When energy is unaffordable what can people do to keep this essential service?
“I speak to people who hold a lot of shame around these kind of debts… but this is an essential service, and it is important for a person’s dignity… to have access to electricity, gas and water.
“It’s the utility provider’s duty to make sure people are on sustainable payment plans and accessing the support they are entitled to…”
Kirsty Robson is a financial counsellor at Consumer Action Law Centre. She explains what she is hearing on the National Debt Helpline from people when they call about unaffordable energy debt.
“I spoke to a young couple once, and the partner was eight months pregnant and they had been disconnected.
“The utility provider told them they needed to pay $500 to get their power reconnected, but the debt was only $2000, it was completely unreasonable.”
If you are experiencing energy debt, call the free National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce, Media and Communications Adviser, 0413 299 567, media@consumeraction.org.au
