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Lights out for Victorian families

Families are buckling under the financial pressure of Daniel Andrews’ snap lockdowns and being left in the dark under Labor.

The Victorian Energy and Water Ombudsman recently released a report which highlighted the burden being imposed on Victorian families.

The report states that disconnection cases rose 39 per cent in the quarter to December 2020.

The increase was largely due to a rise in electricity disconnection cases between October-December 2020, up 47 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

Debt waivers and reductions have also increased by 98.6 per cent from 2017/18 to 2019/20.

The data shows that Victorians are bending under the weight of their growing household budgets as a result of the Andrews Labor Government’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and its crushing restrictions.

While energy providers are offering payment options for struggling Victorian customers, the solutions are short-term and do not fix the ongoing pressures.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Ryan Smith:

“Daniel Andrews’ Energy Fairness Plan has proven anything but fair for Victorian families during the pandemic.

“Victorians don’t need payment plans and prolonged debt, but rather long-term solutions that will provide meaningful help.

“Snap lockdowns which prevent Victorians from working is only going to create more financial hardship for vulnerable Victorians.”

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