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Power price cuts “for all” – but less for solar users

May 26, 2015

Power customers struggling to pay their bills could be eligible for a reduction of around $380 next financial year.

New tariffs proposed by SA Power Networks will see consumers pay less across the board, but solar customers will receive smaller reductions than other users, as “they place a comparatively higher demand on the electricity network”.

The utility has lodged its 2015-2016 tariff submission with the Australian Energy Regulator and, proposing a Network Social Tariff to assist up to 12,000 customers in hardship.

If approved, they would receive an average reduction in 2015-16 of about $386 on the network component of their 2014-15 bill.

SAPN says the “typical” network customer will also see a reduction of about $188.

“The good news is everyone will save money,” SAPN spokesman Paul Roberts said.

“The final outcome for each customer will depend on their individual circumstances and how retailers pass on the benefits of the reduction in network prices in 2015-2016.”

To be eligible for the Network Social Tariff, customers must contact their retailer and be accepted into their hardship program.

“We are confident retailers will see this as an opportunity to help their most vulnerable customers get on top of their electricity costs,” said Roberts.

SA Power Networks is also proposing new measures affecting customers with solar panels, which would mean an average $88 reduction in network charges for residential solar customers in 2015/16.

“Customers with solar panels have a different consumption pattern to other residential customers,” Roberts said.

“In simple terms, in relation to the energy they consume, they place a comparatively higher demand on the electricity network.”

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