Guy Barnett,Minister for Energy
The Tasmanian Liberal Government understands that electricity, water and gas customers need support over the coming months as we look to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and plan to rebound in the future.
The Government welcomes today’s joint announcement by Aurora Energy, Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks and TasWater on their commitment to support the community through this period.
It is also pleasing that TasGas has taken action to ensure there are no planned interruptions to gas supply and it will not be disconnecting any residential customers affected by the virus outbreak who can’t pay their bill.
The Government recognises that energy plays a crucial parts in people’s lives which is why we are capping electricity prices for 12 months for all households, businesses and community sector organisations on regulated tariffs.
Aurora Energy has already committed $5 million to assist customers with bill relief, waiving fees or charges, freezing debt, payment plans and a range of other support measures.
This is in addition to the Government’s quarterly relief on electricity bills for eligible small business and waiving altogether the payment of their first quarterly electricity bill issued on or after 1 April 2020.
The Tasmanian Government is also investing a further $1 million into our nation leading No Interest Loan Scheme to help those most in need.
It is vital that in this challenging period that all Tasmanians, and Tasmanian businesses, work together to keep us safe and where possible protect jobs and livelihoods.
