Pensioner concessions protected
New South Wales pensioners have been reassured that their concessions on electricity will continue after the market is opened to the private sector.
While the NSW government says it believes competition will lead to lower prices, they will ensure that pensioner concessions will still be available to protect against any negative consumer impacts.
Drought and carbon emissions reduction may cause electricity prices to rise in the future, meaning the concessions will buffer pensioners against these increases. The government’s regulatory role will also enforce hardship provisions.