Electricity Wizard’s Call For Reforms to Electricity Market Boosted By Industry Groups

Nov. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Recently a coalition of Australian industry groups and a variety of organisations highlighted the impact of increasing electricity prices on consumers. Electricity Wizard CEO, Alan Belkin, has, for over 2 years, been calling for reforms to the electricity market.

In a report, released last week, and commissioned jointly by the Australian Industry Group, Choice, The Energy Efficiency Council and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the different levels of government have been blamed for a large part of the cost blowouts.

The report, compiled by Oakley Greenwood, has revealed that increased gas and coal prices, along with network infrastructure costs are to blame for the increase in power bills -- some have increased by over 50 per cent in the last five years.

“This country is rich in the natural resources that we need to generate our electricity, particularly coal and gas” said Mr Belkin. “But these resources are exposed to rising world prices, and, as a consequence, has the cost to the electricity generators. The price increases as a result of introduction of the carbon tax are minimal by comparison.”

But Mr Belkin believes that by removing government involvement in the provision and maintenance of electricity infrastructure - the poles, wires and substations, the cost of electricity supply could be reduced - a claim now supported by this new report.

“As well, the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the regulation of the Australian electricity network has prepared a draft report, in which it calls for the privatisation of State-owned network businesses” he explained.

“We need to look at removing top heavy bureaucracy, wasteful resource allocation and the current lack of accountability, and replacing it with lean, competitive operations and transparent reporting.”

“By providing Australians with a genuine electricity price comparison service (http://www.electricitywizard.com.au), we are doing what we can to help them to reduce their energy costs, but it will take real action from the both the Federal and State governments to make the big changes needed to make the biggest difference” said Belkin.

Electricity price comparison can be made at ElectricityWizard.com.au

About Electricity Wizard

Electricity Wizard’s mission is to provide an easy way to find a better deal in your area. Its free electricity comparison service (http://www.electricitywizard.com.au)  service has been used by over 50,000 Australians to compare rates and plans, and get a deal that best meets their needs.

The Australian gas and electricity market is one of the most competitive in the world - with dozens of companies, making it extremely difficult to know if you’re choosing the right plan for you.

When consumers contact Electricity Wizard, one of their friendly Australian staff will assess their current rates and plan, and recommend better options for their home or business from their range of preferred partners.

Best of all, the service is completely free. To find a better deal on your energy bills, in minutes, visit electricitywizard.com.au