with the Australian Energy Regulator stating inflation was one of the key reasons for the price hike as well as the after effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland told East Coast Radio the state and federal governments are trying to help reduce the cost of living for families in areas like the South Coast.
Dr Holland said the most vulnerable in our community, can access a one-off bill relief payment.
“These price rises of power costs will hit people hard on top of everything else,” Dr Holland said
“There will be eligible low-income households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families and carers who can receive $500 towards their power costs,” he said.
“Eligible small businesses in the South East will be able to claim $650 towards their power costs.”
For more information on the National Energy Bill Relief payments visit the Energy NSW website.
“If people have any problems at all, reach out to my office in Bega,” Dr Holland said.
To contact Dr Michael Holland’s Office, click HERE.
Sapphire Community Projects are launching their Winter Fundraising Appeal to help some of those people in need.
Due to the rising cost of living, the community pantry in Bega is the busiest it’s ever been.
“Increasing amounts of people are coming in seeking food assistance,” a Sapphire Community Pantry spokesperson said.
“Every dollar you donate can provide $4 worth of food to someone in need.”
To make a donation or find out more, Contact Mandi on 0490 843 518 or visit the Sapphire Community Pantry Facebook page.
Images: James Fennessy – East Coast Radio
