Goverment Should Help With Rising Electricity Prices: QCOSS

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) says the State Government could do more to help households struggling with rising power bills.

The industry regulator has recommended a price increase of 5.8 per cent in the 2011-12 financial year, on top of this year's 13.3 per cent rise.

QCOSS president Karyn Walsh says the Victorian Government has introduced measures that could help here.

"The rate of disconnections is nowhere near the rate in Queensland," she said.

"It's because there are more things in place that help keep the price down, but also that encourage providers to make sure people know what to do to get financial plans and assistance packages."

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson says the Queensland Government recognises that householders are hurting, and promises it will do what it can to provide some relief.
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