‘Wake up call’ for energy industry as confidence dips

Soaring power payments have dented confidence out there as customers really feel they don’t seem to be getting worth for cash from fuel and electrical energy providers.

A shopper sentiment survey performed by Energy Consumers Australia revealed market confidence was the bottom it had been since 2018.

More than 2200 households and 500 small business house owners have been surveyed nationwide, with power prices recognized as a significant concern.

Just 54 per cent of households believed their electrical energy service supplied worth for cash, in comparison with 59 per cent a yr in the past and 67 per cent in 2021.

Confidence that technological advances would assist higher handle power provide and prices additionally fell.

The fall was significantly noticeable within the largest states, down six proportion factors in NSW and 7 proportion factors in Victoria.

Additionally, shopper satisfaction with competitors within the fuel market fell three proportion factors to 60 per cent.

A insecurity out there might spell hassle as Australia transitions from coal and fuel to renewable sources, Energy Consumers Australia chief govt Brendan French warned.

“Consumers do not have trust in the market, yet we need them to be engaged for the energy transition to be successful,” he stated.

“Consumers need support and good information on energy to give them the confidence to engage with the energy market – and that need will only increase as we make the transition to net zero.”

Dr French stated a one-stop-shop for data would help customers in understanding methods to scale back power use and value, significantly as extra individuals reported battling rising payments.

“If we don’t provide that help, the energy divide will increase and things will continue to get worse for an increasing number of households,” he stated.

“This should be a wake-up call for the entire industry.”

Source: www.perthnow.com.au